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

A Maryland learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for a full license. To get one, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and provide proof of identity and residency. The whole process takes one visit to an MVA office and costs $47 for a five-year permit.

You do not need a learner's permit if you are 18 or older — you can go straight to the road test for a full license. But if you are under 18, Maryland law requires the permit stage before you can take the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore for a Maryland learner's permit.
  • Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to the MVA office.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the MVA; you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The permit costs $47 and is valid for five years, but you must renew your license before the permit expires.
  • With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still get a permit, but you will need to provide a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you have applied for one.

Do not rely on a school ID, a credit card, or a digital copy of a document. The MVA staff will check the original document in person.

The Written Knowledge Test

The test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the MVA staff which languages are available at your office.

You can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA provides free online and in print at any MVA office. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test, though the time you need depends on how much you already know about driving rules.

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. You have three attempts within one year; if you do not pass by then, you must start the process over.

Fees and How Long the Permit Lasts

The learner's permit costs $47 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You pay the fee when you pass the test and receive your permit at the MVA office — cash, debit card, and credit card are all accepted.

If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get a full license, you will need to renew it. A renewal costs $47 and requires another visit to the MVA, but you do not have to retake the written test. You can renew your permit up to 90 days before it expires.

Restrictions While You Hold a Learner's Permit

Maryland law sets clear limits on what you can do with a learner's permit. You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers in the car.

You can drive on any public road in Maryland, including highways, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. These rules explore to all drivers under 18 in Maryland, not just permit holders.

Violating these restrictions can result in a fine and may delay your road test. If you are stopped by police, have your permit and the supervising adult's license ready to show.

Moving Forward: From Permit to Road Test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license. During that time, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, light traffic and heavier traffic, residential streets and highways. Many people practice for several months before they feel ready for the test.

When you are ready, you schedule a road test appointment at an MVA office. You will drive a set route with an MVA examiner, who will watch how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. The test takes about 20 minutes. If you pass, you can get your full license the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week.

Finding an MVA Office and Scheduling Your Visit

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you on the Maryland MVA website (mva.maryland.gov). Some offices are busier than others, so call ahead or check online wait times before you go.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test for a learner's permit — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait than going on a Saturday or during lunch hours. Bring all your documents and be prepared to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing that you have applied for one. You will still be able to get your permit. If you later receive your Social Security number, you do not need to update your permit.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day. You have three attempts within one year. If you do not pass within that year, you must start over and pay the $47 fee again.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. A driver's education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Maryland. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some schools offer it as an elective. Check with your insurance company or school for details.

Can I drive out of state with a Maryland learner's permit?

Maryland's learner's permit is recognized in other states, but you must follow the rules of the state you are in. Some states have different restrictions for permit holders, so check the rules of the state where you plan to drive before you go.

What happens if I turn 18 while I still have a learner's permit?

Your permit remains valid until it expires. You can continue to use it to practice driving, but you no longer have to have a supervising adult in the car. You can take your road test for a full license at any time after you turn 18, even if your permit has not expired yet.