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Maryland

Are you ready for your Maryland driver’s license? No? You’ll need practice tests like the Maryland permit practice test and the Maryland driver’s license renewal test. These tests prepare you for the exam that is administered by the Maryland MVA.

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Maryland MVA Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Maryland License
  • Preparing For Your MD Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your MD Permit Test
  • Renewing Your MD License
  • Taking Your MD Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your MD Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Maryland or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have a learner's permit:

  • You may drive only when accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat next to you, who has had their own license for at least 3 years.
  • You may not use your cell phone or any type of hands-free device while behind the wheel.

If you have a provisional driver's license:

  • You may only drive unsupervised between 5AM and 12AM (midnight).
  • No passengers under 18 years old are allowed for the first 5 months you have your provisional license.
    • The only exceptions are if they are direct family members, or if you have a qualified supervising driver with you.
  • All occupants of the car must wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • You may not use any wireless device, including hands-free devices, except to call emergency services.

What happens after I pass my MD road test?

The MVA will give you a temporary paper card and mail your license to you within 7-10 business days.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver (at least 21 years old) sitting in the passenger seat. They must have held their own license for at least 3 years.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No, your photo will be taken at the MVA office where you apply.

Once I get my MD permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

You may begin practicing with your parents right away, but you must also sign up for a state-approved driver's education course. You might find that waiting until you begin the behind-the-wheel training portion of your Driver's Ed course will help your practice sessions with your parents go more smoothly.

Do I need to have car insurance to drive in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland law requires liability insurance for any registered motor vehicle.

Insurance companies must provide you with an automobile insurance identification card for each vehicle. The law requires limits of liability as follows:

  • $30,000 bodily injury;
  • $60,000 bodily injury for 2 people or more;
  • $15,000 property damage per accident.

What are the auto insurance requirements for MD drivers?

Maryland requires you to carry the following insurance minimums:

  • $30,000 bodily injury
  • $60,000 bodily injury for 2 people or more
  • $15,000 property damage per accident

How To Get A Maryland Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires all new drivers to complete their Rookie Driver Program, which prepares you for the road through education and behind-the-wheel training.

The Rookie Driver Program is required for anyone who has never before been licensed, no matter your age, but the specifics to obtain your MD driver’s license will vary based on your age.

MD Learner’s Permit Requirements

All new Maryland drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a Type 1 Learner’s Instructional Permit before qualifying for a provisional driver’s license. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to be eligible for a permit. The requirements will differ slightly depending on whether you are under 25 years old or you’re 25 years old or older.

Drivers Under 25 Years Old

To begin the permit process, make an MVA permit appointment online. At your appointment, you’ll need to:

  1. Fill out the learner’s permit application (only available in person at the MVA office). If you’re under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must co-sign your application.
  2. Provide proof of your:
    • Age and identity (1 document).
    • Social Security number (1 document).
    • Maryland address (2 documents).
      • Your parent/guardian can help certify residency for you if you’re a minor. They’ll also need to offer proof of parental relationship/dependency, such as their health insurance policy or tax return.
      • You can use the MVA’s online document guide to help gather your required proofs.
  3. Pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test.
  4. Pay the $50 Type 1 permit fee.
    • This also covers the cost for your provisional and full licenses.

If you are under 16 years old, you’ll also need to provide a Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance (DL-300) form. Once you’ve earned your permit:

  • Complete an approved Maryland Driver Education Program that includes at least:
    • 30 hours of classroom study.
    • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
  • Perform at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours driven at night (i.e., between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise).
  • Hold your permit for the minimum required length of time with no violations, based on your age:
    • Under 18 years old: 9 months.
    • 18 years old (WITHOUT high school diploma): 3 months.
    • 18 years old (WITH high school diploma) OR between 19 and 24 years old: 3 months.

If you incur any traffic violations during your permit period, you’ll immediately be required to hold your permit for an additional 9 months, beginning on the date of your conviction.

You may drive only when accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat next to you, who has had their own license for at least 3 years. For permit holders who are under 18 years old, you may NOT use your cell phone or any type of hands-free device while behind the wheel.

Once you’ve completed your permit requirements, you’ll be eligible to apply for a provisional driver’s license.

