Maryland learner's permit requirements at a glance

To get a learner's permit in Maryland, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You'll take the test at your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office — there's no online option. The permit itself costs $47 and is valid for two years.

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA publishes free online and in print at any MVA office. Most people study for a few weeks before testing, though the amount of time varies based on your familiarity with driving rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and pass a written knowledge test at an MVA office to receive a learner's permit.
  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your MVA appointment.
  • The written test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass; you can retake it if you don't pass on your first try.
  • Once you have your permit, you must follow Maryland's supervised driving rules, including having a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat whenever you drive.

Documents you need to bring to the MVA

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. If you don't have either, the MVA accepts a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization. This document proves your identity and age.

You also need proof that you live in Maryland. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and your name isn't on the bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name appears on the document, along with their ID.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you don't have either, you can still get a permit, but you'll need to fill out an additional form at the MVA office.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The test has 25 multiple-choice 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 offered in English and several other languages; ask at your local MVA office which languages are available.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. It also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists. The official Maryland Driver's Manual contains all the information you need to study.

If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake the test. There's no waiting period between attempts, though you'll pay the $47 fee each time you test. Most MVA offices let you schedule another test the same day or come back within a few days.

Supervised driving rules while you hold a learner's permit

Once you have your permit, Maryland law requires a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older to sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. This person must have a valid driver's license and be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other learner's permit holders in the car with you as the only licensed driver.

You must follow all regular traffic laws, plus a few additional restrictions. You cannot use a cell phone or any handheld device while driving, even if it's hands-free. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and even then you need your supervising adult in the car.

Seat belts are required for everyone in the vehicle. If you're under 18, you must wear a seat belt in any seat. Your supervising adult must also wear one.

How long you can hold a learner's permit

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it's issued. During this time, you must practice driving with your supervising adult and follow all the rules listed above. You don't have to hold the permit for the full two years — you can test for your provisional license as soon as you meet the requirements.

To test for a provisional license, you must be at least 16 years and 6 months old and have held your learner's permit for at least six months. You'll take a road test at an MVA office, where an examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your skills. If you pass, your learner's permit is replaced with a provisional license.

If your permit expires before you test for a provisional license, you can renew it at any MVA office. Bring your current permit and pay the renewal fee, which is the same as the original permit cost.

Where to get your learner's permit and scheduling an appointment

You can get your learner's permit at any Motor Vehicle Administration office in Maryland. The MVA has offices in most counties and in Baltimore City. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the MVA website.

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times can be long, especially during peak hours. Scheduling ahead usually gets you in faster. Appointments are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the office.

Bring all your documents and arrive a few minutes early. The entire process — checking in, taking the test, and getting your permit photo taken — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at an MVA office. There is no online testing option for learner's permits in Maryland. You'll need to visit an office, bring your documents, and take the test there.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it right away or schedule another appointment. There's no waiting period between attempts. You'll pay the $47 fee each time you test. Most people who study the Maryland Driver's Manual pass on their second try if they didn't pass the first time.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before getting my permit?

No. A driver's education course is not required to get a learner's permit in Maryland. However, if you're under 18, completing an approved driver's education course can lower your car insurance rates and may be required by your insurance company.

Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?

Yes, but only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive to school alone with a learner's permit. Once you have a provisional license, the rules change and you may be able to drive alone during certain hours.

What if I move out of Maryland while I have a learner's permit?

Your Maryland learner's permit is only valid in Maryland. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a learner's permit from that state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their requirements.