What You Need to Know Before You Start

Maryland's motorcycle learners permit—officially called an Instruction Permit—lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads under specific restrictions while you practice before taking the full endorsement test. You must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and meet Maryland's vision and medical standards. The permit is valid for one year and costs $7.

The key restriction: you cannot ride alone. You must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid motorcycle endorsement. You also cannot ride at night (between sunset and sunrise) or on limited-access highways. These rules exist because learners are statistically at higher risk, and the permit period is meant to build skills under supervision.

You do not need to complete a formal motorcycle safety course to get the permit itself, though Maryland offers the Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Taking that course can waive the written test and the riding test later—a significant advantage if you want to move faster toward your full endorsement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge test at an MVA office to receive an Instruction Permit.
  • The permit costs $7, is valid for one year, and requires you to ride with a licensed motorcycle rider aged 18 or older.
  • You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise or on limited-access highways while holding an Instruction Permit.
  • Completing Maryland's Motorcycle Safety Program waives both the written test and the riding test, letting you go straight to the endorsement.
  • Your vision must meet Maryland standards (corrected or uncorrected), and you must disclose any medical conditions that affect your ability to ride safely.

Age and Residency Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Maryland motorcycle Instruction Permit. There is no upper age limit. Maryland does not require you to be a state resident to get a permit, but you will need a valid form of identification—typically a Social Security number and proof of identity such as a birth certificate, passport, or existing driver's license.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form at the MVA office. This form confirms that an adult takes responsibility for your permit and agrees to the restrictions. Bring the guardian with you or have them sign the form beforehand and bring it with you to the office.

Documents and Information to Bring to the MVA

Bring these items when you go to explore for your Instruction Permit:

  • A valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or existing Maryland driver's license)
  • Your Social Security number or a Social Security card
  • Proof of Maryland residency if you are a resident (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • A completed process for a Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), available at any MVA office or online
  • Payment of $7 (cash, check, or card—check your local MVA office for accepted methods)
  • If you are under 18, a signed parental consent form (your guardian must sign in person or you must bring a pre-signed form)

You do not need to bring a motorcycle or proof of ownership. The permit is not tied to a specific vehicle.

The Written Knowledge Test

The written test covers Maryland motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. It has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the MVA office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

The test covers topics such as proper helmet use, lane positioning, braking techniques, turning, visibility, and how to handle other road users. Maryland provides a free Motorcycle Operator Manual at every MVA office and online at the MVA website. Study this manual before you test; it contains nearly all the information you will see on the exam.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

You can skip the written test entirely if you complete Maryland's Motorcycle Safety Program. The MSP is a two-day classroom and riding course offered by approved instructors throughout the state. Upon completion, you receive a waiver certificate that you present at the MVA instead of taking the written test.

Vision and Medical Standards

Maryland requires that your vision meet minimum standards to ride safely. You must have corrected or uncorrected vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, and your field of vision must be at least 140 degrees. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them while riding and while taking any test.

You must also disclose any medical conditions that could affect your ability to ride. These include seizure disorders, loss of consciousness, diabetes requiring insulin, heart conditions, and certain medications that cause drowsiness or impair judgment. The MVA does not automatically disqualify you for these conditions, but you may be asked to provide a medical evaluation from your doctor. Be honest on the process; riding while impaired by a medical condition you did not disclose can result in permit revocation and liability if you are in a crash.

Restrictions on Your Instruction Permit

While you hold an Instruction Permit, you must follow these rules:

  • You must ride with a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license.
  • You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise.
  • You cannot ride on limited-access highways (Interstate highways and some state highways marked as limited-access).
  • You must wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, and your supervising rider must also wear a helmet.
  • You cannot carry passengers.
  • You cannot use a handheld mobile device while riding.

Violating these restrictions can result in a citation, fines, and suspension of your permit. The supervising rider is also responsible for ensuring you follow the rules and can be cited if you do not.

How Long the Permit Is Valid and What Happens Next

Your Instruction Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can use this time to practice under supervision and prepare for the motorcycle endorsement test, which is the riding test that allows you to ride without a licensed supervisor.

Before you can take the endorsement test, you must hold the Instruction Permit for at least one day. There is no minimum practice period required by law, but the MVA recommends at least 10 to 15 hours of supervised riding before you attempt the test. The endorsement test is a practical riding test administered at an MVA office or approved testing site; you must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by an approved testing facility.

If your permit expires before you take the endorsement test, you can renew it for another year by visiting an MVA office and paying the $7 fee again. You do not need to retake the written test if you already passed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the motorcycle safety course instead of the written test?

Yes. Maryland's Motorcycle Safety Program is a two-day course that covers classroom instruction and on-motorcycle training. Upon completion, you receive a waiver certificate that you bring to the MVA instead of taking the written test. This also waives the riding test when you are ready for your endorsement, so you can go straight to the endorsement without a separate riding exam.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or any other day at no extra cost. There is no limit to retakes, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. Study the Motorcycle Operator Manual before your next attempt; it covers all the material on the test.

Can my supervising rider be on a different motorcycle?

Yes. Your supervising rider does not have to be on the same motorcycle as you. They must be a licensed motorcycle rider aged 18 or older with a valid motorcycle endorsement, and they must be present and able to observe you while you ride. In practice, this usually means riding in close proximity on the road.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while on my Instruction Permit?

A traffic citation while on your permit is treated like any other citation. If you are found at fault, points are added to your driving record and you may face fines. If the violation is serious (such as reckless driving), your permit can be suspended. Always follow traffic laws and the permit restrictions to avoid jeopardizing your ability to continue practicing.

Do I need to register a motorcycle to get the Instruction Permit?

No. The Instruction Permit is not tied to a specific motorcycle. You do not need to own or register a motorcycle to get the permit. You only need to register a motorcycle if you plan to ride it on public roads after you obtain your endorsement.