What you need to get a learner's permit in Montgomery County

To get a learner's permit in Montgomery County, Maryland, you must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will give you a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass it to receive your permit. You do not need to have a driver yet — the permit itself is what lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

The permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During that time, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. If you do not pass the written test on your first visit, you can return and retake it, but you will pay the test fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid photo ID, proof you live in Maryland, and your Social Security number to the DMV office in Montgomery County.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • The permit fee varies depending on your age and how long you want it to last, so ask the DMV staff for the current cost when you arrive.
  • You cannot drive alone, on highways, or between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner's permit.

Documents to bring to the Montgomery County DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued photo ID that shows your full legal name and date of birth. A school ID or work ID is not enough on its own. If your ID does not show your current address, you will also need a separate document that proves you live in Maryland — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days will work.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. The DMV staff will verify your information against state and federal records before they give you the permit.

The written test: what to expect

The written test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly — a score of 70 percent — to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you will get your results before you leave.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, which you can read online or pick up at the office. Most of the test questions come directly from this manual. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day, but you will have to pay the test fee again each time you take it.

Age requirements and restrictions

In Maryland, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a learner's permit. If you are under 18, you have additional restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot drive on interstate highways, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free. A licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times.

If you are 18 or older, you can get a learner's permit with fewer restrictions. You can drive at any time of day and on any road, but you still must have a licensed adult in the front seat. The restrictions lift once you pass the road test and receive your full driver's license.

How long the permit lasts and renewal

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You do not have to renew it during that time — it stays good until it expires. However, if you turn 18 while you hold a permit, your restrictions change automatically; you no longer have the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew or the interstate highway ban, though you still need a licensed adult in the car.

If your permit expires before you pass the road test and get your license, you will need to get a new permit. You must take the written test again and pay the permit fee again. To avoid this, plan to take your road test before your permit expires — most people take it within 6 to 12 months of getting the permit.

Montgomery County DMV office locations and hours

The main DMV office that handles learner's permits in Montgomery County is located at 100 South Stonestreet Avenue in Rockville. There is also a satellite office in Silver Spring. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have limited Saturday hours. Hours change seasonally and by location, so check the Maryland DMV website or call ahead before you go.

Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or on weekdays. If you go during lunch or after school, you may wait an hour or more. Bring all your documents the first time so you do not have to make a second trip.

Cost of a learner's permit in Maryland

The fee for a learner's permit in Maryland depends on how long you want it to last and your age. The DMV charges different amounts for permits that last one year versus two years, and the cost may be different if you are under 18. Call the Montgomery County DMV office or check the Maryland DMV website for the exact current fee, as prices can change.

You will also pay a separate fee if you need to retake the written test. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — the DMV accepts all three. If you lose your permit before it expires, you will have to pay a replacement fee to get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Maryland law requires a Social Security number to get a learner's permit. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which some states accept. Contact the Montgomery County DMV directly to ask whether an ITIN works in Maryland.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the Maryland Driver's Manual more carefully. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need a permit if I am learning to drive as an adult?

Yes. Anyone who does not already hold a driver's license must get a learner's permit first, regardless of age. Adults 18 and older have fewer restrictions than minors, but the permit is still required before you can take the road test.

Can someone else pick up my permit for me if I cannot go to the DMV?

No. You must be present in person to take the written test and receive your permit. The DMV will not issue a permit without you there. If you have a disability or other reason you cannot visit the office, contact the Montgomery County DMV to ask about accommodations.

What if my address changes while I have a learner's permit?

You should update your address with the DMV. You can do this online through the Maryland DMV website, by mail, or in person at the office. Your permit itself does not need to be replaced just because your address changed, but it is a good idea to keep your DMV records current.