What you need to do to get a Maryland driver license
To get a driver license in Maryland, you will visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents proving your identity and residency. The whole process takes multiple visits spread over weeks or months — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day. Most people start by getting a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test.
Maryland issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, you will go through a graduated licensing system with restrictions that ease over time. If you are 18 or older, the process is faster and has fewer restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person to explore, bring original documents proving your identity and Maryland residency, and pay the process fee.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs before you can get a learner's permit, which you must hold for a set time before taking the road test.
- The road test happens at an MVA office and tests your ability to drive safely in real traffic, not in a parking lot.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you can transfer it to Maryland without retaking the written and road tests.
- The entire process from first visit to final license typically takes two to four months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Maryland. For identity, the MVA accepts a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your current address. All documents must be originals — copies are not accepted.
You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can still get a license, but you will need to fill out a form at the MVA explaining why. Bring proof of your date of birth if your identity document does not show it clearly.
If you are under 18, you will also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. The MVA provides this form on its website, or you can ask for one when you arrive at the office.
Getting your learner's permit
Your first visit to the MVA is to get a learner's permit. You will take a written test covering Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free on the MVA website.
After you pass the written test, you pay the permit fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
If you are under 18, you must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you have the permit, though the MVA recommends waiting at least two weeks to practice.
Scheduling and taking your road test
Once you have held your learner's permit for the required time, you schedule your road test through the MVA website or by calling your local MVA office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as far ahead as possible. The wait can be several weeks depending on the office and the time of year.
On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and happens on real roads in your neighborhood, not in a parking lot. The examiner watches you start the car, merge into traffic, turn, stop, and park. They are looking for safe driving habits, not perfection — minor mistakes do not fail you, but unsafe moves do.
If you pass, you receive your driver license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Transferring a license from another state
If you already have a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Maryland, you can transfer it without taking the written or road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of identity to any MVA office. You will pay the license fee and receive your Maryland license within a few days.
Your out-of-state license must not be suspended or revoked. If it is, you will need to take the written and road tests like a new driver. If your license has expired, you can still transfer it, but it must have expired less than five years ago.
License fees and how long your license lasts
A learner's permit costs $30 and is valid for two years. A driver license for someone 18 to 64 costs $70 and is valid for eight years. If you are 65 or older, your license costs $40 and is valid for five years. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the MVA website before you visit.
You can renew your license by mail or online if you are not changing your address, your vision has not changed, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving. If any of those things have changed, you must visit an MVA office in person.
What happens if you fail the road test
If you do not pass the road test, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong — for example, not checking your mirrors, stopping too hard, or not signaling before turning. You can schedule another test as soon as the next available appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, though the MVA recommends practicing more before you try again.
Each road test attempt costs $12. If you fail multiple times, you may want to take a professional driving lesson to get feedback from someone trained to teach. Many driving schools in Maryland offer lessons specifically for people preparing for the road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. You must visit an MVA office in person to take the written test and get your learner's permit. The MVA does not offer online testing. However, you can study the test material online using the Maryland Driver's Manual on the MVA website.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts and no extra fee. Most people pass on their first or second try.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
If you are under 18, Maryland requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get your license. The course can be classroom-based or online. If you are 18 or older, a course is not required, though taking one may help you pass the road test.
How do I find my nearest MVA office?
The MVA website has a list of all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead can tell you how long the wait is. Many offices accept walk-ins, but appointments are faster.
What if I move to a different state after I get my Maryland license?
Your Maryland license remains valid until it expires, even if you move away. When you get a license in your new state, you will surrender your Maryland license. Some states let you transfer your Maryland license without retesting, similar to how Maryland handles transfers from other states.