What you need to know before you start

A Maryland learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it is not a full driver's license. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written test on road rules and signs, and pass a vision screening. The whole process — from paperwork to test — usually takes a few hours at your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.

You will need to bring specific documents, pass the written knowledge test, and understand the restrictions that come with the permit. Once you have it, you can only drive with a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid license. The permit is valid for two years, which gives you time to practice before taking your road test for a full license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and bring proof of age, residency, and Social Security number to the MVA.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the MVA office as part of the permit process.
  • With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting beside you.
  • Your permit is valid for two years, giving you time to practice before you take the road test for a full license.

Documents you need to bring to the MVA

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport to prove your age. You will also need one document showing your current Maryland address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring your Social Security number written down, or bring a document that shows it (like a tax return or W-2).

If you are under 18, you must also bring a signed Parental Consent Form (Form DL-43). A parent or legal guardian must sign it in front of an MVA employee or a notary public before you take the test. You cannot sign this form yourself. Bring the signed form with you to the MVA office.

Bring your Social Security card if you have one, though it is not required if you can provide your number another way. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily — the MVA will not return them. Bring copies instead, or ask the MVA staff which documents they will accept as copies.

How the written knowledge test works

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass (a score of 76 percent or higher). The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean.

You can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available on the MVA website and at MVA offices. The manual contains all the information tested on the exam. Many people study it for a few weeks before taking the test, though some pass after studying for just a few days. You can take the test on the same day you bring your documents to the MVA.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can take it again the same day if you want to study more and try again. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again.

The vision screening requirement

Before you take the written test, you must pass a vision screening at the MVA office. An MVA employee will check your eyesight using a machine that tests how well you can see at different distances. You need to be able to see well enough to drive safely — the standard is 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you and wear them during the screening. If the screening shows you cannot see well enough to drive safely, you will not be able to get your permit until you see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription. You can then return to the MVA with your new glasses or contacts and pass the screening.

Restrictions on your learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat beside you at all times. That adult must hold a valid driver's license — it can be from Maryland or any other state. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver.

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls or texting. This rule applies to all new drivers in Maryland, not just permit holders. If you break any of these rules, you can be stopped by police, and violations can delay your path to a full license.

These restrictions stay in place for the entire two years your permit is valid. Once you pass your road test and get your full license, the restrictions change — but you will still have some limits on phone use and nighttime driving for the first year as a licensed driver.

Where to go and what it costs

Visit your local Motor Vehicle Administration office to explore for your learner's permit. Maryland has MVA offices in most counties and in Baltimore. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or on a weekday can mean shorter wait times.

The fee for a learner's permit is $47. You pay this fee when you submit your process and documents. If you fail the written test, you pay the test fee again each time you retake it — that fee is included in the $47 total, so you do not pay extra per attempt. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card; not all MVA offices accept all payment methods, so check ahead if you want to be sure.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot. It is a physical card that you must carry with you every time you drive. Your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.

During those two years, you should practice driving with your supervising adult as much as possible. There is no minimum number of hours required in Maryland, but more practice makes you safer and better prepared for your road test. When you feel ready — and when you are at least 16 years and 6 months old — you can schedule your road test at an MVA office.

Keep your permit in good condition and bring it with you every time you drive. If you lose it or it gets damaged, you can get a replacement at the MVA office for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test the same day I bring my documents to the MVA?

Yes. If you bring all required documents and pass the vision screening, you can take the written test the same day. Many people complete the entire process in one visit to the MVA office. Plan for a few hours to account for wait times and the test itself.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test right away or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. Study the Maryland Driver's Manual between attempts to improve your score.

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

No. A driver's education course is not required for a learner's permit in Maryland. However, taking one can help you learn the rules and practice driving skills before your road test. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing a course.

Can I drive alone with my learner's permit?

No. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone until you pass your road test and receive your full license.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During that time, you can practice driving and prepare for your road test. If your permit expires before you take your road test, you will need to renew it at the MVA.