What You Need 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 on traffic laws and road signs, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
The permit itself costs $47 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit — you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times. The permit is your legal proof that you have passed the knowledge test and are authorized to practice.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and pass the written knowledge test to receive a learner's permit in Maryland.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a number) to the MVA office.
- The knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual or take practice tests online.
- Your learner's permit costs $47 and is valid for two years; you must renew it if you have not passed your road test before it expires.
- While holding a learner's permit, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all other traffic laws as if you were a licensed driver.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
The MVA requires specific documents to issue a learner's permit. Bring one form of valid photo identification — a passport, birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a school ID with a photo and your date of birth. If you do not have a photo ID, bring your birth certificate plus a non-photo ID such as a Social Security card or school enrollment letter.
You also need proof that you live in Maryland. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or a letter from a parent or guardian on their letterhead stating your address and relationship. The document must show your name and current Maryland address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have a number. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign consent forms. The MVA will not issue a permit without a parent's or guardian's signature for anyone under 18.
How the Knowledge Test Works
The written knowledge 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 — that is a score of 76 percent or higher. The test is given on a computer at the MVA office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.
The test covers material from the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which you can read online at the MVA website or pick up at any MVA office. The manual explains right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. Many people study the manual for a few weeks before taking the test.
You can also take practice tests online through the MVA website at no cost. These practice tests use the same format and types of questions as the real test, so they help you know what to expect. You can take the practice test as many times as you want before you go to the MVA office.
Steps to Get Your Learner's Permit
- Study the Maryland Driver's Manual or take online practice tests to prepare for the knowledge test.
- Gather your documents: photo ID or birth certificate plus non-photo ID, proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or letter from Social Security.
- If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian available to sign consent forms.
- Visit an MVA office during business hours. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Tell the MVA staff you want to take the knowledge test for a learner's permit.
- Take the written test on the computer at the MVA office. You have 30 minutes to complete it.
- If you pass, pay the $47 fee and receive your learner's permit when ready.
- If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.
Restrictions While You Hold a Learner's Permit
Maryland law places specific limits on what you can do with a learner's permit. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat at all times — no exceptions for short trips or familiar roads.
You must obey all traffic laws as if you were a licensed driver. That means following speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and not using your phone while driving. If you are pulled over by police, you must show your learner's permit and the licensed adult's driver's license. Violations can result in fines and may delay your road test.
You cannot carry passengers other than the supervising adult unless a parent or guardian is also in the car. This rule exists because passengers can distract new drivers. Once you pass your road test and receive a full license, these restrictions no longer explore.
What Happens After You Pass the Knowledge Test
After you receive your learner's permit, you can begin practicing with a licensed adult. Most people practice for several months before taking the road test. During this time, you learn to handle the car in different weather, traffic, and road conditions.
When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test at an MVA office. The road test costs $12 and takes about 20 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as parking, turning, and stopping to see if you can drive safely.
If you pass the road test, you receive a Class D driver's license, which is the standard license for drivers 18 and older. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. Your learner's permit remains valid for two years, so you have time to practice and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test online instead of at an MVA office?
No. The knowledge test must be taken in person at an MVA office on a computer provided by the MVA. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can take practice tests online to prepare.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each time you take the test, you must pay the $47 permit fee only once — the fee covers all attempts until you pass.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get a learner's permit?
No. A driver's education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Maryland. However, if you are under 18, taking an approved course may lower your car insurance rates and is required before you can take the road test for a full license.
What if my learner's permit expires before I pass the road test?
You can renew your permit at any MVA office. Bring your expired permit, proof of residency, and the $47 renewal fee. You do not need to retake the knowledge test — your passing score is on record.
Can someone from another state supervise my driving with a Maryland learner's permit?
Yes, as long as they hold a valid driver's license from any state and are at least 21 years old. The license must be current and not suspended or revoked.