Maryland learner's permit restrictions: what the law says

A Maryland learner's permit (also called a learner's license) lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it comes with strict rules about who can supervise you, when you can drive, and what you cannot do behind the wheel. You must follow these restrictions exactly — violating them can result in fines, license suspension, or being required to restart the licensing process.

Maryland's restrictions fall into three categories: who must be with you, when you can drive, and what driving activities are off-limits. The state enforces these rules through traffic stops and insurance claims, so understanding them before you get behind the wheel matters for your safety and your record.

Key Takeaways

  • A licensed adult age 25 or older must sit in the front passenger seat next to you at all times while you drive on a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone for any reason, including hands-free calls or GPS.
  • You are prohibited from towing, driving on interstate highways, and carrying passengers other than the supervising adult.
  • Violating learner's permit restrictions can result in fines up to $110 and may extend the time before you can take your road test.
  • Once you pass your road test and receive your provisional license, some restrictions ease but others remain in place until age 18.

Who must supervise you while driving

Maryland requires a licensed adult age 25 or older to sit in the front passenger seat beside you at all times. This person must hold a valid driver's license — it can be from Maryland or another state. The supervising adult is responsible for monitoring your driving and can be held liable if you cause an accident or violate permit restrictions.

The supervising adult cannot be a provisional license holder (someone under 18 with a new license) or a learner's permit holder themselves. They must be physically present in the front seat; they cannot supervise from the back seat or from another vehicle. If you are pulled over and the supervising adult is not in the front passenger seat, you will be cited for violating your permit restrictions.

Time restrictions: when you cannot drive

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This applies every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. The restriction is absolute — there are no exceptions for emergencies, school, or work. If you are caught driving during these hours, you will receive a citation.

This curfew is designed to reduce accidents involving young, inexperienced drivers during high-risk hours. It remains in effect for the entire duration of your learner's permit, which typically lasts six months to one year depending on your age when you obtain it.

Cell phone and distraction rules

You cannot use a cell phone or electronic device for any reason while driving on a learner's permit. This includes texting, calling, using GPS or navigation apps, checking social media, or using hands-free features. The only exception is calling 911 in a genuine emergency.

If you need directions, your supervising adult should handle the GPS or provide verbal directions. If you need to make a call, pull over safely and turn off the engine before using your phone. Maryland enforces this rule strictly because distraction is a leading cause of crashes involving young drivers.

Driving activities you are prohibited from doing

You cannot tow a trailer or any other vehicle while on a learner's permit. You also cannot drive on interstate highways (I-95, I-81, I-66, and other numbered interstates in Maryland). This means you cannot use interstates to get to school, work, or other destinations, even if it would be faster.

You cannot carry passengers other than your supervising adult. This includes friends, siblings, or other family members. The only people allowed in the car are you, the supervising adult, and any additional licensed adults — but the supervising adult must still be in the front passenger seat.

You also cannot drive for commercial purposes, such as delivering food or packages for payment. You cannot drive a vehicle with a commercial license plate or a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers.

What happens if you violate learner's permit restrictions

Violating any learner's permit restriction is a traffic violation in Maryland. The fine is typically up to $110, though the exact amount depends on the specific violation and the judge or officer's discretion. A violation will appear on your driving record.

Beyond the fine, violating restrictions can delay your progress toward a full license. If you accumulate violations or are cited for serious infractions, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may require you to extend your learner's permit period before you are allowed to take your road test. Some violations, such as reckless driving or causing an accident, can result in your permit being suspended or revoked entirely.

How restrictions change when you get your provisional license

Once you pass your road test, you receive a provisional license (also called a junior license). Some restrictions ease, but others remain. You no longer need a supervising adult in the car, and you can drive during any hour of the day or night. You can use interstate highways and carry passengers.

However, you still cannot use a cell phone for any reason except 911 calls. You also cannot tow a trailer. If you are under 18, you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a sanctioned event. At age 18, your provisional license converts to a full license and all remaining restrictions are lifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sit in the back seat instead of the front passenger seat?

No. Maryland law requires the supervising adult to sit in the front passenger seat next to you. If they sit in the back, you are violating your permit restrictions and can be cited. The supervising adult must be in the front seat at all times while you are driving.

What if I need to drive to work and my shift starts before 5 a.m.?

The midnight to 5 a.m. restriction applies to learner's permits with no exceptions, even for work. You must wait until 5 a.m. to begin driving, or you need to arrange alternative transportation. Once you pass your road test and get a provisional license, you can drive to work before 5 a.m. if you have documentation of your work schedule.

Can I use GPS if my supervising adult holds the phone?

No. You cannot touch or use a cell phone or GPS device for any reason, and the restriction applies even if someone else is holding it. Your supervising adult can hold the phone and provide directions, but you cannot look at the screen or interact with the device yourself.

Do I lose my learner's permit if I get a speeding ticket?

A single speeding ticket will not automatically revoke your permit, but it will appear on your driving record and may delay your road test. Multiple violations or serious infractions like reckless driving can result in suspension or revocation. The MVA reviews your record when you request your road test appointment.

Can I drive alone to take my road test?

No. You must have a supervising adult in the front passenger seat to drive to the MVA testing location. Once you pass the test and receive your provisional license, you can drive alone on the way home.