What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Driver's License

To get a driver's license in Maryland, you will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test. You must be at least 16 years old, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the process fee. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though the written and vision tests can happen on the same day at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.

Maryland issues licenses in two stages if you are under 18: a learner's permit first, then a provisional license after you pass the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the full license. Either way, you will need to visit an MVA office in person — there is no way to complete this entirely by mail or online.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office to take the written test, vision screening, and driving test; you cannot do any of these remotely.
  • Bring original documents proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the free MVA manual available on the Maryland MVA website.
  • The driving test evaluates basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • If you are under 18, you will receive a learner's permit first and must wait at least six months and hold it for at least 60 days of supervised driving before you can take the driving test.

Gather Your Documents Before You Visit the MVA

The MVA will not issue a license without proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these original documents: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a state ID card, or a military ID. Photocopies do not count — the document itself must be present.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have just moved and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, along with a document showing their residency.

You will also need your Social Security number. Write it down before you go, or bring your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.

Pass the Written Knowledge Test

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

The free Maryland Driver's Manual is available as a PDF on the MVA website and covers everything on the test. Read through it at least once before you take the test. Many people also study using the practice tests available on the MVA website, which show you the types of questions you will see. You can take the written test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee again each time you take it.

Complete the Vision Screening and Photo

At the MVA office, a staff member will check your vision using a standard eye chart. You must be able to read the chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, the MVA will not issue you a license until you bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision meets Maryland standards.

The MVA will also take a digital photo for your license. Wear something you feel comfortable being photographed in. The photo will be taken against a plain background, and you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face (except for religious reasons, which require a separate form).

Schedule and Pass Your Driving Test

After you pass the written test and vision screening, you can schedule a driving test. The wait time varies by location and season — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You can schedule online through the MVA website, by phone, or in person at the office.

For the driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered in Maryland, has valid insurance, and is in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors all work before you start. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic vehicle control (starting, stopping, turning), parking, and driving on local roads while following traffic laws. The examiner will give you directions and watch how you handle the vehicle and obey traffic signs.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but there is usually a waiting period before your next appointment. Ask the examiner when you can schedule again.

What Happens If You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a full license. You must first get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. To get the learner's permit, you pass the written test and vision screening at an MVA office — no driving test is required yet.

You must hold the learner's permit for at least 60 days and complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving (10 of those hours at night) before you can take the driving test. Keep a log of your driving hours if possible, though the MVA does not require you to submit it. After you meet the time requirement and pass the driving test, you will receive a provisional license, which has some restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.

The provisional license restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold it for 18 months, whichever comes first.

Pay the Fees and Understand the Timeline

The fee for a learner's permit is $35. The fee for a driver's license (whether you are getting it for the first time or renewing) is $70. If you are under 21, the fee is $50. These fees cover the written test, vision screening, and driving test. If you retake any test, you pay the test fee again.

From the day you pass all three tests to the day you receive your license in the mail typically takes two to three weeks. The MVA will issue your license on the spot if you pass everything, but you will receive a temporary paper license that day and the plastic card by mail. Do not plan to drive out of state on your temporary license — some states do not accept it.

If you need your license faster, some MVA offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Call your local office to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at an MVA office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. The same applies to the vision screening and driving test.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. The wait time for the next available test slot depends on how busy your local MVA office is. Some people wait a few days, others a few weeks.

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

Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Maryland, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors before the test begins. You cannot use a rental car or borrow someone else's vehicle unless it meets these requirements.

What if I move out of Maryland after I get my license?

Your Maryland license remains valid until it expires. When you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Most states will accept your Maryland license as proof of identity when you explore.

Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Maryland?

Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and allows you to board domestic flights without a passport. You get it the same way as a regular license — by passing the written test, vision screening, and driving test. The fee is the same. Bring the same documents, and the MVA will issue you a Real ID license automatically.