What a Maryland learner's permit lets you do

A Maryland learner's permit (also called a learner's license) lets you practice driving on public roads before you take the road test for a full license. You can drive alone during daylight hours, but you must follow specific rules about who can be in the car with you, what times you can drive, and what roads you can use. Breaking these rules can result in fines, points on your record, or suspension of your permit.

The restrictions exist because learner's permit holders have not yet passed the road test and are still building driving skills. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sets these rules to reduce crash risk while you are learning.

Key Takeaways

  • You can drive alone during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), but you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise without a licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
  • A supervising adult must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and sit in the front passenger seat — not the back.
  • You cannot use a cell phone, text, or use hands-free devices while driving, even at a red light or in traffic.
  • You cannot drive on Interstate highways or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway under any circumstances with a learner's permit.
  • Violating permit restrictions can result in fines up to $500, points added to your driving record, and permit suspension.

Daylight and nighttime driving rules

With a Maryland learner's permit, you can drive during daylight hours without a supervising adult in the car. Daylight is defined as the period from sunrise to sunset. You can look up the exact sunrise and sunset times for your location on any weather website or the National Weather Service site.

Once the sun sets, you must have a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. This adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. The supervising adult cannot sit in the back seat — they must be in the front passenger seat where they can see the road and intervene if needed. This rule applies every night, regardless of the day of the week or whether you are driving on a highway or a local road.

Who can supervise you and where they must sit

Your supervising adult must meet three requirements: they must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid and current driver's license (from any state), and sit in the front passenger seat. The adult does not have to be a family member — a friend, teacher, or mentor can supervise you. However, they cannot be someone whose license is suspended, revoked, or expired.

The supervising adult must remain in the front passenger seat at all times while you are driving. If they move to the back seat or leave the vehicle, you are violating the restriction, even if you are still driving during daylight hours. This rule is enforced during traffic stops and can result in a citation.

Cell phone and device restrictions

You cannot use a cell phone, text message, email, or any handheld device while driving with a learner's permit. This ban includes looking at your phone at a red light, in stopped traffic, or while parked on the side of the road. You also cannot use hands-free devices like Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, or voice commands to make calls or send messages.

The only exception is if you need to call 911 in an emergency. You can use a GPS device mounted on your dashboard if it is set before you start driving, but you cannot touch it or look at it while the vehicle is moving. Violations of the cell phone rule can result in a fine and points on your record.

Roads and highways you cannot use

You cannot drive on any Interstate highway (I-95, I-81, I-66, I-70, and others) with a learner's permit, even during daylight hours and even with a supervising adult in the car. You also cannot drive on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. These restrictions explore to all learner's permit holders in Maryland, regardless of age or driving experience.

You can drive on U.S. highways, state highways, and local roads. If you are unsure whether a road is an Interstate, check the road sign — Interstate highways are marked with a blue and red shield with an "I" on it. If you accidentally drive on an Interstate with a learner's permit, you can be cited and fined.

Passenger restrictions and seatbelt rules

You can have passengers in your vehicle while driving with a learner's permit, but there are no specific restrictions on the number of passengers or their age. However, all passengers must wear a seatbelt, and you are responsible for making sure they do. Maryland law requires seatbelts for all occupants, and you can be cited if a passenger is not wearing one.

If you are driving at night, your supervising adult must still be in the front passenger seat, and all other passengers must be seated and belted. The supervising adult counts as one of your passengers and does not take up an additional seat.

Consequences of breaking learner's permit rules

Violating learner's permit restrictions can result in a fine, points added to your driving record, and suspension of your permit. A single violation can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the offense. Points stay on your record and can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license.

If you accumulate too many violations, the MVA can suspend your learner's permit, which means you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted. You will also have to wait longer before you can take the road test for a full license. If you are cited for a violation, you have the right to contest it in traffic court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school or work before sunrise or after sunset with a learner's permit?

No. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise without a supervising adult in the front passenger seat, regardless of the reason. If you need to drive before sunrise or after sunset, you must have a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you.

What happens if my supervising adult falls asleep while I am driving?

If your supervising adult is asleep, they cannot intervene in an emergency, and you are violating the restriction. You should pull over safely and wake them, or ask them to stay alert while you drive. A police officer can cite you if they observe that your supervising adult is asleep.

Can I use GPS or a navigation app on my phone while driving?

You cannot hold or touch your phone to use GPS or any app while driving. You can use a GPS device mounted on your dashboard if it is set before you start driving. Some newer vehicles have built-in navigation systems that you can set before you drive, which is allowed.

Do learner's permit restrictions explore on private property like a parking lot?

Learner's permit restrictions explore on public roads only. You can practice driving in parking lots, empty fields, or private driveways without following the daylight or supervising adult rules. However, once you drive onto a public road, all restrictions explore.

What if I get pulled over and I am breaking a learner's permit rule?

Tell the officer the truth about your permit status and the violation. You will receive a citation, which you can pay or contest in traffic court. Having a record of violations can delay your road test and increase your insurance costs, so it is important to follow the rules while you are learning to drive.