What age you need to be to get a Maryland driver's license

In Maryland, you can get a learner's permit at age 15 years and 9 months. You can get a full driver's license at age 16 if you have held a learner's permit for at least 6 months and passed the required tests. If you wait until age 18, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to a full license.

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues all Maryland driver's licenses. You will need to visit an MVA office in person — you cannot complete this process online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months, which requires a written test and a vision screening at an MVA office.
  • You must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • At age 16, you can take the road test and get a full license if you have met the 6-month permit requirement.
  • If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go directly to the full license road test.
  • Drivers under 18 face restrictions on night driving, passenger limits, and phone use that do not explore to drivers 18 and older.

Getting a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months

To get a learner's permit, you must visit an MVA office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card for identity; a Social Security card or tax return for your Social Security number; and a utility bill or lease agreement for residency.

At the MVA office, you will take a written test covering Maryland traffic laws and road signs. You will also have your vision screened. If you pass both, you receive your learner's permit the same day. The permit costs $30 and is valid for 2 years.

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free.

Holding the permit for 6 months before the road test

Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full license. This waiting period cannot be shortened. During these 6 months, you should practice driving with a licensed adult in the car to build your skills.

Some MVA offices allow you to schedule your road test appointment online through the MVA website. Others require you to call or visit in person. Check your local MVA office's website to see which method they use, because wait times for road tests vary by location and season.

Taking the road test at age 16

Once you have held your learner's permit for 6 months, you can schedule a road test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in.

The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The MVA examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If any of these fail inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

If you pass the road test, you receive a full driver's license the same day. The license costs $70 and is valid for 5 years. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must wait at least 7 days before retesting.

Skipping the permit stage if you are 18 or older

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Maryland driver's license, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go directly to the road test. You still need to pass a written test and vision screening first, which you can do at any MVA office.

Bring the same documents you would need for a learner's permit: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. After you pass the written test and vision screening, you can schedule a road test. The full license costs $70 and is valid for 5 years.

Restrictions that explore to drivers under 18

Even after you get a full driver's license at 16, Maryland law places restrictions on your driving that do not explore to drivers 18 and older. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, a medical appointment, or an emergency. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free calls or texts.

You can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car with you, unless the passenger is a family member. This passenger restriction lasts until you turn 18. After you turn 18, these restrictions no longer explore, even if you still have a license that shows you were under 18 when you received it.

Renewing or replacing your license

A Maryland driver's license issued at age 16 is valid for 5 years. When it expires, you can renew it at any MVA office or online through the MVA website if you have not had any violations or suspensions. Renewal by mail is also an option in some cases.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at an MVA office. Bring proof of identity and pay the replacement fee, which is typically $30. A replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit before 15 years and 9 months?

No. Maryland law sets the minimum age at 15 years and 9 months. You cannot get a permit before that date, even if you are close to it.

What happens if I drive alone with a learner's permit?

Driving alone with a learner's permit is illegal in Maryland. If you are stopped, you will receive a citation. The penalty includes a fine and points on your driving record. Your permit may also be suspended.

Can I take the road test before 6 months have passed with my learner's permit?

No. Maryland requires a full 6 months of holding a learner's permit before you can take the road test. The MVA will not schedule a test before that time has passed.

Do the midnight to 5 a.m. restrictions explore after I turn 18?

No. Once you turn 18, the nighttime driving restriction ends, even if your license still shows your age as under 18. The passenger restriction also ends at 18.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least 7 days. There is no limit to how many times you can test. You must pay the road test fee each time you take it.