Maryland learner's permit requirements at a glance

To get a Maryland learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test, and bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You'll also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process if you're under 18. The permit itself costs $47 and is valid for two years.

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA publishes free online. Most people take the test at an MVA office, though some locations offer it online through a third-party testing service.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and bring a parent or guardian to sign your process if you're under 18.
  • The written knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual available on the MVA website.
  • You need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • The permit costs $47, is valid for two years, and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

Age requirements and when you can explore

Maryland requires you to be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a learner's permit. You cannot explore before that date, even if you'll turn 16 soon. This age requirement exists because the state wants new drivers to have time to practice before taking the road test for a full license.

Once you turn 15 years and 9 months, you can visit any MVA office to explore. There is no waiting period between explore and taking the test — you can take the written knowledge test the same day you submit your process, as long as you have all required documents with you.

Documents you must bring to the MVA

Bring original documents or certified copies; the MVA will not accept photocopies. You need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process in person.

For identity, bring one of these: a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For Maryland residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name or your parent's name with your address on it.

If you were born outside the United States, you may need additional documents. Check the MVA website or call your local office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.

The written knowledge test

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean.

You can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free and available as a PDF on the MVA website. Many people also use practice tests online to get familiar with the question format. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at the MVA office if you need a test in a language other than English.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though some MVA offices may ask you to schedule another appointment. Each test attempt costs $7.

Parent or guardian signature requirements

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the MVA office and sign your process in person. The MVA will not accept a signed form you bring from home. The parent or guardian does not need to pass any test or provide documents beyond what they might already have for their own identification.

If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone without a parent or guardian present. You will sign the process yourself.

The permit itself and what it allows

Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit when ready. The permit is a physical card that costs $47 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You must carry it with you whenever you drive.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have passengers your own age in the car unless a licensed adult is present. You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits, just as a licensed driver would.

The permit is a stepping stone to a full license. After you have held your permit for at least six months and practiced driving, you can take the road test at an MVA office to get your Class D license.

Renewing or replacing a lost permit

If your permit expires before you take the road test, you can renew it at any MVA office. Bring your expired permit and pay the $47 renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written test.

If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at an MVA office for $7. Bring proof of identity and your Social Security number. If you cannot remember your permit number, the MVA can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

Some MVA offices offer online testing through a third-party service, but not all locations do. Call your local MVA office or check the MVA website to see if online testing is available in your area. If it is, you will still need to bring original documents to an MVA office to complete your process before you can test online.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test at any time. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment depending on how busy your local MVA office is. Each test attempt costs $7.

Do I need to take a driver education course to get a learner's permit?

No, a driver education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Maryland. However, taking an approved course may lower your car insurance rates and is required before you can take the road test if you are under 18.

Can I drive on the highway with my learner's permit?

Yes, you can drive on highways with your learner's permit as long as a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You must follow all speed limits and traffic laws.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. If you have not taken the road test by then, you can renew it for another two years by paying the $47 renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written test to renew.