What you need to get a Maryland learner's permit
Maryland issues a learner's permit (called a Learner's Permit or Provisional License depending on your age) through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The document you receive proves you can practice driving under supervision before taking your road test. To get one, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test, and bring specific documents to an MVA office.
The permit itself is free, but you will pay a $35 fee for the knowledge test and permit issuance combined. You do not need to own a car or have insurance in your name yet, though the car you practice in must be insured and registered.
Maryland does not mail permits. You must visit an MVA office in person to take the test and receive your permit the same day. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual or take practice tests on the MVA website before you go.
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.
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or school enrollment letter) to your MVA visit.
- The $35 fee covers both the knowledge test and the permit; you pay it once at the MVA office.
- You can practice driving with a permit for at least 6 months before taking your road test, and a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat with you.
- The MVA office will give you your permit when ready after you pass the test; there is no waiting period.
Documents you must bring to the MVA
Maryland requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted for identity documents.
For identity, bring one of these: a birth certificate (long-form, not a short-form), a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a consular report of birth abroad. A school ID or learner's permit from another state does not count as primary identity.
For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your name and number. A letter from Social Security also works.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a school enrollment letter, a bank statement, or a government check addressed to you at a Maryland address. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A parent's utility bill with your name on it also counts if you live with them.
How the knowledge test works
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 19 correctly (76%) to pass. The test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You have 30 minutes to complete it.
The test is offered in English and several other languages. If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter at the MVA office when you arrive, though availability varies by location. You cannot bring study materials, phones, or notes into the testing room.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee for retakes. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the Maryland Driver's Manual beforehand.
Permit restrictions and how long it lasts
Your learner's permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. During that time, you must follow these rules: a licensed driver who is 21 or older must sit in the front seat with you at all times, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free). You also cannot tow a trailer or carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.
These restrictions exist to reduce crash risk while you are learning. Violating them can result in a traffic citation and may delay your road test. If you are cited for a permit violation, you must wait at least 6 months after the violation before taking your road test.
You can hold your permit for the full 2 years if needed, but most drivers take their road test after 6 months to 1 year of practice. Once you pass the road test, your permit expires and you receive your full license.
When you can take your road test
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can schedule a road test. You also must be at least 16 years and 6 months old. If you received your permit at 15 years and 9 months, you will be may be able to access for your road test around age 16 years and 3 months.
To schedule a road test, contact the MVA office where you got your permit or call the MVA scheduling line. Road tests are administered at MVA offices and typically have a wait of 2 to 8 weeks depending on the location and time of year. Spring and summer are busier than fall and winter.
The road test costs $12 and lasts about 20 minutes. You drive on local roads while an examiner watches and scores your performance. If you pass, you receive your full license when ready. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least 1 week.
Renewing or replacing your permit
If your permit expires before you take your road test, you can renew it at any MVA office. Bring your expired permit and pay the $35 fee again. You do not need to retake the knowledge test—the fee covers only the renewal.
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at an MVA office. Bring your ID and residency proof. The replacement fee is $12. You do not need to retake the test.
If you move to a different state before taking your road test, you will need to start over with that state's permit process. Maryland does not transfer permits to other states, and other states do not recognize Maryland permits.
What happens if you fail the knowledge test
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test when ready at the same MVA office. There is no additional fee and no waiting period. Many people pass on a second or third attempt after reviewing the areas they missed.
The MVA does not tell you which questions you got wrong, but the examiner can tell you which topics to study (such as right-of-way, speed limits, or parking rules). Review those sections in the Maryland Driver's Manual and try again.
If you fail multiple times, consider taking a driver education course. Some high schools offer them for free, and private driving schools charge $300 to $800 for a full course. These courses do not waive the knowledge test, but they improve your chances of passing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Maryland permit if I am homeschooled?
Yes. You need proof of residency, not proof of enrollment. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name at your Maryland address. A homeschool transcript or letter from your parent does not count as residency proof.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Maryland Vital Records Administration to order a birth certificate before you go to the MVA. This can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Can someone else take the knowledge test for me?
No. You must take the test yourself and be present in person at the MVA office. The test is designed to verify that you know Maryland traffic laws before you practice driving.
Do I need insurance to get a permit?
You do not need insurance in your own name to get the permit. However, the car you practice in must be insured and registered. The insurance can be in your parent's or guardian's name. Once you pass your road test and receive your full license, you will need your own insurance or to be listed on a parent's policy.
What if I turn 16 before I pass the knowledge test?
You can still take the test and get your learner's permit at any age 15 years and 9 months or older. Your age does not change the test or the fee. You will still need to hold the permit for 6 months before taking your road test.