What a Maryland learner's permit lets you do

A Maryland learner's permit (also called a learner's license) lets you drive on public roads while a licensed adult supervises you from the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license — they can be a parent, guardian, driving instructor, or any other licensed adult.

The permit is your first step toward a full driver's license. It proves you have passed the written knowledge test and vision screening, but you have not yet passed the road test. Most people hold a learner's permit for several months while they practice driving with supervision before taking the behind-the-wheel exam.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone or text while driving under any circumstances.
  • You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of six months before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • Violations of learner's permit rules can result in fines, permit suspension, or delays in getting your full license.
  • Maryland requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and a road test before you receive a full driver's license.

Restrictions on where and when you can drive

You cannot drive alone at any time. A licensed adult must be in the front passenger seat next to you. If the supervising driver is not in the front seat, you are breaking the law, even if other adults are in the car.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of who is supervising you or where you are going. This curfew applies every single day. If you need to drive during those hours — for a job, medical appointment, or school event — you must wait until you have your full license.

You can drive on highways, local roads, and in all weather conditions, as long as you have your supervising driver with you. There are no restrictions on the types of roads you can use or the distance you can travel.

Cell phone and distraction rules

You cannot use a cell phone, text, or access any handheld device while driving, even at a red light or in traffic. This is a zero-tolerance rule — Maryland law does not allow any exceptions for learner's permit holders. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency.

Your supervising driver can use a hands-free device (like a Bluetooth speaker or mounted phone holder), but you cannot. Keep your phone in your bag, backpack, or glove compartment while you are behind the wheel. If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over safely and turn off the engine first.

Seat belt and passenger requirements

You must wear your seat belt at all times, and so must every passenger in the car. Maryland law requires all front-seat passengers to wear seat belts and all passengers under 16 to wear them in any seat. As a learner's permit holder, you are responsible for making sure everyone in your car follows this rule.

There are no restrictions on how many passengers you can carry with a learner's permit, but every passenger must be properly restrained. If you are transporting children under 8 years old, they must be in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their height and weight — this rule applies whether you have a learner's permit or a full license.

How long you must hold your learner's permit

Maryland requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum of six months before you can take the road test. This waiting period cannot be shortened, even if you are an excellent driver or have completed a driver's education course. The six months starts from the date your permit is issued.

During those six months, you should practice driving regularly with your supervising driver. There is no required number of practice hours in Maryland, but the more you practice, the more prepared you will be for the road test. Many driving schools recommend 50 to 100 hours of practice, with at least 10 hours in darkness.

What happens if you break learner's permit rules

Violations of learner's permit restrictions can result in fines ranging from $75 to $500, depending on the violation. Driving alone, driving during the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew, or using a cell phone are all separate violations, and each one carries its own penalty.

A violation can also result in your permit being suspended or revoked. If your permit is suspended, you lose the right to drive and must wait out the suspension period before you can drive again. A revocation is more serious — it means your permit is cancelled and you have to start the process over, including retaking the written test and paying the permit fee again.

If you accumulate too many violations or points on your driving record, Maryland may delay or deny your road test. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) reviews your record before scheduling your behind-the-wheel exam, and a history of violations can work against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive to school alone. If school starts before 5 a.m., you cannot drive there with your permit because of the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew.

What if my supervising driver gets pulled over?

The police officer will check both your permit and the supervising driver's license. If the supervising driver is not properly licensed or is not in the front seat, you are in violation. Be honest with the officer and provide your documents when asked. The supervising driver is responsible for ensuring they meet the age and licensing requirements.

Can I drive for a job or work shift with my learner's permit?

You can drive to and from work if a licensed adult is supervising you. You cannot drive alone, even for a short shift or delivery. If your work hours fall between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot drive there with a learner's permit and will need to arrange other transportation or wait until you have your full license.

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

No, a driver's education course is not required to get your learner's permit in Maryland. You only need to pass the written knowledge test and vision screening at the MVA. However, taking a course can help you prepare for the test and may lower your car insurance rates once you have your full license.

What if I get a ticket while driving with my learner's permit?

A ticket becomes part of your driving record and can affect your ability to get your full license. Points accumulate on your record, and too many points can result in permit suspension or denial of your road test. Pay any ticket on time and consider taking a defensive driving course to remove points from your record.