How the Maryland learner's permit test works

Maryland's learner's permit test has two parts: a written knowledge test and a vision screening. You take both on the same day at your local MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) office. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Maryland. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely — if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and others. You can request a language other than English when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the MVA office. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can bring an interpreter or use the MVA's relay services.

Key Takeaways

  • The Maryland learner's permit test includes a written knowledge exam (70 percent pass score required) and a vision screening, both taken on the same day at an MVA office.
  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to take the test, and you need a valid form of identification such as a birth certificate, passport, or state ID.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules; you can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual or practice tests on the MVA website.
  • Test fees vary but typically cost between $40 and $50 for the learner's permit; bring payment in cash, check, or card as accepted by your local MVA office.
  • After you pass, you receive your learner's permit when ready and can begin supervised driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

What documents you need to bring

Bring a valid form of identification that shows your date of birth. Acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or an existing state ID or driver's license. If your birth certificate is not certified, the MVA will not accept it. A photocopy is not enough — you must bring the original document.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring proof of your Maryland residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. If you live with a parent or guardian, they can sign a residency affidavit instead.

What the written test covers

The written test has 25 questions, all multiple choice. Questions come from the official Maryland Driver's Manual and test your knowledge of traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about what to do at a red light, how to handle a four-way stop, when you can pass another vehicle, and how to respond to emergency vehicles.

The test also includes questions about Maryland-specific rules, such as the state's distracted driving law (no handheld phone use for learner's permit holders), seat belt requirements, and child passenger safety. You have 30 minutes to complete the test. You can take notes during the test if you need to, but you cannot use a phone, calculator, or any other device.

The MVA provides a free study guide — the Maryland Driver's Manual — on its website in PDF form. You can also take practice tests online through the MVA website to get a sense of the question format and content. Many people find that studying the manual for one to two weeks is enough to pass.

Vision screening requirements

The vision screening tests whether you can see clearly enough to drive. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. The MVA requires that you have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening — the test measures your corrected vision, not your natural vision.

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective prescription if needed, and return to the MVA for another screening. There is no additional fee for the second screening if you return within a set timeframe — ask the MVA staff about their specific policy.

How to schedule your test appointment

You can schedule your learner's permit test online through the MVA website or by calling the MVA at 1-410-424-3600. Online scheduling is usually faster and lets you pick a date and time that works for you. You can also walk in to any MVA office without an appointment, but wait times vary and may be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

When you schedule online, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will be asked which MVA office you prefer. Maryland has multiple locations across the state, so choose one that is convenient for you. After you book, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and office location.

What happens after you pass

If you pass both the vision screening and the written test, you receive your learner's permit on the same day. Your permit is valid for two years. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Your learner's permit also comes with restrictions on phone use — you cannot use a handheld phone while driving, even at a red light. You must wear a seat belt at all times, and all passengers must wear seat belts. These rules explore even if you are driving with a parent or guardian.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your full driver's license. During those six months, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, highways and local roads, good weather and rain — so you are ready for the road test.

If you do not pass on your first try

If you score below 70 percent on the written test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period — you can schedule another test appointment right away, though you may have to pay the test fee again. Most MVA offices allow you to retake the test within a few days if you want to study more.

If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor before you can retake it. Bring any corrective lenses the doctor prescribes, and schedule a new vision screening appointment. If you fail the vision screening a second time, ask the MVA staff whether you need additional documentation from your eye doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test before I turn 15 years and 9 months old?

No. Maryland law requires you to be at least 15 years and 9 months old on the day you take the test. If you are younger than that, the MVA will not let you test. You can schedule your appointment for the date you turn 15 years and 9 months old.

What if I fail the written test — how many times can I retake it?

Maryland does not set a limit on how many times you can retake the written test. You can retake it as many times as you need to pass. Each retake requires a new test fee. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the Maryland Driver's Manual.

Do I need a parent or guardian to be with me when I take the test?

No. You can take the test alone. However, if you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your learner's permit process. You can bring them with you to the MVA office, or they can sign the form beforehand and you can bring it with you.

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Yes. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and several other languages. Call the MVA or mention your language preference when you schedule your appointment online. You may need to schedule at a specific MVA office that offers testing in your language.

What if I lose my learner's permit before I take the road test?

You can get a replacement permit at any MVA office. Bring your identification and proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee (usually around $20). Your new permit will have the same expiration date as your original permit, so you do not lose any time on your six-month waiting period.