What You Need to Know Before You explore

Maryland's learner's permit is a Class F license that lets you drive under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to request one. The permit itself costs $47 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.

You will need to pass a written knowledge test about Maryland traffic laws and road signs. You do not need to have held a permit for any minimum time before taking the road test for a full license, but you must have a valid permit or be at least 16 years old at the time you test. If you are under 18, Maryland's Graduated Licensing System has specific rules about when and where you can drive, and who must be in the car with you.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all learner's permits. You can request one in person at any MVA office, or you can request one by mail if you meet certain conditions. Online requests are not available for learner's permits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and pass a written knowledge test to receive a Maryland learner's permit.
  • The permit costs $47 and is valid for two years; you do not need to hold it for any set time before taking your road test.
  • In-person requests at an MVA office are the standard route; mail requests are available only if you meet specific conditions set by the MVA.
  • If you are under 18, Maryland's Graduated Licensing System restricts when you can drive, how many passengers you can carry, and whether an adult must be present.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency to complete your request.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. You need one document that proves your identity, one that proves your Social Security number, and one that proves you live in Maryland.

For identity, the MVA accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a foreign passport. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For Maryland residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check addressed to you at your Maryland address. All residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or legal guardian to sign your request in person. The parent or guardian must bring their own ID. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent present.

The Written Knowledge Test

The Maryland knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and the rules of the road. It has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 19 correctly to pass — that is a score of 76 percent or higher.

The MVA provides a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, available on the MVA website and in print at any MVA office. The manual covers everything tested. You can also take practice tests on the MVA website to see what kinds of questions appear.

You take the test at the MVA office on the same day you request your permit. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, you must wait one day before taking it again.

In-Person Request at an MVA Office

Walk into any Maryland MVA office with your documents, your parent or guardian (if you are under 18), and a completed process for a Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43). You can fill out the form at home or at the office. Bring the documents listed above.

Tell the clerk you are requesting a Class F learner's permit. Pay the $47 fee. You will have your photo taken. Then you will take the written knowledge test at a computer terminal in the office. If you pass, your permit will be printed on the spot. If you fail, you can retake it when ready at no cost.

Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you pass the test on your first try. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your number — the MVA will verify it before issuing the permit. If you do not have your Social Security card with you, bring another document from the list above that shows your number.

Mail Request (Limited Circumstances)

You can request a learner's permit by mail only if you already hold a valid Maryland driver's license or permit from another class, or if you are renewing a learner's permit that has expired within the last two years. If neither applies to you, you must go to an MVA office in person.

To request by mail, send a completed Form DL-43, a check or money order for $47 made out to the Maryland MVA, a copy of your identity document, and a copy of your Social Security proof to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current or expired Maryland license or permit if you have one.

Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days to process. Your new permit will arrive by mail. You will still need to pass the knowledge test; the MVA will send you information about how to schedule a test appointment at an office near you.

Graduated Licensing Rules for Drivers Under 18

Maryland's Graduated Licensing System places restrictions on permit holders and new drivers under 18. With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner's permit. You also cannot use a cell phone, hands-free or handheld, while driving — not even at a red light. Texting is banned entirely.

These rules stay in place even after you pass your road test and receive a full license, until you turn 18. At 18, the restrictions lift and you have a standard Class D license with no special conditions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason for rejection is bringing documents that do not meet the MVA's requirements. Photocopies of your birth certificate will not work — you need an original or a certified copy from the vital records office. Utility bills must show your current address and be dated within 60 days; an old bill will be rejected. Make sure all documents are in your name.

If you are under 18 and come to the MVA without a parent or guardian, you will be turned away and will have to return another day. The parent or guardian must be present in person; you cannot send them by mail or have someone else sign on their behalf.

Another mistake is not studying the Maryland Driver's Manual before taking the test. The test draws directly from the manual, and the practice tests on the MVA website are very similar to the real test. Spending an hour or two with the manual before your appointment will improve your chances of passing on the first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a learner's permit online?

No. Maryland does not offer online requests for learner's permits. You must go to an MVA office in person or mail in your request if you meet the limited conditions for mail requests — which means you already hold a valid Maryland license or permit, or you are renewing an expired permit.

How long does a learner's permit last?

A Maryland learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. You do not need to hold it for any minimum time before taking your road test for a full license. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to request a new one.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one day before trying again. Each attempt after the second costs $7. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the road test?

No. You can take the road test without a permit if you are at least 16 years old. However, most people request a permit first so they can practice driving under supervision. If you are under 16, you must have a valid permit to drive at all.

Can my parent or guardian sign my permit request if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian present, and you must sign the form yourself. Only drivers under 18 require a parent or guardian to sign in person.