What you need to do to get a Maryland driver's license
To get a driver's 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 that prove your identity and residency. The entire 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 in the car, then return for the driving test after meeting the practice requirement.
The MVA is the only place in Maryland that issues driver's licenses. You cannot complete this process online or through the mail. You will need to schedule an appointment at an MVA office before you go, because walk-ins are not may provide service and wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person and bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency before you can take any test.
- Most first-time drivers get a learner's permit first, which requires passing a written test and paying a fee, then practice for a set number of hours before taking the driving test.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free MVA manual available on the MVA website.
- The driving test is performed by an MVA examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange, and you must pass both the written and driving tests to receive a license.
- You should schedule your MVA appointment online at mva.maryland.gov before visiting, as this is faster than calling or showing up without an appointment.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Before your first visit, gather proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. The MVA requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Bring more than one document in each category if possible, because the MVA may ask for additional proof if your documents seem unclear or incomplete.
For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID from another state. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For Maryland residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Maryland address. If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or guardian.
If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are a non-citizen, bring your visa, green card, or other immigration document that shows you are allowed to be in the United States.
Getting your learner's permit
Your first MVA visit is to get a learner's permit. At this appointment, you will take the written test on Maryland traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the MVA website, or you can purchase a study guide at the MVA office.
If you pass the written test, you will pay a fee (the amount varies and you should check the MVA website for current pricing) and receive your learner's permit. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it at a later appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the fee again each time you test.
Practice requirements before the driving test
After you receive your learner's permit, you must practice driving for a set number of hours before you can take the driving test. If you are under 18, you must complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. If you are 18 or older, there is no minimum practice requirement, but the MVA recommends practicing before you test.
Keep a log of your practice hours if you are under 18, because the MVA may ask to see it. You do not need to submit it officially, but having it available shows you have met the requirement. Practice in different weather and traffic conditions — the driving test will assess your ability to handle various situations, not just perfect conditions.
There is no time limit on how long you can hold a learner's permit, but it does expire. Check your permit for the expiration date. If it expires before you take the driving test, you will need to renew it at the MVA before you can test.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
Once you have completed your practice hours, schedule an appointment for the driving test through the MVA website or by calling the MVA. The driving test is performed by an MVA examiner and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive on public roads in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange — the MVA does not provide a car for testing.
The vehicle you use must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. Bring your learner's permit and proof of insurance. If anything on the vehicle is broken or unsafe, the examiner will not test you and you will need to reschedule.
During the test, the examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, and stopping at traffic lights. You will also be tested on your ability to follow traffic laws and respond to road signs. If you fail, you can retake the test at a later appointment, but you will pay the fee again.
Receiving your driver's license after passing
If you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you that you have passed and you will receive your temporary license at the MVA office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days while the MVA mails your permanent license to your address. The permanent license arrives by mail and is valid for five years from the date you received it.
Check your temporary license for errors — your name, address, and license number should all be correct. If there is an error, tell the MVA staff before you leave so they can correct it. If you notice an error after you leave, you will need to return to the MVA to have it fixed.
Once your permanent license arrives, keep it with you when you drive. You are required by law to show it to a police officer if you are stopped. If you lose your license, you can request a replacement at the MVA for a fee.
Different rules for drivers age 16 and 17
Maryland has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for drivers under 18. This means you will have restrictions on your license even after you pass the driving test. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under age 21 in the car (unless they are a family member). After six months, the nighttime restriction stays but the passenger restriction is lifted.
These restrictions are printed on your license and are enforced by police. If you violate them, you can be ticketed. The restrictions end when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for one year, whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle does not need to be registered in your name, but it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The owner does not need to be present during the test, but you should have written permission from the owner in case the examiner asks.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the test at a later appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will pay the test fee again. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
How long does it take to get my permanent license after I pass the driving test?
The MVA mails your permanent license within two weeks in most cases, though it can take up to 45 days. You can drive using your temporary license during this time. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, contact the MVA to check the status.
Do I need to take the written test again if I let my learner's permit expire?
Yes. If your learner's permit expires before you take the driving test, you will need to renew it, which means taking the written test again and paying the permit fee again. This is why it is important to take the driving test before your permit expires.
Can I get a Maryland license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have valid immigration status. You will need to bring your visa, green card, or other document showing you are allowed to be in the United States. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard Maryland driver's license, but Maryland offers a separate ID card through the MVA for people without immigration status.