What You Need to Do First

To get a driver's license in Maryland, you must visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person with the right documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes at least two visits — one to get your learner's permit and pass the written exam, and a second to take the road test and receive your license. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail.

Maryland issues licenses valid for eight years. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can trade it in without retaking the written test, though you will still need to pass the road test. If you have never held a license anywhere, you must start with the learner's permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You need six documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency before the MVA will issue a permit or license.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • You cannot take the road test until you have held a learner's permit for at least 60 days and have logged at least 60 hours of supervised driving.
  • The road test itself costs $17.50, and a new license costs $70, though you can pay both fees at once when you pass.
  • MVA offices have long wait times; booking an appointment online before you go saves hours of waiting in person.

Gather Your Documents Before You Visit

The MVA requires six separate documents to prove who you are, that you have a Social Security number, and that you live in Maryland. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of Maryland residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the MVA staff when you arrive; they can issue a license without one, but the process is different.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, and they must bring a photo ID. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone else present.

Book an Appointment and Take the Written Test

Go to the MVA website and book an appointment at the office nearest you. Walk-ins are accepted, but the wait is often three to four hours. With an appointment, you typically wait 30 minutes or less. Choose a date at least a few days away so you have time to study.

When you arrive, tell the staff you are explore for a learner's permit. They will check your documents, take your photo, and charge you $30 for the permit. Then you will sit at a computer and take the written test. The test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day for another $30, or come back another day.

Once you pass, the MVA will print your learner's permit on the spot. You can drive when ready, but only with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat next to you. Your permit is valid for two years.

Meet the 60-Day and 60-Hour Requirements

Maryland law requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days before you can take the road test. During those 60 days, you must log at least 60 hours of supervised driving — at least 10 of those hours must be at night, between sunset and sunrise. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid license.

Keep a written log of your driving hours. Write down the date, the time you started and stopped, and how many hours you drove. You do not have to turn this log in to the MVA, but if you are stopped by police while driving on your permit, an officer may ask to see it. More importantly, logging your hours helps you track when you are ready for the road test.

If you reach 60 hours before 60 days have passed, you still must wait until the 60-day mark. If you reach 60 days before 60 hours, you can take the road test as soon as you have the hours logged.

Schedule and Pass Your Road Test

Once you have met both the 60-day and 60-hour requirements, book a road test appointment through the MVA website. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as you are may be able to access. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

The test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also ask you to drive on local roads and demonstrate that you can follow traffic signs, maintain safe speed, and react to other drivers. The examiner is looking for safe habits, not perfection — minor mistakes do not automatically fail you, but unsafe driving does.

If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will then go back inside the MVA office, pay $70 for your license, and they will print it when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week and pay the $17.50 fee again.

What Happens If You Already Have a License From Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Maryland, you can exchange it for a Maryland license without taking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, your six identity and residency documents, and $70 to any MVA office. The staff will take your photo, process your documents, and issue your Maryland license on the spot.

However, if your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, or if you have been without a license for more than a certain period, Maryland may require you to take the written test. Ask the MVA staff when you arrive whether your specific situation requires the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days before you can take the road test, even if you pass the written test on your first try. This waiting period is set by Maryland law and cannot be waived.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one week. You pay the $17.50 fee again each time you test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must still hold a valid learner's permit.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured in someone's name, and you must have proof of insurance with you. The car does not have to be registered in your name, but the insurance must cover you as a driver.

What if I lose my learner's permit before I take the road test?

Go to any MVA office and request a replacement. You will pay a small fee, usually around $5 to $10. Bring your identity documents so the staff can verify who you are.

How long is a Maryland driver's license valid?

A standard Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.