What you need to bring and where to go
To get a learner's permit in Maryland, 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. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN), proof of your Maryland residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your birth certificate or passport. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign a form called the "Parental Consent for Minors" before you arrive.
Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website and check their hours before you go. Some offices take walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Call ahead or check online to see which your location uses, because showing up without an appointment at an appointment-only office means you will not be seen that day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with your Social Security card, proof of residency, and birth certificate or passport.
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the Parental Consent for Minors form before you arrive.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free MVA manual online before your visit.
- The permit costs money (the exact amount varies by age and permit type, so check the MVA website for current fees), and you will receive it the same day if you pass the test.
- Once you have your permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 18 or older in the front seat.
The written test and what it covers
At the MVA office, you will take a written test on a computer. The 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 in English, but the MVA offers it in other languages — ask the staff when you arrive if you need an interpreter.
Study the free Maryland Driver's Manual before you go. You can read it as a PDF from the MVA website or pick up a printed copy at any MVA office. The manual covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most people who read through the manual once or twice pass the test on their first try.
If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Age requirements and restrictions
In Maryland, you can get a learner's permit at age 15 years and 9 months. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at the MVA office and sign the Parental Consent for Minors form. If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental permission.
Once you have your permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is 18 or older sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (with some exceptions for family members). These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and get your full license.
How long the permit lasts and what happens next
Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During those two years, you need to practice driving and then take a road test at an MVA office. The road test is where you actually drive with an examiner to show you can handle a car safely.
You can take the road test as soon as you have held your permit for two months, but many people wait longer to practice more. There is no rush — your permit does not expire until two years are up. When you are ready, you schedule a road test appointment through the MVA website or by calling the office.
If your permit expires before you take the road test, you will need to get a new one. You go back to the MVA, pay the fee again, and retake the written test.
Documents you might need if your situation is different
If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring other documents that show your SSN, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or letter from Social Security. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, the MVA accepts other identity documents like a school ID, hospital birth record, or adoption papers — call your local office to ask what they will accept.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a learner's permit. Bring your passport and proof of your Maryland address. The rules are the same as for citizens.
If you have changed your name, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This helps the MVA make sure your records are correct.
What the permit costs
The fee for a learner's permit varies depending on your age and how long you want the permit to be valid. Check the current fee on the Maryland MVA website before you go, because fees change and the amount depends on whether you are getting a two-year permit or a different type. You pay in cash or card at the MVA office when you pass your test.
If you retake the written test, you pay the test fee again each time. If you fail the road test later and need to retake it, that also has a separate fee.
Common mistakes that slow things down
The most common reason people have to come back a second time is forgetting to bring all their documents. Bring everything listed above, even if you think you might not need it — it is faster to have it and not use it than to drive home and come back. If you are under 18, make sure your parent or guardian actually comes with you; the MVA will not let you take the test without them there to sign the form.
Another common issue is not studying the manual before you arrive. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day, but you will lose time and pay another fee. Spending 30 minutes with the manual the night before saves you a trip.
If you are using an appointment system, arriving late or missing your appointment means you lose your slot. If you cannot make it, cancel online or call ahead so someone else can use that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit if I have not finished high school?
Yes. Your education level does not matter for a learner's permit. You only need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old, have the required documents, and pass the written test about Maryland traffic laws.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at most MVA offices, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the test fee, so studying the manual first saves you money.
Do I need to take a driver's education class before I get my permit?
No, you do not need a class to get your learner's permit. However, if you are under 18, taking a driver's education course can lower your car insurance rates later, and some insurance companies require it. Check with your insurance company about their rules.
Can I drive to the MVA office to take my test if I do not have a permit yet?
No. You cannot drive alone without a permit. Have someone else drive you to the MVA office, or use public transportation, a taxi, or a ride service.
What happens if I move to a different state while I have a Maryland learner's permit?
Your Maryland permit is only valid in Maryland. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency to find out what documents and tests you need.