Maryland Learner's Permit Requirements at a Glance
To get a Maryland learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs, and provide proof of identity and residency. You will also need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The permit costs $47 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues learner's permits at all full-service MVA offices. You do not need to bring a parent or guardian to the office if you are 16 or older, but if you are under 16, a parent or legal guardian must be present with a signed Parental Consent form (Form DL 43).
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and have a valid Social Security number or ITIN to obtain a Maryland learner's permit.
- The written knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport) and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) are required documents you must bring to the MVA office.
- If you are under 16, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the MVA office and sign the Parental Consent form.
- The permit costs $47 and remains valid for two years; you can renew it at any MVA office if you have not yet turned 18.
Age and Identity Requirements
Maryland requires you to be at least 15 years and 9 months old to obtain a learner's permit. This means you can explore up to three months before your 16th birthday. You must provide a valid Social Security number or ITIN; if you do not have either, you will need to explore for one before visiting the MVA.
You will also need to prove your identity with an original or certified copy of one of these documents: a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is a short form (wallet-sized), bring the long form instead, as the MVA will not accept abbreviated versions.
Proof of Residency and Address Documentation
The MVA requires proof that you live in Maryland. You can use any one of these documents dated within the past 60 days: a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your current address.
If you live with a parent or guardian whose name appears on the utility bill or lease, that document counts as proof of your residency. If you live at an address that does not appear on any of these documents—for example, if you live with a relative who does not have bills in your name—bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. The affidavit must be dated within 30 days of your MVA visit.
The Written Knowledge Test
The Maryland learner's permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions covering 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 based on the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA provides free at all offices and online at the MVA website.
You will take the test on a computer at the MVA office. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day at no additional cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
The test does not include a driving component. Once you pass the written test and meet all other requirements, you receive your permit when ready.
Parental Consent and Guardian Requirements
If you are under 16, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the MVA office. They must bring a photo ID and sign the Parental Consent form (Form DL 43) in front of an MVA employee. The form certifies that the parent or guardian has reviewed the learner's permit restrictions with you and consents to you driving.
If you are 16 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian present, though you may bring one if you wish. If you are 18 or older, you can explore for a full driver's license instead of a learner's permit; the requirements are different and do not require parental consent.
Documents Checklist for Your MVA Visit
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Birth certificate (long form), U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship | Original or certified copy only. Short-form birth certificates are not accepted. |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, credit card statement, or government document | Must be dated within the past 60 days and show your current address. |
| Social Security or ITIN | Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | You must provide the number; you do not need to bring the card. |
| Parental Consent (if under 16) | Form DL 43, signed by parent or legal guardian in front of MVA employee | Parent or guardian must bring photo ID and be present at the office. |
Fees and Permit Validity
A Maryland learner's permit costs $47. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the MVA office. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can renew it at any full-service MVA office if you have not yet turned 18; renewal costs $47 and requires you to pass the written test again.
If your permit expires after you turn 18, you must obtain a full driver's license to continue driving. You cannot straightforward renew the learner's permit once you reach 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at an MVA office on a computer provided by the MVA. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party testing center. You must visit a full-service MVA office during business hours.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same office or return on another day. There is no cost to retake the test and no limit on how many times you can attempt it. You must wait at least one day between attempts.
Do I need to have a driver's education course to get a learner's permit?
No. A driver's education course is not required to obtain a learner's permit in Maryland. However, if you complete an approved driver's education course, you may be may be able to access for an insurance discount. The course is optional.
Can I drive alone with a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit requires a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old to be in the front passenger seat at all times while you drive. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These are permit restrictions enforced by law.
What if I lose my learner's permit?
You can obtain a replacement permit at any full-service MVA office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and pay a $47 replacement fee. The new permit will have the same expiration date as your original permit.