What you need to get a Maryland learner's permit

Maryland issues a learner's permit to people aged 15 years and 9 months or older. You'll need to visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland residency. The permit costs $47 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.

You cannot get a learner's permit by mail or online — you must appear at an MVA office yourself. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process. The MVA will take your photograph and fingerprints at that visit.

The learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver aged 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and visit an MVA office in person with ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign the process form.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices; you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and costs $47, and you must have a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your license.

Documents to bring to the MVA office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card. The MVA will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. A document that shows your number but is not an original will not work — the MVA staff must see the original document.

For proof of Maryland residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Maryland address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work for residency proof.

The written knowledge test

The written test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 72 percent. The test is given on a computer at the MVA office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.

The MVA publishes a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, available online at the MVA website and in print at any MVA office. Most of the test questions come directly from this manual. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Many people pass on their first attempt if they study the manual for a few hours beforehand.

How long you must hold your learner's permit

Maryland requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your license. This waiting period begins on the date the MVA issues your permit. You cannot shorten this time, even if you pass the road test early.

During these six months, you should practice driving with your supervising driver as much as possible. The more hours you log, the more comfortable you will be during the road test. There is no minimum number of practice hours required by Maryland law, but the MVA recommends at least 60 hours, with at least 10 hours at night.

Restrictions while you hold a learner's permit

Your learner's permit comes with several driving restrictions. You must have a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot use a cell phone or any handheld device while driving, even if you are stopped at a red light. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of who is in the car with you.

You also cannot tow a trailer or carry passengers under 21 years old unless they are your when ready family members and a supervising driver is present. If you violate any of these restrictions, you can be cited by police, and the violation may affect your ability to move forward to a license.

What happens after you pass the road test

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least six months, you can schedule a road test at an MVA office. The road test lasts about 20 minutes and includes driving on local streets and highways. An MVA examiner sits in the car and watches you drive, checking your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers.

If you pass the road test, the MVA will issue you a Class D license, which is the standard license for drivers aged 16 and 17. This license has fewer restrictions than your learner's permit — you can drive alone and during any hour — but you still cannot carry passengers under 21 unless a supervising driver is present, until you turn 18.

If you fail the road test, you keep your learner's permit and can retake the test after waiting one week. You can retake it as many times as you need, and each attempt costs $12.

Renewing or replacing your learner's permit

Your learner's permit expires two years from the date it was issued. If you have not yet taken your road test, you can renew it at an MVA office for $47. You do not need to retake the written test — you only need to bring your current permit and pay the renewal fee.

If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any MVA office for $7. Bring your ID and proof of residency. If your permit is damaged or the photograph is no longer clear, you can also request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit before I turn 15 and 9 months?

No. Maryland law sets the minimum age at 15 years and 9 months. You cannot get a permit before that date, even if you will turn 16 soon. The MVA will check your birth date when you explore.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can bring a valid passport, a state ID card, or a Certificate of Naturalization instead. If you have none of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I have to take the written test in English?

No. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the MVA staff which language you prefer when you arrive. The test content is the same regardless of language.

Can my learner's permit be used to board an airplane?

No. A learner's permit is not a valid form of identification for air travel. You will need a passport, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or another federal ID. Once you pass your road test and receive your Class D license, you can check whether it is Real ID-compliant by looking for a star in the top right corner of the card.

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

Your Maryland learner's permit remains valid in other states while you are learning to drive. However, if you move to another state permanently, you will need to get a learner's permit from that state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle office for their requirements.