What you need to bring to the Maryland DMV for a learner's permit

Maryland's Department of Motor Vehicles requires six documents when you explore for a learner's permit in person. You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a W-2 form), proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), your completed process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 040), proof of your legal name if it differs from your identity document, and payment for the permit fee.

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian present with their own ID. The guardian does not need to bring the same documents you do—just a valid photo ID. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not be accepted for identity or residency documents.

You can read Form DL 040 from the Maryland DMV website before you go, or fill it out at the office. Filling it out ahead of time shortens your wait. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring six documents: identity, Social Security proof, Maryland residency proof, the completed DL 040 form, proof of legal name change (if applicable), and payment.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with a valid photo ID.
  • The Maryland DMV charges a fee for the learner's permit; the amount varies by age and permit type, so check the current fee on the DMV website before you go.
  • You must pass a written test on Maryland traffic laws and road signs; the test has 25 questions and you need 19 correct to pass.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issue, and you can renew it once without retaking the test.

The written test: what to study and how many questions you face

The Maryland learner's permit test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day, but you will pay the permit fee again.

Study materials are free. The Maryland DMV publishes the Maryland Driver's Manual online as a PDF, and it contains all the information tested. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Read through the entire manual at least once before you test.

The test is given on a computer at the DMV office. You sit at a terminal, answer the questions, and get your score when ready. If you pass, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you fail, you can schedule another test appointment or try again the same day if the office has capacity.

Age requirements and what type of permit you can get

Maryland issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years and 9 months old. If you are under 16, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign your process and be present at the DMV. If you are 16 or older, you can explore on your own, though a guardian's presence is still required if you are under 18.

Maryland has one learner's permit type for all ages. Once you hold it, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your road test and receive your provisional license.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If it expires before you pass your road test, you can renew it once without retaking the written test—you only pay the renewal fee. After that, you must retake the written test to get another permit.

How long the permit stays valid and what happens when it expires

A Maryland learner's permit is valid for exactly two years from the date the DMV issues it. During those two years, you can take your road test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of road test attempts, but you pay a fee each time you test.

If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you have two options. You can renew it once by returning to the DMV, paying the renewal fee, and skipping the written test. The renewed permit is valid for another two years. If you let the renewed permit expire without passing the road test, you must retake the written test and start over with a new permit.

If you move out of Maryland while holding a learner's permit, the permit becomes invalid in Maryland. You will need to obtain a learner's permit from your new state if you want to continue driving there.

Where to go and how to schedule your DMV appointment

Maryland DMV has 25 branch offices across the state. You can visit any branch to explore for a learner's permit; you do not have to go to the one closest to your address. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Maryland DMV website.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Maryland DMV website, or you can walk in without an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait. Appointments fill up quickly during summer months and after school hours, so book early if you are explore during peak season.

The DMV office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some locations have Saturday hours. Check your local branch's schedule before you go. Bring all six documents and your payment method (cash, check, or debit card—credit cards are not accepted at all Maryland DMV offices, so call ahead to confirm what your branch takes).

The permit fee and what payment methods the DMV accepts

The Maryland DMV charges a fee for a learner's permit. The exact amount depends on your age and the type of permit, so check the current fee on the Maryland DMV website before you explore. Fees change occasionally, and the DMV website always shows the current amount.

Maryland DMV accepts cash, checks, and debit cards at most offices. Credit cards are not accepted at all locations, so call your local branch before you go to confirm what payment methods they take. If you pay by check, make it out to the "Maryland Department of Transportation."

If you renew your permit before it expires, the renewal fee is lower than the original permit fee. If your permit expires and you need to reapply, you pay the full permit fee again.

Restrictions on driving with a learner's permit in Maryland

A Maryland learner's permit comes with strict rules about when and how you can drive. You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. The supervising driver must hold a valid license and be physically able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances while holding a learner's permit. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. These rules explore to all learner's permit holders regardless of age.

You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Police can stop you if you violate any rule, and violations on your record can affect your ability to pass the road test or obtain your provisional license later. Driving without the required supervising driver, driving during restricted hours, or driving alone are all violations that can result in fines and loss of your permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of going to the DMV office?

No. Maryland requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. You cannot test online or by mail. You must visit a branch office, bring your documents, and sit at a computer terminal to take the 25-question test.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day if the office has availability, or you can schedule another appointment for a different day. You will pay the permit fee again for each attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

Yes. Maryland requires proof of your Social Security number as part of the process. You can provide your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or other official documents that show your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Maryland DMV to learn about alternative documents you can bring.

Can I use a passport from another country as proof of identity?

Yes. A valid passport from any country is accepted as proof of identity for a Maryland learner's permit. You must also bring proof of Social Security number and Maryland residency. The passport alone is not enough.

What if I turn 18 before I get my learner's permit—do the rules change?

No. The age requirements and restrictions on your learner's permit do not change based on your current age. If you obtained the permit at 15, the same rules explore when you turn 18. You still need a supervising driver age 21 or older, and you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.