Maryland motorcycle learner's permit restrictions at a glance

A Maryland motorcycle learner's permit (also called an Instruction Permit) lets you practice riding on public roads, but with strict rules about when, where, and who can be with you. You cannot ride alone, cannot ride at night, and cannot ride on highways. You must wear a helmet and eye protection, and your supervising rider must hold a valid motorcycle license and stay within arm's reach of you at all times.

The restrictions exist because learner's permits are meant for supervised practice only. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sets these rules to reduce crash risk while you build skills. Understanding each restriction before you ride helps you stay legal and safe.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed motorcycle rider at least 21 years old within arm's reach of you at all times while riding with a learner's permit.
  • You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise, and you cannot ride on interstate highways or limited-access roads.
  • You must wear a helmet and eye protection (goggles or face shield) every time you ride, with no exceptions.
  • Violating learner's permit restrictions can result in fines, permit suspension, and a requirement to restart the testing process.

Who must supervise you and what that means

Your supervising rider must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Maryland motorcycle license (not a learner's permit). They must ride on a separate motorcycle directly beside you, close enough that you can reach them without moving your hands from the handlebars — this is the "arm's reach" rule. They cannot ride in a sidecar or on the back of your bike.

The supervisor's job is to watch your riding and step in if you make a dangerous move. They should be experienced enough to spot problems and communicate corrections. If you are under 18, your supervisor must also be present when you take the riding test to earn your full license.

Time and location restrictions

You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise. This means no early morning practice before dawn and no evening rides after the sun goes down. Check the exact sunset time for your area on the day you plan to ride — the MVA does not give a fixed clock time because sunset changes throughout the year.

You cannot ride on interstate highways (I-95, I-81, I-66, and others) or on limited-access roads that require a highway entrance ramp. You can ride on regular state roads, county roads, and local streets. If you are unsure whether a road is off-limits, ask your supervisor or check the road signs — limited-access roads are marked.

Helmet and eye protection requirements

Maryland law requires you to wear a helmet every time you ride, learner's permit or not. The helmet must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards — look for the DOT sticker on the back. A helmet that does not have this sticker is not legal, even if it looks sturdy.

You also must wear eye protection: either a helmet with a face shield, or separate goggles. Sunglasses alone do not count. Both you and your supervisor must wear helmets and eye protection. If either of you is not properly equipped, you should not ride.

What happens if you break the rules

Riding without a supervisor, riding at night, riding on a highway, or riding without a helmet are all violations of your learner's permit restrictions. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. Fines vary but typically start at $70 to $110 for a first violation.

Beyond the fine, violating restrictions can lead to permit suspension or cancellation. If your permit is suspended, you must wait a set period before you can take the riding test again. A second or third violation within a short time can result in a longer suspension and higher fines. Repeated violations may also affect your driving record and insurance rates.

Preparing for the riding test while on a learner's permit

Your learner's permit is valid for 18 months. During that time, you should practice the skills the MVA riding test will check: starting and stopping smoothly, turning at different speeds, braking in an emergency, and handling the motorcycle in tight spaces. Practice in quiet areas first — empty parking lots or low-traffic residential streets — before moving to busier roads.

Keep a record of your practice hours. While Maryland does not require a minimum number of hours, the MVA recommends at least 10 to 15 hours of supervised practice before you test. The more you practice under your supervisor's watch, the more confident you will be on test day. When you feel ready, you can schedule your riding test through the MVA website or by calling your local MVA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my supervisor ride in a car behind me instead of on a motorcycle?

No. Your supervisor must ride on a separate motorcycle directly beside you, within arm's reach. A car following behind does not meet the requirement. The supervisor needs to be close enough to see your hands and body position and to communicate with you when ready if something goes wrong.

What if I get caught riding without a supervisor?

You will receive a citation and fine. Your learner's permit may be suspended, and you will have to wait before you can take the riding test. A second violation within a short period can result in a longer suspension and higher fines. It is not worth the risk.

Does my supervisor need to have a passenger endorsement on their license?

No. Your supervisor does not need a passenger endorsement — they just need a valid Maryland motorcycle license. However, if your supervisor wants to carry a passenger on their own bike while supervising you, that passenger would need to be on a third motorcycle or the supervisor would need to choose between supervising you and carrying a passenger.

Can I ride on a motorcycle with a sidecar while on a learner's permit?

Yes, you can ride a motorcycle with a sidecar. However, your supervisor still cannot ride in the sidecar — they must ride on a separate motorcycle beside you. The sidecar is not a substitute for the arm's reach requirement.

What if sunset is at 4:30 p.m. in winter — does that mean I can only ride for a few hours?

Yes. During winter months, sunset comes early, which limits your riding window. You can only ride between sunrise and sunset, no matter what time that falls on any given day. This is why many learners practice more in spring and summer when daylight hours are longer. Plan your practice sessions around the sunset time for your area.