What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Learner's Permit
To get a learner's permit in Maryland, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. The permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated next to you in the front seat.
Maryland issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years and 9 months old. You must have your permit for a minimum of six months before you can take the road test for a full license. If you are under 18, you will also need to follow Maryland's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) rules, which restrict when and how you can drive.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to an MVA office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency to explore for a learner's permit.
- The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The permit fee is $70 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it.
- Minors under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course before taking the road test.
- You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit; a licensed adult at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
The MVA requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, or a state ID card from another state. A school ID or work ID will not work. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your full number visible. For proof of Maryland residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Maryland address.
If you are under 18, you must also bring a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian. The MVA provides this form on its website, or you can get one at any MVA office. Your parent or guardian does not need to be present, but their signature must be on the form.
The Written Knowledge Test
The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions and covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the MVA office.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you must pay the $70 fee again. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the MVA website. The manual is the only official study material the MVA uses to write the test.
The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After you pass, the MVA will issue your permit on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper permit that day and your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Age Requirements and Restrictions for Minors
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore for a learner's permit in Maryland. There is no upper age limit. If you are under 18 when you receive your permit, Maryland's GDL law places restrictions on your driving.
During the learner's permit phase, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free). You must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times. You can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless that person is a family member.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test. If you turn 18 before six months have passed, you still must wait until the six-month mark. You also must complete a driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction) before you can test for a full license.
The $70 Fee and Permit Validity
The learner's permit costs $70 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. This is a one-time fee; you do not pay again if you retake the knowledge test on the same day. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you must renew it and pay another $70.
Payment is cash, check, or card at the MVA office. If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement for $7 at any MVA office. If your permit is stolen, report it to the MVA and bring a police report to get a replacement.
How to Find an MVA Office and Make an Appointment
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one nearest your home. The MVA website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others are open Saturday mornings.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. During busy times (early morning, lunch, and late afternoon), you may wait 30 minutes to two hours. To reduce wait time, you can make an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling the office directly. Appointments are free and can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of originals. The MVA will turn you away if your documents are not originals or certified copies. A second mistake is not bringing all three categories of proof (identity, Social Security, residency). Check the MVA website before you go to confirm what documents you have are acceptable.
If you are under 18, forgetting the signed parental consent form will stop your process. Fill out the form completely and have your parent or guardian sign it before you go to the MVA. Another mistake is not studying the Driver's Manual before the test. The test is not difficult if you read the manual, but it is hard if you do not.
Do not assume you can renew your permit online or by mail. The MVA requires you to come in person for a learner's permit. If your permit is expiring and you have not yet passed the road test, you must return to an MVA office to renew it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test if I am homeschooled?
Yes. Homeschooled students can take the test at any MVA office. You do not need to be enrolled in a school or driver education program to explore for a learner's permit. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel) before you can take the road test for a full license, regardless of where you go to school.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day, but you must pay the $70 fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day. If you fail multiple times, you may want to spend more time studying the Maryland Driver's Manual before returning to the MVA.
Can someone else pick up my permit card if I cannot go to the MVA?
No. You must be present at the MVA office to explore for and receive your learner's permit. The MVA will not issue a permit to anyone else on your behalf. However, once your plastic card is mailed to you, someone else can pick it up from your home.
Do I need a learner's permit if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Maryland license without getting a learner's permit first. You will need to visit an MVA office with your out-of-state license and proof of Maryland residency. However, if your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you must start with a learner's permit.
How long does it take to get my plastic permit card in the mail?
The MVA typically mails your plastic card within two weeks of the day you pass the test. You receive a temporary paper permit at the MVA office that is valid when ready and counts as your legal permit until the card arrives. Do not throw away the paper permit; keep it with you while driving.