What you need to bring and where to go

To get a Maryland learner's permit, you go to your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with specific documents. You cannot do this online or by mail — the MVA needs to verify your identity and take your photo. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You must bring: a completed process for a Maryland Driver's License or Permit (form DL-43), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or school ID). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices take appointments online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to ask about wait times and whether appointments are available can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with your parent or guardian if you are under 18, bringing proof of identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual or practice tests on the MVA website.
  • You pay a fee at the MVA office (the amount varies, so call ahead or check the website for your location).
  • Once you pass the written test and pay the fee, you receive your learner's permit when ready, valid for two years.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 18 years old in the front seat at all times, and you cannot drive alone.

Studying for the written test

The written test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the MVA office, and you get your results when ready.

The Maryland MVA provides a free Driver's Manual online and in print at every MVA office. This manual covers everything on the test. You can also take free practice tests on the MVA website to see which topics you need to study more. Many people find it helpful to take the practice test once, review the manual for the topics they missed, then take the practice test again before their MVA appointment.

The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and others. Tell the MVA staff which language you need when you arrive.

The vision and written test at the MVA

When you arrive at the MVA office, staff will check your documents and take your photo for your permit. Then you will take a vision screening — you read letters on a chart to show you can see well enough to drive. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

After the vision test, you sit at a computer and take the written test. You have 30 minutes to answer the 25 questions. The computer shows you your score right away. If you pass, you move to the next step. If you do not pass, you can usually take the test again the same day or schedule another appointment to try again.

Paying the fee and receiving your permit

The fee for a learner's permit varies by location in Maryland, so call your local MVA office or check the website to find out the exact amount before you go. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — most offices accept all three. The fee covers the cost of printing your permit and the two-year validity period.

Once you pay, the MVA prints your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any MVA office for a smaller fee.

What you can and cannot do with a learner's permit

A learner's permit lets you practice driving, but with strict rules. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, even to run a quick errand. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Some restrictions depend on your age. If you are under 18, you cannot have more than one passenger under 18 in the car (besides yourself), and you cannot drive on Interstate highways unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 25 or older is with you. Check the back of your permit for the full list of restrictions for your age group.

Moving from a learner's permit to a full license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months and practiced driving, you can take the road test to get your full license. You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old. The road test is given by an MVA examiner and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive on local roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance.

To schedule a road test, go to the MVA website or call your local office. You need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the car you will drive during the test, and the car itself (with a licensed adult in the passenger seat). If you pass the road test, you can get your full license the same day at the MVA office.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again. Many MVA offices let you retake the test the same day, though some require you to schedule a new appointment. Ask the staff before you leave whether you can try again when ready or if you need to come back another time.

Before your second attempt, spend more time with the Maryland Driver's Manual and the practice tests. Focus on the topics where you struggled. Most people pass on their second or third try, so one failure does not mean you are not ready — it usually just means you need a bit more study time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

Yes, you need to provide your Social Security number or proof of it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Call your local MVA office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not live in Maryland but go to school there?

No, you must be a Maryland resident to get a Maryland learner's permit. Residency is shown by a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and a Maryland address dated within the last 60 days. If you are a student living in a dorm, bring a letter from your school on school letterhead confirming your residency.

What happens if I move to a different state before I get my full license?

Your Maryland learner's permit is only valid in Maryland. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. Some states honor out-of-state permits for a short time, but Maryland does not have a reciprocal agreement with most other states, so contact your new state's DMV to find out what you need to do.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, French, and several other languages. Tell the MVA staff which language you need when you check in, and they will set you up at a computer with the test in that language.

How much does a learner's permit cost?

The fee varies by MVA office location in Maryland. Call your local office or check the MVA website for the exact amount. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to pay at the office.