What you need to get a Maryland learner's permit

Maryland's learner's permit is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get one, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test, and bring specific documents to an MVA office. The permit itself costs $47 and is valid for two years.

You cannot get a learner's permit online or by mail — you must go to an MVA office in person. The office will check your documents, take your photo, and administer the written test on the spot. If you pass, you walk out with your permit the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency to an MVA office.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual or online practice tests on the MVA website.
  • The permit costs $47, is valid for two years, and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
  • You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most MVA offices, though some locations may require you to return another day.

Documents you must bring to the MVA office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — a photocopy will not work. You also need a document that proves your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

You must also prove you live in Maryland. An acceptable document is a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days. A school ID or report card with your address also works. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Bring a form of photo ID if you have one — a passport, out-of-state driver's license, or school ID. If you do not have photo ID, the MVA will take your photo at the office. You will also need to sign an process form, which the MVA provides.

How to prepare for the written knowledge test

The written test has 25 questions and covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also use free online practice tests on the MVA website — these simulate the real test and help you find weak areas. Many people take the practice test two or three times before going to the MVA office.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you may bring a translator to the MVA office, though the translator cannot help you answer questions — they can only help you understand what the questions ask.

What happens at the MVA office

Arrive early — MVA offices get busy, especially on weekends and after school hours. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything. Check in at the front desk and tell the staff you want a learner's permit. They will give you a number and tell you to wait.

When your number is called, go to the window. The staff member will check your documents, ask you a few questions to confirm your identity, and take your photo. They will then direct you to a computer station where you will take the written test. You sit at a computer, read each question, and click your answer. The computer tells you when ready whether you passed.

If you pass, you pay the $47 fee and receive your learner's permit — a plastic card with your photo, name, and permit number. If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day at no extra cost, though a few offices require you to return another day. Ask the staff before you leave.

Rules for driving with your learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is sitting in the front passenger seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other learners in the car.

You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. You must wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers wear seat belts. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If it expires before you pass your road test, you can renew it at an MVA office for $47. You do not have to retake the written test — just bring your expired permit and pay the renewal fee.

When you are ready to take the road test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license. Some people wait longer to get more practice. When you are ready, you schedule a road test appointment through the MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000.

The road test costs $17 and takes about 20 minutes. You drive an examiner around a set route in your area while they watch and score your driving. They test your ability to start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws. If you pass, you can get your full license. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week.

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 issue a learner's permit. If you do not have one, you must first contact the Social Security Administration to get a number. This can take several weeks, so start early if you need one.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most MVA offices at no extra cost. Study the areas where you missed questions and try again. If you fail a second time, take more time to study before returning. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to bring my parent or guardian to the MVA office?

No. You can go alone if you are old enough to get a learner's permit. However, if you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the process form. You can have them sign it at home and bring it with you, or they can come to the office and sign it there.

Can I use an out-of-state learner's permit in Maryland?

No. You must get a Maryland learner's permit to drive in Maryland, even if you hold a valid permit from another state. You can use your out-of-state permit as proof of identity at the MVA office, but you still need to pass Maryland's written test and get a Maryland permit.

How much does a learner's permit cost in total?

The permit itself costs $47. If you need to renew it before you pass your road test, renewal costs $47. The road test costs $17 when you are ready to take it. There are no other fees unless you retake the road test, which also costs $17 each time.