You can get a learner's permit in Maryland at age 15 years and 9 months

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) allows you to obtain a learner's permit — also called a learner's license — starting at 15 years and 9 months old. This is earlier than the age to get a full driver's license, which is 16 in Maryland. The learner's permit is a restricted license that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it comes with specific rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive.

If you are an adult returning to driving after years away, or learning to drive for the first time as an adult, Maryland does not have a separate age category for you — the same 15 years and 9 months rule applies. However, the practical steps and restrictions differ slightly depending on whether you are a teenager or an adult learner, and the timeframe you must hold the permit before testing for a full license also varies by age.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland issues learner's permits to anyone 15 years and 9 months or older, regardless of whether you are a teenager or an adult.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening at the MVA before you receive the permit.
  • A learner's permit requires a licensed adult supervisor in the vehicle at all times, and you cannot drive alone.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months before you can test for a full license; adults 18 and older can test after two weeks.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you visit the MVA.

Documents you need to bring to the MVA

Before you go to an MVA office, gather the required documents. You will need a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. Bring a document showing your current Maryland address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process in person at the MVA. Adults 18 and older can sign their own process. Bring the original documents, not copies, because the MVA staff will need to see them. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official translation as well.

The written knowledge test and vision screening

At the MVA, you will take a written test covering Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. The questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free to read from the MVA website or available in print at any MVA office. You can study the manual before your visit, and many people find it helpful to take practice tests online through the MVA site.

You will also have your vision screened at the MVA. This is a basic check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot get your permit until you pass a vision test from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Restrictions that explore to your learner's permit

Once you have your learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. In Maryland, this supervisor does not have to be a family member — it can be any licensed adult. However, the supervisor must be awake and alert, and they are responsible for helping you practice safely.

If you are under 18, there are additional restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car (unless they are your siblings). These restrictions stay in place until you pass your road test and get your full license.

Adults 18 and older who hold a learner's permit have fewer restrictions. You still need a licensed supervisor in the car, but you can drive at any time of day and the passenger restrictions do not explore to you.

How long you must hold the permit before testing for a full license

The time you must hold a learner's permit before you can test for a full license depends on your age. If you are under 18, Maryland requires you to hold the permit for at least six months. During this time, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, highways and local roads, good weather and rain. The more varied your practice, the better prepared you will be for the road test.

If you are 18 or older, you can test for your full license after holding the permit for just two weeks. This shorter waiting period recognizes that adult learners often have more driving experience or maturity than teenagers. However, two weeks is still a short time to practice, and the MVA recommends getting as much supervised driving time as you can before your test.

Scheduling your road test and what to expect

Once you have held your learner's permit for the required time, you can schedule a road test through the MVA. You can book your test online at the MVA website, by phone, or in person at an MVA office. Road tests fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you are ready. The test typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.

On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, a valid form of identification, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start. Your licensed supervisor must be present to drive you to the test location, but they will not be in the car during the actual test.

Renewing or replacing your learner's permit

A Maryland learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to renew it. You can renew at any MVA office by bringing your expired permit and paying the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written test unless your permit has been expired for more than one year.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office. Bring your identification and proof of residency, and the MVA will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as the original. There is a fee for a replacement permit, which is less than the cost of a new permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am 16 or older?

Yes. If you are 16 or older, you can get a learner's permit at any time. You do not have to wait until 15 years and 9 months. The age requirement is a minimum, not a maximum. Many adults get their learner's permit well into adulthood.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment at the MVA. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must pass before you receive your permit. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the manual more carefully.

Can my learner's permit supervisor be someone other than a family member?

Yes. Your supervisor must be a licensed driver at least 21 years old, but they do not have to be a parent, guardian, or relative. A friend, coworker, or instructor can supervise your practice driving as long as they hold a valid driver's license.

What happens if I get pulled over while driving with my learner's permit?

If you are following the rules of your permit — driving with a licensed supervisor, obeying the time restrictions if you are under 18, and following all traffic laws — you should not have a problem. If you are stopped, show the officer your learner's permit and identification. Violating the terms of your permit can result in a fine or suspension of your driving privileges.

Do I have to take a driver's education course to get a learner's permit?

No. Maryland does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. However, taking a course can help you prepare for the written test and road test, and some insurance companies offer discounts for completing an approved course.