The Maryland Learner's Permit is a restricted license for drivers under 18

Maryland's learner's permit, issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone, and the permit comes with specific restrictions on when and where you can drive. The permit is the first step toward getting a full Class D driver's license in Maryland.

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to request a learner's permit. You will need to pass a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws and road signs. The test is given at any MVA office and costs $7. Once you pass, the permit is valid for two years.

The learner's permit is not the same as a provisional license (which comes after you pass the driving test). Many people confuse the two. The permit is the practice stage; the provisional license is what you get when you are ready to drive with fewer restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and pass a written knowledge test at an MVA office to get a learner's permit in Maryland.
  • The permit costs $7 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat at all times.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with a learner's permit, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.
  • After holding the permit for at least 6 months and practicing 60 hours of driving (10 of them at night), you can schedule a road test for a provisional license.

Documents and information you need to bring to the MVA

Bring proof of your identity and Maryland residency. Acceptable identity documents include a certified birth certificate, passport, or school ID paired with a report card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. Bring your completed process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit (Form DL-43), which you can fill out at home or at the MVA office.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian. They do not have to be present during the test, but they must sign the process. Some MVA offices require the parent to be there in person; call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

The written knowledge test: what to expect

The test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly (76 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at the MVA office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

The MVA provides a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, available online and in print at any MVA office. The test questions come directly from this manual. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day and pay the $7 fee again.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask about accommodations. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner's permit

A licensed driver age 21 or older must sit in the front seat next to you at all times. This person must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip to a nearby store.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This is a hard stop — if you are caught driving during these hours, your permit will be suspended. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.

You cannot tow a trailer or carry passengers under 18 (other than your own siblings) unless a parent or guardian is in the car. You must follow all other traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. Violations can result in permit suspension or revocation.

How long you must hold the permit before taking the road test

You must hold the learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can schedule a road test. During those 6 months, Maryland law requires you to complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night (between sunset and sunrise).

Keep a log of your driving hours. You do not have to turn it in, but the supervising adult may ask to see it, and you should be able to show proof that you have met the requirement. Some driving schools provide logs; you can also create your own with the date, time, location, and number of hours driven.

After you have met the 6-month requirement and logged 60 hours, you can schedule a road test through the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. Road tests typically book 4 to 8 weeks out, depending on your location and the time of year.

Fees and renewal information

The learner's permit costs $7 and is valid for two years. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to renew it. Renewal costs $7 and requires you to retake the written knowledge test.

If you turn 18 while holding a learner's permit, the permit remains valid until its expiration date. However, if you have not yet passed the road test by age 18, you will need to move to the provisional license track once you do pass. The rules change slightly for drivers 18 and older.

You can renew your permit at any MVA office or online through the MVA website if you are renewing before expiration. If your permit has already expired, you must go to an MVA office in person and retake the knowledge test.

Common mistakes that delay the process

The most common mistake is bringing incomplete documents. Many people bring a school ID without a second form of residency, or they bring a utility bill that is older than 60 days. Check the MVA website before you go to confirm what documents your office will accept.

Another mistake is not studying the Maryland Driver's Manual before the test. The test is not hard, but it covers specific Maryland laws that differ from other states. If you have moved to Maryland recently, spend extra time on the manual.

Some people also forget that a parent or guardian must sign the process if you are under 18. If you show up without a parent signature, you will have to come back. Call your local MVA office ahead of time to confirm whether the parent must be present or if a signature on the form is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in a school to get a learner's permit. Bring any form of identity and proof of residency that meets MVA requirements. A homeschool transcript or letter from your parent can serve as identity if you do not have a school ID.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving with a learner's permit?

A traffic violation while holding a learner's permit can result in permit suspension or revocation. The MVA will notify you by mail if your permit is suspended. If you are suspended, you must wait the suspension period before you can drive again, and the 6-month holding period starts over.

Can I take the written test more than once if I keep failing?

Yes, there is no limit on retakes. You must wait one day between attempts and pay the $7 fee each time. Most people pass on the first or second try if they study the Maryland Driver's Manual.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can go straight to the road test without a learner's permit. However, you must still pass the written knowledge test first. The written test costs $7, and the road test costs an additional fee.

What if I move out of Maryland while holding a learner's permit?

Your Maryland learner's permit is no longer valid once you establish residency in another state. You will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency for requirements.