Drivers 25 Years Old and Up

For new Maryland learner’s permit applicants 25 years old and older, the requirements mirror those for younger drivers except for your necessary practice hours and permit holding length. You will need to:

At your appointment, you’ll need to:

  1. Make an MVA permit appointment online.
  2. Fill out the learner’s permit application (only available in person at the MVA office.
  3. Provide proof of your:
    • Age and identity (1 document).
    • Social Security number (1 document).
    • Maryland address (2 documents).
  4. Pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test.
  5. Pay the $50 Type 1 permit fee.
    • This also covers the cost for your provisional and full licenses.

Once you have your permit in hand, you’ll then need to:

  • Complete an approved Maryland Driver Education program that includes at least:
    • 30 hours of classroom study.
    • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
  • Complete 14 hours of supervised driving practice, including 3 hours driven at night (i.e., between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise).
  • Hold your permit for at least 45 days.

You may drive only when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver (at least 21 years old) sitting in the passenger seat. They must have held their own license for at least 3 years. If you incur any traffic violations during your permit period, you’ll immediately be required to hold your permit for an additional 9 months, beginning on the date of your conviction.

Once you’ve completed your permit requirements, you’ll be eligible to apply for a provisional driver’s license.

Maryland Provisional Driver’s License Requirements

All new drivers who have completed their respective learner’s permit requirements outlined above (i.e., driver’s education, behind-the-wheel practice, and your required holding period) will then be eligible for a MD provisional driver’s license. You can apply once you’re at least 16 years and 6 months old.

Getting your provisional license requires passing a driving skills exam. You must schedule an appointment for your skills test in advance. You can make an appointment online for easier scheduling.

For your MVA driving skills test, bring your:

If you fail your first attempt at the driving skills exam, you may test again as soon as 1 day later, depending on appointment availability. Each subsequent failure requires you to wait at least 7 days in between before retesting.

If your permit expires before you can pass your driving test, you’ll need to reapply for your permit, including retaking your knowledge test and paying the permit fee again.

Once you’ve passed the driving test, you’ll earn your Maryland provisional driver’s license. If you’re under 18 years old, you must drive within the following restrictions:

  • You may only drive unsupervised between 5AM and 12AM (midnight).
  • No passengers under 18 years old are allowed for the first 5 months you have your provisional license.
    • The only exceptions are if they are direct family members, or if you have a qualified supervising driver with you.
  • All occupants of the car must wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • You may not use any wireless device, including hands-free devices, except to call emergency services.

You must also go at least 18 months without a traffic violation before you’re eligible for a full, unrestricted driver’s license. After 18 months, and once you reach at least 18 years old, your provisional license will automatically convert to a full license.

Full, Unrestricted MD Driver’s License Requirements

Once you’re at least 18 years old, the MVA will automatically convert your provisional driver’s license into a full license, provided you’ve met all of the provisional requirements outlined above. Drivers under 21 years old will carry an alcohol restriction on their driver’s licenses.

You’ll receive an attachment in the mail to carry with your provisional license showing its new unrestricted status. Keep this with you until your license expires; once you renew it for the first time, you won’t need the attachment any longer.

New Maryland Residents Driver’s License Requirements

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Maryland, you have 60 days to apply for your MD driver’s license.

To apply, visit your local MVA office and:

  • Surrender your valid out-of-state driver’s license (or expired for less than 1 year) or a certified driving record from your previous state’s licensing agency or DMV.
    • If your license has expired for 1 year or longer, you’ll need to take both the knowledge and driving skills exams.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Name and birth date (1 document).
      • Your out-of-state license may suffice.
    • Social security number (1 document).
    • Maryland residency (2 documents)
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pay the $72 licensing fee.

If you were licensed for less than 18 months in your previous state, you’ll receive a provisional license from the MVA, rather than a full, unrestricted driver’s license. You must adhere to all of the provisional licensing requirements outlined above, including holding your provisional license for the applicable length of time.

If you held your out-of-state license:

  • Less than 6 months: You must hold your MD provisional license for 18 months.
  • Between 6 to 12 months: You must hold your MD provisional license for 12 months.
  • Between 12 to 18 months: You must hold your MD provisional license for 6 months.

All license holding periods must be free of any moving violation convictions; otherwise, you’ll then need to hold your provisional license for 18 months beginning on the date of your conviction.

Converting an Out-of-State License to a Different Class

If you want to apply for a Maryland driver’s license that is a different class from your out-of-state license, you’ll first need to obtain a Type 2 Learner’s Instructional Permit, which is valid for up to 180 days. You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old to be eligible.

