Maryland DMV Guide: Permit, License, and Road Test
Last updated:
Getting your learner's permit in Maryland is a clear, step-by-step process once you know what the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) expects. This guide walks you through eligibility, the documents you need, the knowledge test, and what happens after you pass, so you can arrive prepared and avoid a wasted trip.
Rules, fees, and document lists can change over time, so treat this as a general roadmap and always confirm the current requirements with the MVA or your local branch before your visit. Arriving with the right documents the first time is the easiest way to keep the process quick and stress-free.
15 years 9 months
Permit age
25
Test questions
22 (88%)
To pass
$65
Permit fee
Step by step: getting your Maryland permit
Step 1: Confirm you meet the age and program requirements
In Maryland you can generally apply for a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months. Maryland uses a graduated licensing system for new drivers, so the permit is the first stage and comes with supervised-driving expectations rather than full privileges. Check whether your age requires enrollment in or completion of a driver-education program.
Step 2: Gather your required documents
Bring documents that prove who you are, your Social Security number, and that you live in Maryland. Applicants under 18 typically need a parent or guardian to provide consent.
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Two documents proving Maryland residency
- Parent or guardian consent if you are under 18
Step 3: Complete any required driver education
Many Maryland applicants must enroll in or complete a driver-education course before they can be tested or licensed. Requirements depend on your age and program, so review the MVA rules early and keep your enrollment or completion certificate handy.
Step 4: Pass the knowledge test
Take the 25-question written knowledge test and score at least 88 percent, which means 22 correct answers. Practicing beforehand so the format and wording feel familiar is the single best way to walk in calm and pass on the first attempt.
Step 5: Pass the vision screening and pay the fee
You will complete a quick vision screening and pay the permit fee. Once everything checks out, the MVA issues your learner's permit, which lets you begin supervised practice driving toward your provisional license.
After you pass the knowledge test
With a Maryland learner's permit you may drive only while supervised by a qualified licensed adult. Maryland's graduated system generally includes a holding period and a set number of supervised practice hours, often including night driving, before you can take the road skills test. Track your hours carefully and practice in a wide range of settings so you are ready when the time comes.
Tips for Maryland new drivers
Build experience gradually: start in quiet areas, then add busier suburban roads and eventually highway driving around Baltimore and the Washington corridor. Always carry your permit while driving, keep a supervising adult in the front seat, and follow any passenger and nighttime restrictions that apply to permit holders. Steady, varied practice beats cramming a few long sessions.
Maryland permit and test fees
$65
Learner's Permit Non CDL Type I (GLS) for drivers with no previous license; the $65 includes conversion to the full license. Type II permit for currently or previously licensed drivers is $45.
Verified on the MVA fee page, fees effective as of September 1, 2025. A corrected permit costs $30. Non-commercial permits are valid for a maximum of 8 years per the license validity rules; limited-term permits are adjusted to the legal stay period.
Maryland permit restrictions and supervised driving
While you hold the permit
Supervised practice: 60 supervised practice driving hours, including at least 10 nighttime hours
Hold period: Learner's permit must be held at least 9 months (for drivers 16 to 18 without a high school diploma) before the provisional license
- Practice driving must be supervised and total 60 hours including at least 10 at night
- Applicants must complete a certified driver education course (30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel)
- Must have no recent moving violations in the months before applying
After you upgrade (provisional/intermediate)
- For the first 151 days, drivers under 18 may not carry passengers under 18 who are not immediate family unless a qualified supervising driver is in the car
- May not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless a licensed driver at least 21 with three years of experience is present, or driving to or from work, school, an organized volunteer program, or an athletic event
- No use of any wireless communication device, even hands-free; a clean record for 18 months is required for a full license
Restriction details change. Confirm current rules with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Maryland road test requirements
Applicants must pass the behind-the-wheel driving test to move from the learner's permit to the provisional license.
What to bring
- A learner's permit held at least 9 months and proof of completing a certified driver education course
- Documentation of 60 supervised practice hours (10 at night)
- Parent, guardian, or co-signer approval for drivers under 18
Vehicle requirements
- A safe, properly registered vehicle for the behind-the-wheel test
- Valid insurance as required by Maryland law
Maryland driver handbook summary
Maryland's Rookie Driver program moves new drivers through a learner's permit, a provisional license, and a full license. MVA materials emphasize the 60 supervised hours including 10 at night, the nine-month permit period, and the provisional rules covering passengers, the midnight-to-5 a.m. curfew, and a total ban on wireless devices. A clean 18-month record is needed before the full license.
Practice for the Maryland test
The fastest way to pass is to rehearse real test format. Our Maryland questions are balanced across the categories the MVA tests.
Find a MVA office in Maryland
Most permits are issued in person. Find your nearest MVA location before you go, and check whether you need an appointment.
Map results come from Google and may include third-party services. Always confirm the office location, hours, and whether an appointment is required on the official MVA website before visiting.
Official Maryland sources
Maryland licensing FAQ
How much does the Maryland permit cost?
$65. Learner's Permit Non CDL Type I (GLS) for drivers with no previous license; the $65 includes conversion to the full license. Type II permit for currently or previously licensed drivers is $45. Verified on the MVA fee page, fees effective as of September 1, 2025. A corrected permit costs $30. Non-commercial permits are valid for a maximum of 8 years per the license validity rules; limited-term permits are adjusted to the legal stay period. See the full Maryland fee breakdown and official source on our permit cost page.
What score do I need to pass the Maryland written test?
The Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions and you must answer 22 correctly (88%) to pass.
How many supervised driving hours does Maryland require?
60 supervised practice driving hours, including at least 10 nighttime hours. Confirm the current requirement and any logging rules with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
How old do I have to be for a Maryland learner's permit?
Generally 15 years and 9 months. Confirm the current age and education requirements with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
What documents do I need to apply?
Proof of identity, your Social Security number, two proofs of Maryland residency, and parental consent if you are under 18.
Do I have to take a test for the permit?
Yes. You take a 25-question written knowledge test and a vision screening to qualify for the permit.
Is there a fee for the Maryland permit?
Yes, a permit fee applies. Check the current amount with the MVA or your local branch before your visit.