Yes, you can drive with a Maryland learner's permit, but only under strict conditions

A Maryland learner's permit (also called a learner's license) lets you drive on public roads, but you must have a licensed adult in the front seat next to you at all times. That adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Without that person present, you are breaking the law and can be cited, even if you are an excellent driver.

The permit is meant to give you supervised practice before you take the road test for a full license. Maryland's rules are designed to keep new drivers safe while they learn. Breaking the restrictions can result in fines, points on your record, and suspension of your permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
  • Maryland prohibits permit holders from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising adult present.
  • You cannot use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free devices, except in genuine emergencies.
  • Violating permit restrictions can result in fines up to $500 and points added to your driving record.

The supervising adult requirement

Maryland law requires that a licensed adult supervisor sit in the front passenger seat of the vehicle at all times while you are driving with a learner's permit. This person must be at least 21 years old and must hold a valid driver's license from any state or country. They cannot be a permit holder themselves.

The supervisor's job is to watch your driving, correct mistakes, and take control of the vehicle if necessary. They are not just a passenger — they are legally responsible for ensuring you follow all permit rules. If you are pulled over and the supervisor is not present or does not meet the age requirement, you can be cited.

Driving hours and time restrictions

Maryland prohibits learner's permit holders from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of whether a supervising adult is in the car. This restriction applies to all permit holders and has no exceptions for school, work, or emergencies.

If you need to drive during these hours — for example, to get to an early morning job or school — you must wait until you pass your road test and receive your provisional license. Even then, the hours restriction continues until you turn 18 or have held your provisional license for 18 months, whichever comes first.

Cell phone and distraction rules

You cannot use a cell phone while driving with a learner's permit, even if it is hands-free or mounted on the dashboard. This includes texting, calling, using GPS, or checking social media. The only exception is calling 911 in a genuine emergency.

Your supervising adult can use their phone, but they should not be distracted while you are driving. If you are pulled over and an officer sees you with a phone in your hand or sees evidence you were using one, you can be cited. The fine for a first violation is up to $75, and points will be added to your record.

Passenger restrictions

You can have passengers in the car while driving with a learner's permit, but Maryland limits how many. You are allowed to carry one passenger who is not a family member, in addition to your supervising adult. Family members do not count toward this limit.

This rule exists because research shows that teenage drivers with multiple passengers have higher crash rates. The supervising adult must still be in the front seat, and the additional passenger can sit anywhere in the vehicle. If you have more than one non-family passenger, you can be cited.

Seat belt and safety equipment rules

You and everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times. Maryland law requires this for all drivers and passengers, but it is especially important while you are learning. If you are pulled over and anyone in the car is not wearing a seat belt, you can be cited.

Your vehicle must also have working headlights, taillights, and brake lights. The supervising adult should check these before you drive. If equipment is broken, do not drive — have it repaired first. A broken light can result in a traffic stop, and if the officer discovers you are a permit holder, they will check that your supervising adult is present and meets all requirements.

What happens if you violate permit restrictions

Violating Maryland learner's permit rules can result in fines, points on your driving record, and suspension of your permit. A first violation of the supervising adult requirement can result in a fine up to $500 and three points on your record. Driving during prohibited hours carries similar penalties.

If you accumulate too many violations, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can suspend your permit, meaning you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted. You will also have to wait longer before you can take your road test. A suspended permit can also affect your ability to get a full license later, because points stay on your record for three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent or guardian supervise me if they don't have a license?

No. The supervising adult must hold a valid driver's license from any state or country. A parent or guardian without a license cannot supervise you, even if they have years of driving experience. You must have someone with an active, valid license in the front seat.

What if I get pulled over and my supervising adult is in the back seat instead of the front?

You can be cited. Maryland law specifically requires the supervising adult to sit in the front passenger seat. If an officer sees the adult in the back, they will treat it as a violation of the permit restrictions. Make sure your supervisor always sits next to you.

Can I drive alone to take my road test?

No. You must have your supervising adult drive you to the MVA testing location. Once you pass the road test and receive your provisional license, you can drive alone, but you will still have restrictions on hours and passengers until you turn 18 or meet the time requirement.

If I turn 18 while I have a learner's permit, do the restrictions go away?

No. Even at 18, you still need a supervising adult in the front seat while you hold a learner's permit. The permit restrictions do not change based on age. You must pass your road test to get a provisional or full license and be free of the supervising adult requirement.

Can my supervising adult be a permit holder from another state?

Yes, as long as their license is valid and current. Maryland recognizes valid driver's licenses from all states and countries. The person must be at least 21 years old and hold an active license — a permit or learner's license from another state does not count.