What you need to get a Maryland learner's permit
To get a Maryland learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test, and bring specific documents to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You do not need to pass a driving test yet — that comes later when you move to a full license. The permit itself costs $47 and is valid for two years.
Maryland's learner's permit is called a Learner's Permit or Level 1 license. It allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the car with you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and bring proof of age, identity, and Maryland residency to the MVA office.
- The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Maryland Driver's Manual.
- You need a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front seat with you every time you drive on a learner's permit.
- The permit costs $47 and lasts two years, after which you can take the road test and move to a full license.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on a learner's permit, and you must follow all traffic laws and restrictions.
Documents to bring to the MVA
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of age and identity (such as a birth certificate and photo ID), proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your name), and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a card.
If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign a Parental Consent Form (Form DL-43). This form must be signed in front of an MVA employee — you cannot sign it at home and bring it in. If your parent or guardian cannot go with you, they can sign the form at an MVA office on a separate visit, or you can mail it to the MVA with a notarized signature.
Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The MVA staff will make copies and return your originals to you.
Passing the written knowledge test
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass (76 percent). The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it.
Study the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the MVA website and at MVA offices. The test questions come directly from this manual, so reading it is the most direct way to prepare. Many people also use online practice tests, which are not official but follow the same topics and question style.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they have studied the manual.
Restrictions on a learner's permit
Once you have your permit, you must follow these rules every time you drive:
- A licensed adult (21 or older) must be in the front seat with you.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
- You must wear a seat belt and may support all passengers wear one.
- You must obey all traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs.
- You cannot drive on interstate highways (I-95, I-81, etc.) unless the licensed adult is a parent, guardian, or driving instructor.
Breaking these rules can result in your permit being suspended or revoked, and the adult in the car can also face penalties. If you are stopped by police, have your permit and the adult's license ready to show.
How long you hold a learner's permit
You must hold your learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the road test for a full license. Many people hold it longer — six months to a year is common — to get more practice driving in different weather and traffic conditions.
Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not take the road test within two years, your permit expires and you must start over with the written test and a new process. If you turn 18 before you take the road test, you no longer need parental consent, but you still need to pass the test.
Taking the road test and moving to a full license
After you have held your permit for at least three months, you can schedule a road test at an MVA office. The road test costs $12 and takes about 20 minutes. You will drive on local roads while an examiner watches and scores your driving.
You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The car must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. If anything is broken, the test will be rescheduled.
If you pass the road test, you will receive a Level 2 license, which allows you to drive alone but with some restrictions if you are under 18. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting one week. Most people pass within two attempts.
Where to go and how to schedule
Visit an MVA office in person to explore for your learner's permit. You cannot explore online or by mail. Find the office nearest you on the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) and check its hours before you go.
You do not need an appointment for a learner's permit process — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or on a weekday (not Friday) usually means a shorter wait. Bring all your documents in one folder so the process moves faster.
The whole process — paperwork, document check, written test, and paying the fee — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you have all your documents and pass the test on the first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit before I turn 15 years and 9 months old?
No. Maryland law requires you to be at least 15 years and 9 months old. You can explore on the day you turn that age, but not before. If you are close to that age, you can gather your documents and study the manual ahead of time so you are ready to go as soon as you are old enough.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or Social Security card?
You can use other documents to prove age and identity, such as a passport, state ID, or school records. For your Social Security number, bring a letter from Social Security if you do not have the card. Contact the MVA office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will work — they can tell you over the phone what is acceptable.
Can I drive on the highway with my learner's permit?
You cannot drive on interstate highways unless the licensed adult in the car is your parent, guardian, or a certified driving instructor. You can drive on regular state roads and US highways with any licensed adult 21 or older.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on my learner's permit?
Show the officer your permit and the adult's license. If you were breaking a learner's permit rule (such as driving alone or between midnight and 5 a.m.), you can be cited. The adult in the car can also be cited for allowing you to break the rules. Follow all traffic laws to avoid this.
How much does a learner's permit cost in Maryland?
The permit costs $47 and is valid for two years. If your permit expires before you take the road test, you must pay the fee again and retake the written test to renew it. There is no fee to retake the written test if you fail it on the same day.