What you need to bring to the Maryland MVA

To get your first driver's license in Maryland, you will need to visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a document proving your identity and date of birth (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID).

If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to bring proof of lawful presence — either your passport with an unexpired visa, a green card, or an employment authorization document. Maryland does not issue licenses to people without proof of lawful presence, so this step is not optional.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The MVA will not accept a photo of a document on your phone. If any of your documents show a different name than you use now (such as a birth certificate with a maiden name), bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person; you cannot get a Maryland driver's license by mail or online.
  • Bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and Maryland residency — photocopies and phone photos will not be accepted.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you must bring proof of lawful presence such as a passport with a valid visa or a green card.
  • You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test before you receive your license.
  • The road test must be scheduled in advance, and wait times vary by location and season.

The written knowledge test and what to study

Before you can take a road test, you must pass Maryland's written knowledge test. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices. It has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the MVA office.

The MVA publishes a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, available on the MVA website and in print at any MVA office. The test questions come directly from this manual, so studying it is the most direct way to prepare. Many people also use online practice tests, which can help you get used to the format, but the manual is the official source.

You can take the written test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. Ask at the MVA office which languages are available at your location.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test with an MVA examiner. You cannot take the road test the same day as your written test — you must schedule it for a later date. Road test appointments fill up weeks or months in advance depending on where you live and the time of year. Summer and early fall typically have longer waits than winter.

You can schedule your road test online through the MVA website, by phone at 410-768-7000, or in person at an MVA office. When you schedule, you will choose a test location and a date. You must bring the same documents you brought for your written test, plus proof that you have scheduled the test (a confirmation number or email).

For your road test, you will drive a set route chosen by the examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must pass a safety inspection (working lights, brakes, wipers, and horn).

Vision test requirements

You will take a vision test at the MVA office before or after your written test. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must be able to read letters on a chart from a certain distance, and your vision must meet Maryland's minimum standard (20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, with or without corrective lenses).

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. You can take the vision test while wearing them. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to take your road test until you have had your eyes checked by an eye doctor and brought proof that your vision now meets the standard.

Getting your license after you pass the road test

If you pass your road test, you will receive your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the MVA office. Your first Maryland license is valid for five years from your date of birth. You will receive a physical card in the mail if the office does not print it when ready.

Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, a photo taken at the MVA office, and any restrictions (such as "corrective lenses required"). Check the information for errors before you leave the office, because correcting mistakes later requires a return visit.

Restrictions for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, Maryland has additional rules. You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take your road test. During that time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free).

To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written knowledge test and the vision test. You do not take a road test for the permit. Once you have held the permit for six months and are at least 16 years and 6 months old, you can schedule your road test for a full license.

What to do if you fail your road test

If you do not pass your road test, you can schedule another one. There is no waiting period — you can take the test again as soon as the next available appointment. You will pay the road test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you which skills you need to practice before your next test.

You do not need to retake the written test or vision test unless your vision has changed or your written test score has expired (which varies by location). Ask the MVA office which tests you need to repeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?

Yes. The car does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The owner does not have to be present during the test. Make sure the car's lights, brakes, wipers, and horn all work before you arrive.

How long does it take to get a Maryland driver's license from start to finish?

If you pass everything on your first try, you can receive your license the day you pass your road test. However, scheduling the road test can take several weeks or months depending on your location and the time of year. The entire process from your first visit to the MVA to holding your license typically takes one to three months.

What 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 road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any MVA office. You will still need to take a vision test and have your photo taken.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am over 18?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the written test and road test without holding a learner's permit first. You still must pass both tests before you receive your license.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You cannot proceed with your road test until you have had your eyes checked by an eye doctor and brought proof that your vision now meets Maryland's standard. Schedule an eye exam, get the results in writing, and bring that letter to the MVA office before you reschedule your road test.