Maryland learner's permit rules: what the law requires

A Maryland learner's permit lets you drive under specific conditions — but those conditions are strict, and breaking them can result in fines, permit suspension, or criminal charges. The state requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to sit beside you at all times, prohibits you from driving alone under any circumstance, and restricts when and where you can drive depending on your age and how long you have held the permit.

Maryland's learner's permit system has two phases: the initial learner's permit (also called a provisional learner's permit) and the intermediate license. The rules differ between them, and the restrictions loosen as you progress. Understanding which phase you are in and what that phase allows is the difference between legal practice and a violation that goes on your record.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times while driving on a learner's permit — no exceptions for short trips or familiar roads.
  • If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on a learner's permit, and this curfew continues on an intermediate license until you turn 18.
  • You cannot use a cell phone, hands-free or handheld, while driving on a learner's permit, even at a red light or in stopped traffic.
  • Maryland requires you to hold a 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 up to $500, permit suspension, and a requirement to restart the waiting period.

Who must sit with you and what "supervising driver" means

The supervising driver must be a licensed driver age 21 or older, seated in the front passenger seat. Maryland law does not allow the supervising driver to sit in the back seat, and it does not matter if you are driving on a quiet residential street or a busy highway — the requirement is the same in all situations.

The supervising driver must have a valid driver's license from Maryland, another U.S. state, or a country with which Maryland has a reciprocal agreement. A learner's permit, a suspended license, or an expired license does not count. If you are stopped by police and the supervising driver's license is expired or suspended, you can be cited for violating the learner's permit rules, and the supervising driver can also face charges.

The supervising driver does not have to be a parent or guardian — they can be any licensed adult age 21 or older. However, that person is responsible for ensuring you follow all permit rules, and if you violate them, both you and the supervising driver can face legal consequences.

Curfew restrictions for drivers under 18

If you are under 18 and hold a learner's permit, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This curfew applies every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. The only exception is if you are driving to or from work, school, or a school-sponsored event, and you have written documentation of that activity with you in the vehicle.

The curfew continues after you obtain an intermediate license (the step between learner's permit and full license) until you turn 18. Once you turn 18, the curfew lifts, even if you have not yet obtained your full license. If you are stopped during curfew hours without a valid reason, you can be cited, and your permit can be suspended.

Cell phone and distraction rules

Maryland prohibits all cell phone use while driving on a learner's permit — no texting, no calling, no hands-free devices, no checking maps or notifications. This is a zero-tolerance rule. You cannot hold the phone, use voice commands, or glance at the screen. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency.

This rule applies whether you are moving or stopped at a red light. If you are caught using a phone while driving on a learner's permit, you face a fine and a mark on your driving record. A violation can also delay your progress to an intermediate license or full license, because Maryland considers permit violations when you explore for the next stage.

Speed limits and road restrictions

You must obey all posted speed limits while driving on a learner's permit. Maryland does not impose an additional speed restriction for permit holders, but you cannot exceed the legal limit for the road you are on. Speeding while on a learner's permit is treated as a violation of the permit rules and can result in suspension.

You are not restricted from driving on interstate highways or limited-access roads, but you must have your supervising driver with you. Some driving schools recommend that new permit holders avoid these roads during peak traffic hours as a safety practice, but the law does not prohibit them. You should follow your supervising driver's judgment and your instructor's recommendations about which roads are appropriate for your skill level.

How long you must hold a learner's permit before the road test

Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum of six months before you are allowed to take the road test for a full license. This waiting period cannot be shortened, and it applies to all new drivers regardless of age. The six months begins on the date your learner's permit is issued, not on the date you pass the written test.

If your learner's permit is suspended or revoked during this period, the six-month clock does not restart — you continue from where you left off. However, if you allow your permit to expire without renewing it, you will have to start over. Permits are valid for five years, so expiration is unlikely unless you do not renew after a suspension or straightforward do not drive for an extended period.

Violations, fines, and suspension

Violating learner's permit rules can result in fines ranging up to $500, depending on the violation and whether it is your first offense. Common violations include driving without a supervising driver, driving during curfew hours, using a cell phone, and speeding. Each violation is a separate offense and can result in a separate fine.

A violation can also trigger permit suspension. The length of suspension depends on the violation and your driving history. If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted, and you must wait the full six-month holding period again before you can take the road test. Some violations can also result in criminal charges if they involve an accident or injury.

If you receive a citation for a permit violation, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. Many drivers choose to attend a defensive driving course, which can reduce fines or prevent points from being added to your record, depending on the violation and the court's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone to school or work on a learner's permit?

No. Maryland law requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the front passenger seat at all times, with no exceptions for school, work, or any other destination. If you are under 18, you also cannot drive to these places during curfew hours (midnight to 5 a.m.) unless you have written documentation with you.

What happens if I get pulled over without a supervising driver?

You will be cited for violating your learner's permit rules. The fine can be up to $500, and your permit can be suspended. If you are under 18, a violation also goes on your driving record and can affect your ability to obtain an intermediate license or full license later.

Can my supervising driver be on their phone while I drive?

Maryland's cell phone restriction applies only to the driver, not to passengers. However, your supervising driver should not be distracted, because they are responsible for monitoring your driving and can be held liable if you violate permit rules while they are supervising you.

Do I have to carry my learner's permit with me when I drive?

Yes. You must carry your learner's permit and a valid form of identification at all times while driving. If you are stopped and cannot produce your permit, you can be cited. You should also carry proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

What is the difference between a learner's permit and an intermediate license?

A learner's permit requires a supervising driver age 21 or older at all times. An intermediate license allows you to drive alone during certain hours, but if you are under 18, you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone. You must hold a learner's permit for six months before you can take the road test for an intermediate license.