What Maryland's learner's permit lets you do—and what it doesn't

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 when, where, and how you can drive. You cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use your phone while driving—even hands-free. Breaking these rules can result in fines, points on your record, or suspension of your permit.

The rules exist because learner's permit holders are still building driving skills. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) enforces these restrictions to reduce crashes among new drivers. Understanding the exact limits before you get behind the wheel keeps you, your supervising driver, and others on the road safer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat whenever you drive on a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use any cell phone while driving, including hands-free calls or navigation.
  • You cannot drive on Interstate highways or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway during your first 6 months of holding a learner's permit.
  • Violating learner's permit rules can result in fines up to $110, points added to your driving record, and permit suspension or revocation.
  • You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for your provisional license.

Who must be in the car with you

Maryland requires a licensed adult at least 21 years old to sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. This person must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or territory. They do not have to be a parent or guardian—a trusted adult like an older sibling, aunt, uncle, or family friend can supervise.

The supervising driver is responsible for helping you practice and correcting unsafe habits. They should be alert and able to take control of the vehicle if needed. Drowsy, distracted, or impaired supervising drivers put you both at risk and may result in violations if you are stopped by police.

Driving hours and nighttime restrictions

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on a learner's permit, regardless of the day of the week or whether it is a school night. This restriction applies even if your supervising driver is in the car. The rule is in place because nighttime driving is more dangerous—visibility is poor, and fatigue increases the risk of crashes.

You can drive at any time between 5 a.m. and midnight, as long as your supervising driver is present. This means you can practice before school, after school, on weekends, and on holidays within those hours. Plan your practice sessions during daylight and early evening when possible, since that is when most new drivers build foundational skills.

Roads you cannot use during the first 6 months

For the first 6 months of holding your learner's permit, you cannot drive on Interstate highways (I-95, I-81, I-68, I-70, and others) or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. These roads have higher speeds, heavier traffic, and more complex merging patterns than local roads. After 6 months on your learner's permit, you may drive on these roads with your supervising driver still present.

This restriction keeps you on roads where you can build confidence and basic skills before facing highway driving. Use your first 6 months to practice on local streets, state routes, and U.S. highways that are not Interstates. Your supervising driver can help you choose routes that match your skill level.

Cell phone and distraction rules

You cannot use a cell phone while driving on a learner's permit—not for calls, texts, navigation, or any other purpose. This includes hands-free devices and voice commands. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency. This rule is stricter than the rules for licensed drivers because distraction is one of the leading causes of crashes among teen drivers.

Before you start driving, set up your navigation, silence your phone, and let passengers know you will not be answering calls or texts. If you need directions, ask your supervising driver to hold the phone or use a mounted GPS device that is already programmed. If an emergency call comes in, pull over safely before answering.

Passenger restrictions and seat belt rules

You can have passengers in the car while you drive on a learner's permit, but all passengers must wear seat belts. There is no limit on the number of passengers, but having too many people in the car can be distracting when you are still learning. Your supervising driver may ask passengers to be quiet or to sit in the back so you can focus on the road.

Make sure everyone is buckled in before you start the engine. As the driver, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers. If you are stopped by police and a passenger is not wearing a seat belt, you may receive a citation.

What happens if you break the rules

Violating learner's permit rules can result in fines, points on your driving record, and suspension or revocation of your permit. A first violation typically carries a fine of up to $110 and points that stay on your record. Multiple violations or serious violations (like driving alone or driving during prohibited hours) can lead to permit suspension, meaning you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted.

If your permit is suspended or revoked, you will have to wait a set period before you can request a new one from the MVA. You may also have to pay a reinstatement fee. More importantly, violations can affect your insurance rates and your ability to move forward to a provisional license. Follow the rules during your learner's permit period to stay on track.

Moving from learner's permit to provisional license

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a provisional license. During those 6 months, you should log as many supervised driving hours as possible—at least 60 hours total, with at least 10 of those at night. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will be on the road test.

Once you have held your permit for 6 months and feel ready, you can schedule a road test with the MVA. If you pass, you will receive a provisional license, which has fewer restrictions than a learner's permit but still has some rules (like nighttime driving limits and passenger restrictions for the first year). Your learner's permit period is your foundation for safe driving—use it to build good habits that will last your entire driving life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my supervising driver sit in the back seat instead of the front?

No. Maryland law requires the supervising driver to sit in the front passenger seat. This position allows them to see the road ahead, react quickly if needed, and give you clear feedback on your driving. A supervising driver in the back seat cannot effectively help you.

What if I turn 21 while I have a learner's permit?

Turning 21 does not change your learner's permit rules. You still cannot drive alone, and all the other restrictions (nighttime hours, no Interstates for the first 6 months, no cell phone use) remain in effect until you pass your road test and receive a provisional license.

Can I drive to school or work alone on my learner's permit?

No. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances on a learner's permit, even for school, work, or emergencies. Your supervising driver must be in the front passenger seat. If you need to get somewhere and cannot find a supervising driver, ask a parent, guardian, or trusted adult for a ride.

What counts as a hands-free phone call?

Hands-free calls, voice commands, and navigation apps are all prohibited on a learner's permit. The restriction is not just about holding the phone—it is about not using it at all while driving. Before you drive, set up your GPS, silence notifications, and ask your supervising driver to handle any calls that come in.

Do the nighttime driving restrictions explore on weekends?

Yes. The midnight to 5 a.m. restriction applies every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. There are no exceptions based on the day or occasion. Plan your practice sessions between 5 a.m. and midnight.