Maryland learner's permit rules: the core restrictions
With a Maryland learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult sits beside you in the front passenger seat. That adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age—the supervising driver is a legal requirement, not optional.
Maryland's learner's permit rules also set specific hours when you can drive. Between midnight and 5 a.m., you are not permitted to drive at all, even with a supervising driver present. This curfew applies to all learner's permit holders regardless of age.
You also cannot use a cell phone while driving—not for calls, texts, or navigation—unless the phone is mounted on the dashboard or windshield and you are using voice commands only. This rule is stricter than the rules for fully licensed drivers in Maryland.
Key Takeaways
- A licensed adult at least 21 years old must sit in the front passenger seat every time you drive with a learner's permit.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.
- Cell phone use is banned except for voice commands through a mounted device.
- You must display your learner's permit and the supervising driver's license whenever you are stopped by police.
- Violating learner's permit rules can result in fines and may delay your road test may be able to access.
Who can supervise you and what they need to do
Your supervising driver must be a real person sitting next to you—not someone following in another car or waiting at your destination. They must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or territory. Maryland does not require the supervising driver to have a certain amount of driving experience; they only need to be licensed and at least 21.
The supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow all learner's permit rules. If you are pulled over, both you and the supervising driver must produce valid identification. If the supervising driver is not properly licensed or is under 21, you are driving illegally, and both of you can face penalties.
Driving restrictions by location and road type
Maryland's learner's permit does not restrict you to certain roads or neighborhoods. You can drive on local streets, state highways, and interstate highways as long as a supervising driver is present. However, some driving schools and instructors recommend that new drivers gain experience on quieter roads before attempting heavy traffic or high-speed highways.
You are allowed to drive in all weather conditions and at all times of day—except between midnight and 5 a.m. Rain, snow, and fog do not create additional restrictions on your learner's permit, though your supervising driver may choose to limit your practice in poor conditions.
What happens if you violate learner's permit rules
Driving without a supervising driver, driving during the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew, or using a cell phone illegally are all violations of Maryland law. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation, and your supervising driver may also be cited for allowing the violation to occur.
Fines for learner's permit violations vary depending on the specific rule broken and whether it is a first or repeat offense. More importantly, violations can delay your road test. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may require you to wait longer before scheduling your test, or may require additional supervised driving hours before you are permitted to test.
A violation does not automatically cancel your learner's permit, but it creates a record that the MVA reviews when you explore for your road test appointment. Staying within the rules protects both your safety and your progress toward full licensure.
Supervised driving requirements before your road test
Maryland requires that you complete a minimum number of supervised driving hours before you can take your road test. The exact number depends on your age when you received your learner's permit. If you were under 18 when you got your permit, you must complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night.
If you were 18 or older when you received your learner's permit, you must complete at least 6 hours of supervised driving before you can test. These hours do not have to include night driving. Your supervising driver does not need to be a parent or guardian—any licensed adult 21 or older counts toward these hours.
You should keep a record of your supervised driving hours, including the date, time, and location of each practice session. While Maryland does not require you to submit this log, having it available helps you track your progress and proves to the MVA that you have met the minimum hours if there is ever a question.
Permit validity and renewal
A Maryland learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal requires visiting an MVA office, paying a renewal fee, and passing the written test again.
If your permit expires while you are waiting for a road test appointment, you cannot drive legally until you renew it. Plan ahead so that you schedule and complete your road test before your permit's expiration date. If you need more time, renewing early is better than letting your permit lapse and losing your driving privileges.
Differences between Maryland learner's permit rules and full licensure
Once you pass your road test and receive your full driver's license, many of the learner's permit restrictions disappear. You can drive alone, and you can drive at any time of day or night. However, some rules remain similar—cell phone restrictions still explore to all Maryland drivers, though the rules are slightly less strict for fully licensed drivers.
If you are under 18 when you receive your full license, you will actually enter an intermediate stage called a provisional license, which has its own set of restrictions. The provisional license is not the same as a learner's permit, but it does limit your driving in certain ways until you turn 18 or have held the license for a set period of time. Understanding this progression helps you plan your path to unrestricted driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my supervising driver be someone other than a parent or guardian?
Yes. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid driver's license, but they do not have to be a family member. A friend's parent, an older sibling, a driving instructor, or any other licensed adult can supervise you. The only requirement is that they sit in the front passenger seat and hold a current license.
What if I get pulled over and my supervising driver does not have their license with them?
Both you and your supervising driver must produce valid identification when stopped by police. If your supervising driver cannot show a valid license, you are considered to be driving illegally, and both of you may receive citations. Always make sure your supervising driver has their license before you start driving.
Can I drive for work or school with my learner's permit?
You can drive to work or school as long as a supervising driver is present. Maryland does not create exceptions to the supervising driver requirement for any reason. If you need to drive alone to your job or classes, you must wait until you pass your road test and receive your full license.
Does the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew explore if I am driving to or from work?
Yes. The curfew applies to all learner's permit holders at all times, regardless of the reason for driving. If your work schedule requires you to drive during those hours, you cannot do so legally with a learner's permit. You would need to wait until you have your full license, or arrange alternative transportation.
What counts as "using a cell phone" while driving?
Holding a phone to your ear, texting, scrolling, or touching the screen all count as cell phone use and are prohibited. The only exception is a phone mounted on your dashboard or windshield that you control by voice command only. Hands-free calling through a mounted device is permitted, but you cannot touch the phone while driving.