How to Get Your Maryland Learner's Permit: Step-by-Step

What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Learner's Permit

To get a Maryland learner's permit, you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. You cannot get a learner's permit by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour at the MVA, and your permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.

Maryland issues learner's permits to people ages 15 years and 9 months through 17 years old. If you are under 16, you must have a parent or legal guardian present with you at the MVA office. If you are 16 or 17, you can go alone, but you will still need parental consent on your process form.

The learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place until you pass the road test and receive your provisional license.

Key Takeaways

You must go to an MVA office in person with proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and a completed process form signed by your parent or guardian.
The written knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
The learner's permit fee is $30 and the permit is valid for two years.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a provisional license.
A licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front seat with you whenever you drive on a learner's permit.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring your original birth certificate or passport to prove your identity. A school ID, report card, or other secondary ID will not work on its own. If you were not born in the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born.

Bring one document that proves you live in Maryland. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A school report card or letter from school counts as proof of residency if it shows your current address.

Bring the completed process for a Learner's Permit or Provisional License (form DL 043). You can read this form from the Maryland MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Your parent or legal guardian must sign this form before you go to the MVA. If you are 16 or 17 and going alone, bring the signed form 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 Knowledge Test

The Maryland knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete the test. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day at no extra charge, or you can come back another day.

The test covers Maryland-specific traffic laws, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and what to do at traffic signals and stop signs. It also covers road signs and what they mean. You will see questions about seat belts, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.

The MVA provides a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual. You can read it from the MVA website or pick up a printed copy at any MVA office. Most people who study the manual for a few hours before the test pass on the first try. The test is given on a computer at the MVA office, and you get your results when ready.

Timeline: From process to Road Test

You receive your learner's permit the same day you pass the knowledge test. The MVA will take your photo and issue your permit before you leave the office. You can start driving with a licensed adult in the front seat that same day.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a provisional license. During those six months, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, highway and local roads, good weather and rain. Many people use this time to take a driver's education course, which is not required but can help you prepare.

When you are ready to take the road test, you must schedule an appointment at an MVA office. You cannot take the road test without an appointment. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Fees and Payment

The learner's permit fee is $30. You pay this fee at the MVA office when you explore. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you fail the knowledge test and retake it the same day, there is no additional fee. If you come back another day to retake the test, you must pay the $30 fee again.

When you pass the road test and receive your provisional license, you will pay an additional fee. The provisional license fee is $30 and is valid for two years. You do not pay the learner's permit fee again.

Special Rules for Learner's Permit Holders in Maryland

You cannot drive alone. A licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times. This person must have a valid driver's license and must be able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This curfew applies even if a licensed adult is with you. The only exception is if you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and you have a note from your employer, school, or doctor.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. This rule is stricter than the rule for licensed drivers. You also cannot text, email, or use social media while driving.

You must wear a seat belt at all times, and all passengers must wear seat belts. You cannot have more than one passenger under age 21 in the car with you, unless that passenger is a family member. This rule applies even if a licensed adult is in the front seat.

Where to Find an MVA Office and Schedule an Appointment

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, so call ahead or check online to see wait times before you go.

You do not need an appointment to take the knowledge test for a learner's permit. You can walk in during office hours. However, it is a good idea to call ahead to ask about wait times. Office hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Bring all your documents with you. If you are missing any required document, the MVA will not issue your permit, and you will have to come back another day. Check the MVA website or call your local office if you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency or identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You must still be at least 15 years and 9 months old and pass the knowledge test. Bring your birth certificate or passport and proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can take the test again the same day at no extra charge. If you fail again, you can come back another day, but you will have to pay the $30 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Most people pass after studying the Maryland Driver's Manual for a few hours.

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can bring that instead. Call your local MVA office if you are unsure what documents to bring.

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

No. Driver's education is not required to get a learner's permit or a provisional license in Maryland. However, if you are under 18, you must complete driver's education before you can get a full license. Taking a course before you get your permit can help you study for the knowledge test.

What if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to any MVA office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $7. You will get a new permit the same day. Your original permit is no longer valid once you receive the replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.