Unlike a Type 1 permit for brand new drivers, the Type 2 permit doesn’t require you to complete any driver’s education courses or driving practice time. Instead, you must hold this permit for 14 days, then take the driving skills exam for the specific license class you’re interested in.

Maryland MVA Motorcycle Permit & License Info

MD Motorcycle Permit & License Requirements

If you’re under 18 years old, or if you haven’t yet received a Maryland driver’s license regardless of age, you must first complete the requirements for a standard Maryland learner’s permit and driver’s license, including completion of a state-approved driver’s education course and behind-the-wheel training. Additionally, you must complete the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course.

If you’re 18 years old or older, the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program isn’t required, but it is highly encouraged. Additionally, successful completion of a safety course also allows you to bypass the learner’s permit, written knowledge exam, and motorcycle skills test. If you opt to complete this course, you can skip right to the instructions for applying for your motorcycle license.

Any applicant who does NOT complete the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program must first apply for a motorcycle instruction permit, unless you’re converting a valid out-of-state motorcycle license to a Maryland license.

MD Motorcycle Permit

To obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, make an appointment with your local MVA office. You must:

  • Provide your current Maryland driver’s license.
  • Pass a vision and written knowledge exam.
  • Pay the applicable permit fee (contact your local MVA office for details[2] ).

With your permit, you may practice riding with a supervising rider who:

  • Is at least 21 years old.
  • Has a valid Maryland motorcycle license.
  • Has been licensed for at least 3 years.

Once you’ve practiced riding and feel confident in your skills and ability, you can schedule a driving skills test appointment to obtain your Maryland motorcycle license.

MD Motorcycle License

Getting your full MD motorcycle license will differ based on whether you took a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Course or you received a motorcycle instruction permit instead. If you completed the Motorcycle Safety Course, you don’t have to take the written, vision, or driving skills exams for your motorcycle license.

Head to your local MVA and submit your:

  • Maryland driver’s license.
  • Safety course certificate of completion.
  • Payment for your licensing fee, based on your age:
    • Under 21 years old: $9/year (prorated)
    • 21 years old and up: $72

If you obtained and practiced with a motorcycle learner’s permit, you must pass an on-road skills test before receiving your MD motorcycle license. Make an appointment and be sure to bring:

  • A properly registered motorcycle.
  • Proof of your vehicle’s registration and insurance.
  • An approved helmet and eye protection.

When transporting your motorcycle to the test, make sure you’re accompanied by an approved supervising driver as outlined in your permitting requirements.

If you fail your first exam attempt, you can retake your skills test as soon as the next day. Any further failures will require you to wait at least 7 days between retakes.

Maryland CDL Requirements

Maryland CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Maryland, you must be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (i.e., within Maryland only). To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials (HAZMAT), you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a standard Maryland driver’s license. (You cannot exchange an out-of-state CDL permit for a MD CDL permit or license.)
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 14 days[1] .

To get your CLP, schedule an appointment with the MVA and:

  • Complete CDL Application using the online portal.
  • Visit your local MVA and:
    • Submit proof of your:
      • Age, identity, and citizenship/lawful presence.
      • Social Security number.
      • Maryland residency.
    • Provide a completed:
    • Provide information, including addresses and license numbers, for any driver’s licenses you’ve held in other U.S. states over the previous 10 years.
    • Scan your fingerprint.
    • Have your picture taken.
    • Pass a vision test.
    • Pass a written knowledge test, including any exams specific to additional endorsements on your CDL.
    • Pay the applicable fees:
      • CDL permit fee: $90  (includes your knowledge and skills testing fees).
      • HAZMAT background check: $87.25

You must pass your exam with a score of at least 80%. If you fail your first attempt, you can test again the next day; any subsequent failures carry a waiting period of 7 days before you can retest.

After you’ve held your permit for at least 14 days, you can take the CDL skills test for your full Maryland commercial driver’s license. You’ll have 45 minutes to complete the pre-trip inspection portion and 10 minutes for each maneuver within the exam, which consists of both a Basic Controls test and a Public Roads test. If you need to retest any portion of your skills exam, be prepared to pay a $20 retest fee.

Maryland MVA Handbooks

Maryland CDL Handbook

Maryland CDL Handbook

Maryland CDL Handbook
Maryland Driver's License Handbook

Maryland Driver's License Handbook

Maryland Driver's License Handbook
Maryland Motorcycle Handbook

Maryland Motorcycle Handbook

Maryland Motorcycle Handbook