What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Learner's Permit
To get a Maryland learner's permit, you must visit your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, bring the required documents, pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and pay the permit fee. The whole process takes about an hour on the day you explore. You do not need to have a driver yet — the permit itself is what lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.
Maryland issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years and 9 months old. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process. The permit is valid for two years, which gives you time to practice and prepare for your road test.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your Social Security card, proof of Maryland residency, and a completed process for a Learner's Permit (Form DL-001) to your local MVA office.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at the MVA office to sign your process in person.
- The permit fee is currently $40 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.
- With your learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
Before you go to the MVA office, gather these documents: your original Social Security card, a form of proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and a completed process for a Learner's Permit (Form DL-001). You can read Form DL-001 from the Maryland MVA website or pick up a copy at the office.
If you do not have a Social Security card, bring your Social Security number and be ready to show other identity documents. If you do not have proof of residency in your name, ask a parent or guardian to bring a document in their name that shows your shared address. The MVA staff can help you figure out what counts if you are unsure.
Bring your original documents — photocopies are not enough. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and bring a form of ID as well.
The Written Test: What to Expect
The Maryland learner's permit written test has 25 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency situations on the road.
You can study for the test using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the MVA website. Many people also use online practice tests to get used to the format. You are allowed to take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait a few hours.
The test is given on a computer at the MVA office. You do not need to bring anything except your documents — the MVA provides everything else.
Age Requirements and Parental Consent
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a Maryland learner's permit. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come to the MVA office with you and sign your process in person. The MVA will not issue a permit without this signature.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. You can explore on your own as long as you bring your own ID and proof of residency.
The Cost and How Long the Permit Lasts
A Maryland learner's permit costs $40. You pay this fee at the MVA office when you explore. The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get your full license, you will need to renew it and pay the fee again.
Keep your permit in a safe place — you will need to show it every time you practice driving. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at the MVA for a small fee.
Restrictions on Driving With Your Learner's Permit
With a Maryland learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers in the car.
You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you have a learner's permit. This rule is part of Maryland's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which is designed to give new drivers time to practice in safer conditions before they drive on their own.
You must follow all regular traffic laws while driving with your permit — speed limits, traffic signals, and seat belt rules all explore to you just as they do to licensed drivers.
What Happens After You Get Your Permit
Once you have your learner's permit, you can start practicing driving. Maryland does not require a minimum number of practice hours before you take your road test, but the MVA recommends at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when you take the test.
When you feel ready, you can schedule your road test through the MVA. You must bring your learner's permit, your Social Security card, and proof of insurance to the road test. After you pass the road test, you will get your full driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I was not born in the United States?
Yes. You need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a learner's permit. If you have a valid visa or immigration status, bring your immigration documents along with your other required paperwork to the MVA office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. Most people who study the Maryland Driver's Manual pass on their second try. Take your time, read each question carefully, and ask the MVA staff if you do not understand something about the test rules.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?
No, Maryland does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. However, taking one can help you prepare for both the written test and the road test. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete a course.
Can my learner's permit be used in other states?
A Maryland learner's permit is recognized in most other states, but the rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive may be different. Check the rules in any state where you plan to practice driving.
What if I move out of Maryland while I have a learner's permit?
Your Maryland permit is no longer valid once you move to another state. You will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Bring your Maryland permit and your new proof of residency to the MVA office in your new state.