What you need to do to get a Maryland driver's license
To get your first Maryland driver's license, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all licensing in Maryland. You can take the written test at any MVA office, and the driving test must be scheduled in advance at an MVA location near you. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can complete the written test on your first visit.
Maryland requires you to be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, and at least 17 to get an unrestricted license. If you are under 18, you will go through an intermediate licensing step called a Provisional License, which has restrictions on when and who you can drive with. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the Provisional License stage and go straight to a full license after passing both tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of your Maryland address such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs and is offered at any MVA office without an appointment; you can take it the same day you submit your documents.
- The driving test must be scheduled ahead of time and tests your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and following traffic rules on public roads.
- If you are under 18, you will receive a Provisional License first, which restricts driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and limits passengers under 21 unless a parent or guardian is present.
- The entire process costs between $70 and $100 depending on which type of license you are getting and how long you want it to be valid.
Documents you must bring to the MVA
Maryland requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — a photocopy will not work. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your name and number on it.
For proof of your Maryland address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead, or a government document like a voter registration card or property tax bill.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number because the MVA will not issue a license without it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration before you can get a Maryland license.
Taking the written test at an MVA office
The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any MVA office without scheduling an appointment. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you do not pass, or you can come back another day.
The MVA provides a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, which you can read from the MVA website or pick up at any MVA office. The test covers everything in that manual, so studying it before you go will improve your chances of passing on your first try. The test is offered in English and several other languages.
After you pass the written test, the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for your appointment to take the driving test. If you are under 18, this temporary license has the same restrictions as a Provisional License.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
You must schedule your driving test in advance. You can book an appointment online through the MVA website, by phone at 410-768-7000, or in person at any MVA office. The MVA typically has appointments available within two to four weeks, though wait times vary by location and season. Appointments fill up faster in spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you pass your written test.
For the driving test, you must bring your temporary paper license, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering all work properly before the test begins.
The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic tasks like starting the car, pulling into traffic, making turns, changing lanes, parking, and stopping smoothly. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate that you know how to use the headlights, wipers, and turn signals. You must follow all traffic laws during the test, including speed limits and traffic signals. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though you will need to schedule another appointment.
Understanding Provisional Licenses for drivers under 18
If you are under 18 when you pass your driving test, Maryland will issue you a Provisional License instead of a full license. A Provisional License allows you to drive, but with restrictions designed to reduce crashes among new teenage drivers. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held the Provisional License for 18 months, whichever comes first.
The main restrictions are: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 25 or older is present. There are exceptions for driving to school, work, or medical appointments, and for driving a family member. Police can stop you if they see you violating these rules, and violations can result in fines and points on your license.
Once you turn 18 or reach 18 months on your Provisional License, you can go to any MVA office and exchange it for a full license at no additional cost. You do not need to take another test.
Costs and how long your license is valid
A Maryland driver's license costs between $70 and $100 depending on which type you are getting and how long you want it to be valid. A Provisional License for someone under 18 costs around $70 and is valid until you turn 18 or for 18 months, whichever is longer. A full license for someone 18 or older costs around $100 and can be valid for either 5 years or 8 years depending on which option you choose when you explore.
The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at all offices. If you pay by check, make it out to the Motor Vehicle Administration. The fee covers the cost of the license card itself and the background check the MVA runs before issuing it.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test on your first try, you can retake it. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may take two to four weeks depending on availability. Your temporary paper license will still be valid during this time, so you can continue to practice driving.
The MVA does not charge an additional fee to retake the test — you only pay once when you first explore. You can take the driving test as many times as you need until you pass. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing the first time does not mean you cannot get a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, receive your temporary paper license, and then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The earliest you can typically schedule the driving test is a few days after passing the written test, though it usually takes two to four weeks depending on MVA office availability.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. If you were born in Maryland, you can order one from the Maryland Department of Health. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the appropriate government office in that country.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. It can be your own car, a family member's car, or a friend's car — it does not matter who owns it as long as you have permission to use it and it has valid insurance. The vehicle must pass a basic safety inspection before the test begins.
What happens if I move to Maryland from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Maryland license without taking the written or driving test. You will need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Maryland residency to any MVA office. The exchange process is faster and cheaper than getting a license from scratch.
Can I get a learner's permit before taking the written test?
Maryland does not have a separate learner's permit. Once you pass the written test, you receive a temporary paper license that serves the same purpose — it allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car while you prepare for the driving test. The temporary license is valid for 30 days.