What you need to do to get a Maryland learner's permit
To get a Maryland learner's permit, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a written test on road rules and signs, and show proof of identity and residency. You'll need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old. The whole process takes about an hour at the MVA, and the permit costs $47 and is valid for two years.
Maryland's learner's permit is your legal document to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when and where you can drive — those rules change once you move to the next stage of licensure. Most people use the learner's permit for several months before taking the road test for a provisional license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and bring proof of identity and Maryland residency to an MVA office.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free MVA manual or online practice tests.
- You pay $47 for the permit at the MVA office, and it remains valid for two years from the date you receive it.
- With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times.
Documents to bring to the MVA office
Bring one form of primary identification — a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad — plus one form of secondary identification such as a school ID, work ID, or library card. You also need proof of Maryland residency, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person at the MVA. If your parent or guardian cannot attend, you can bring a notarized consent form instead, but it is simpler to have them come with you.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The written test: what to study and how to prepare
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean.
The MVA publishes a free Driver's Manual online and in print at any MVA office. This manual contains all the information tested on the exam. You can also use the MVA's online practice tests, which show you the same types of questions you will see on test day. Many people study the manual for a few weeks and take several practice tests before going to the MVA.
The test is given on a computer at the MVA office. You can take it in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass, an MVA staff member will take your photo and issue your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is a plastic card that looks like a driver's license. Keep it with you whenever you drive. The permit is valid for two years, and you do not need to renew it during that time unless you move or change your name.
Your learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. That driver must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or territory. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers in the car.
Maryland law also restricts when you can drive with a learner's permit. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free. These rules are stricter than the rules for fully licensed drivers.
How long to keep your learner's permit before the road test
Maryland requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a provisional license. During those 6 months, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, residential streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. Most people practice for several months and feel ready to test before the 6-month mark.
You do not have to wait the full 2 years your permit is valid. As soon as you have held it for 6 months and feel ready, you can schedule a road test appointment at an MVA office. The road test itself costs $12 and takes about 20 minutes.
Renewing or replacing your learner's permit
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original permit — proof of identity, residency, and your parent or guardian if you are under 18. A replacement permit costs $47, the same as the original.
If your permit expires before you take your road test, you can renew it at an MVA office. You do not need to retake the written test. Bring your expired permit and proof of residency, and pay $47 for a new one valid for another 2 years.
Finding an MVA office and scheduling your visit
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can visit any office — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. The MVA website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead can tell you how long the wait is.
You do not need an appointment for the written test. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. However, if you want to avoid a long wait, going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means shorter lines than evenings or Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at an MVA office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a school. You must visit an MVA office during business hours to take the test and receive your permit.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it when ready at the same MVA office, or you can return another day. There is no waiting period. You pay $47 each time you take the test, so if you fail twice, you pay twice. Most people pass after studying the MVA manual and taking a few practice tests.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
You need to provide your Social Security number or proof that you are not may be able to access for one. If you do not have a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. Without one or the other, the MVA cannot issue your permit.
Can my parent or guardian sign the process if they are not at the MVA office?
Yes, if you bring a notarized consent form signed by your parent or guardian. However, it is faster and simpler to have them come to the MVA office with you so they can sign in person. Either way, their signature is required if you are under 18.
What if I move to a different state while holding a Maryland learner's permit?
Your Maryland permit is no longer valid once you move. You will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Each state has its own rules, age requirements, and tests. Contact the motor vehicle agency in your new state to find out what you need to do.