No, you cannot drive alone with a Maryland learner's permit

A learner's permit in Maryland requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the front passenger seat with you at all times. You cannot legally drive alone, even for a short trip to the store or to practice on an empty road. The supervising driver must hold a valid driver's license — a permit or a suspended license does not count.

This rule applies everywhere you drive in Maryland and in other states, as long as you hold a Maryland permit. If you are caught driving alone, you face a citation, fines, and possible suspension of your permit before you can take the road test.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland law requires a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
  • The supervising driver must have a valid, non-suspended driver's license — a permit does not meet the requirement.
  • Driving alone with a permit is a traffic violation that can result in fines and permit suspension.
  • These restrictions explore in Maryland and in other states where you travel with your Maryland permit.
  • You can drive alone only after you pass your road test and receive your Class D driver's license.

Who can sit in the front passenger seat with you

The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid, unrestricted driver's license. This includes a standard Class D license, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or a license from another state or country — as long as it is current and not suspended or revoked.

A learner's permit, a restricted license, or a suspended license does not count. A family member with a permit cannot supervise you, even if they are older than 21. If you are unsure whether someone's license is valid, ask to see it before you get behind the wheel.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a permit

Beyond the requirement to have a licensed driver present, Maryland's learner's permit comes with other rules you must follow. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free — except to call 911 in an emergency.

You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under age 21 in the car (not counting the supervising driver). These rules are in place to reduce the risk of crashes while you are still learning. Breaking any of them can result in a citation and may affect your ability to move forward to your road test.

What happens if you are caught driving alone

Driving alone with a learner's permit is a traffic violation in Maryland. A police officer can stop you, issue a citation, and fine you. The fine amount varies depending on the officer's jurisdiction and the circumstances, but violations related to permit misuse are taken seriously.

Beyond the fine, Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may suspend your learner's permit. A suspension means you cannot drive at all — even with a supervising driver — until the suspension is lifted. This can delay your progress toward getting your full license and may require you to restart parts of the licensing process.

How to prepare for driving without restrictions

The only way to drive alone in Maryland is to pass your road test and receive your Class D driver's license. Before you take the road test, you should have logged enough supervised driving hours to feel confident handling different road conditions, traffic, and weather.

Maryland does not require a minimum number of supervised driving hours, but the MVA recommends at least 60 hours of practice, with at least 10 hours in darkness. Work with your supervising driver to practice on highways, in heavy traffic, and in various weather conditions. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to pass the test on your first attempt.

Driving out of state with a Maryland permit

If you travel to another state with your Maryland learner's permit, you must follow that state's permit rules, not Maryland's. Some states have stricter requirements — for example, they may require the supervising driver to be closer in age to you, or they may have different time-of-day restrictions.

Before you drive in another state, check that state's motor vehicle agency website or call ahead to learn what rules explore. Your Maryland permit is recognized in all 50 states, but the conditions under which you can use it vary. Violating another state's permit laws can result in citations in that state and may affect your Maryland permit status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a permit holder supervise another permit holder?

No. Both drivers must have valid, unrestricted licenses. A permit holder cannot supervise another permit holder, even if they are older than 21. Only a licensed driver can sit in the front passenger seat with you.

What if the supervising driver is suspended or revoked?

You cannot drive. A suspended or revoked license does not count as valid. If your supervising driver's license status changes, you cannot legally drive until you have someone else with a valid license present.

Can I drive alone to take my road test?

No. You must have a licensed driver take you to the MVA testing location. You cannot drive yourself to the road test appointment, even though the test itself is designed to show you can drive alone.

Do the time restrictions explore if a licensed driver is with me?

Yes. The midnight to 5 a.m. restriction applies to your permit, not to the supervising driver. Even with a licensed driver present, you cannot drive during those hours while you hold a learner's permit.

What if I turn 18 while I have a permit?

The permit rules do not change when you turn 18. You still need a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat, and all other restrictions remain in effect until you pass your road test and receive your Class D license.