Maryland

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 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.

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

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

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.

Once you've passed your road skills exam and applied for your license, the MVA will provide you with a paper copy of your new provisional license. You'll receive a permanent license card in the mail within 7-10 business days.

You can visit any MVA office to apply.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

Maryland requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to undergo the full graduated driver's licensing process. Therefore, all drivers must bring the same documents to apply for a provisional license:

• Valid learner's permit (not expired).
• Proof of completion for your driver's education course.
• Completed Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide (form RD-006).

Maryland requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to undergo the full graduated driver's licensing process. Therefore, all drivers must bring the same documents to apply for a provisional license:

• Valid learner's permit (not expired).
• Proof of completion for your driver's education course.
• Completed Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide (form RD-006).

Maryland requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to undergo the full graduated driver's licensing process. To apply for a provisional license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years and 6 months old.
• Have earned your learner's permit.
• Complete a state-approved driver's education course.
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel practice hours, logged on the Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide (form RD-006).
• Pass the driving skills road test.

Maryland requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to undergo the full graduated driver's licensing process. To apply for a provisional license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years and 6 months old.
• Have earned your learner's permit.
• Complete a state-approved driver's education course.
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel practice hours, logged on the Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide (form RD-006).
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you are at least 16 years and 6 months old and you have:

• Earned your learner's permit.
• Completed your Driver's Ed course and behind-the-wheel practice hours.

You can apply for a restricted license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on what kind of restriction will apply to you. To qualify for a restricted license, you must show that you have no access to alternative transportation, or that such transportation would impose a serious hardship upon your education or employment. Your school or employer may be required to provide a statement in writing.

Some restrictions are not punitive, such as medical restrictions that allow you to use special equipment to drive or restrict the hours within which you're allowed to be behind the wheel. For these, you may be required to provide medical documents and/or a statement from your doctor.

You can request a license restriction at your court hearing or administrative hearing for your specific violations. The court can then confer with the MVA, who will mail you instructions on how to obtain your restricted license.

If you need a medical restriction, speak with your doctor about beginning the paperwork to qualify you for a restricted license, then contact the MVA for information.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses. Some restrictions are not punitive, such as medical restrictions that allow you to use special equipment to drive or restrict the hours within which you're allowed to be behind the wheel. These restrictions can be temporary or permanent depending upon your condition.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to obtain a learner's permit. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The MVA offers an online guide on what to expect and how to best prepare for your skills exam.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test, but they may not join you for the actual exam.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with MD laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at MVA offices throughout the state. Walk-ins are generally not accepted, however; you must schedule an appointment in advance.

Learner's Permit: $50 (also covers your provisional and full licenses)

Driver's License (under 21 years old): $9/year (prorated)

Driver's License (21 years old and up): $72

The State of Maryland Driver's Manuals are available online.

You can apply at any MVA branch.

Learner's Permit: $50 (also covers your provisional and full licenses)

Driver's License (under 21 years old): $9/year (prorated)

Driver's License (21 years old and up): $72

No.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide proof of parental relationship/dependency.

You should bring the following items with you to your permit test:

• 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.
• A Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance (DL-300) form, if you are under 16 years old.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed, for the vision test.
• Payment for the $50 Type 1 permit fee.
  • This also covers the cost for your provisional and full licenses.

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a learner's permit.

To apply for a Maryland learner's permit, an MVA permit appointment online. At your appointment, you'll need to:

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.

• 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.
    • The MVA provides an online document guide to help gather your required proofs.
• Provide a Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance (DL-300) form, if you're under 16 years old.
• Pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test. (Try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare!)
• Pay the $50 Type 1 permit fee.

Some examples of potential questions include:

If the vehicle is equipped with air bags:

1. Seatbelts should still be worn
2. Seatbelts do not need to be worn
3. Seatbelts should be worn behind the back

The maximum posted speed limit should be driven only:

1. During the night
2. During the day
3. In ideal conditions

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Maryland practice test.

No. To obtain a learner's permit, you must only pass knowledge and vision tests at the MVA. You will need to take Driver's Ed before you can obtain your provisional permit.

The Maryland Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a MD permit.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide proof of parental relationship/dependency.

The MVA provides a list of branch locations by county, where you can find contact information for your local office.

You can apply once you're 15 years and 9 months old.

If you hold 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.
• 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.

If you hold a provisional license:

• You may only drive unsupervised between 5AM and 12AM (midnight).
• You may not carry any passengers under 18 years old for the first 5 months, unless they are direct family members or 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 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.

You'll need to complete the appropriate learner's permit/driver's license application. These are available only at the MVA office (you cannot access them online).

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

All new Maryland drivers, regardless of age, must complete a state-approved Maryland driver education program that consists of at least:

• 30 hours of classroom lessons
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training

There are no prerequisites to obtaining your permit, other than being minimum age (15 years and 9 months old), having regular attendance in school, and being prepared to pass your knowledge test. If you are under 16 years old, you'll need to provide a Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance (DL-300) form to prove your school enrollment for at least the past year.

To apply for your MD instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
• Complete the permit application (offered at your local MVA), signed by your parent/guardian if you're under 18 years old.
• Provide the required proofs of identity and residency.
• Provide proof of your school attendance, if you're under 16 years old.
• Pass the vision and written knowledge exams.
• Pay the $50 permit fee.

No, you do not need to repeat your eye exam for license renewals.

You can renew by mail if you received a “Renew by Mail” notice. You may also be able to renew by mail if you are temporarily out of state contact your local MVA office for specifics.

You cannot renew by mail if:

• You have a limited term driver's license.
• You've changed your name since your last renewal.
• Your renewal notice specifies that you need to renew in person.

Most drivers can renew online. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal. If so, you can also use a self-service kiosk to renew your license.

To renew online or by self-service kiosk, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This may include:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

To renew in person, you will need the following:

• The renewal application form that you received in the mail (if available).
• Your current driver's license, plus any additional identity documents stated on your notice.
• Payment for the renewal fee.

If you are renewing in person, you may also need additional documents:

• If you are applying for a REAL ID, you should bring additional forms of acceptable identification.
• If your name has changed since your list ID card was issued, you should bring an original or certified copy of a marriage license, civil union certificate, divorce decree, or probate court name change document.
• If you were honorably discharged from the U.S. military and wish to add a Veteran designation, you should bring a copy of your Veteran's Military Discharge Certificate (DD-214), an honorable discharge certificate, or other proof of honorable discharge. There is no additional fee for this designation.

To renew by mail, you will need the following:

• Your renewal notice, which includes the Maryland Mail-In Driver's License Renewal Application.
• A vision certification signed by your doctor, if you are over 40 years old.
• Payment for your renewal fee as listed on your notice.

You can renew your MD driver's license online, at a self-serve kiosk, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Maryland expire every 8 years. If you're under 21 years old, you can renew up to 7 days before your 21st birthday.

License renewals cost $48 in Maryland.

No. Only the examiner and an interpreted, if needed, may join you in the vehicle.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass. You'll need to wait at least 1 day before your second retest, and at least 7 days in between each subsequent retest.

Yes.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity, residency, and school attendance (if applicable) plus payment for your $50 permit fee. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to co-sign your application once you pass your exam.

The Maryland knowledge exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Maryland Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test.

Check the central scheduling portal to see if an MVA branch near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

Unless you're converting a full, unrestricted driver's license from another state to a Maryland license, all new MD drivers are required to obtain a permit and provisional license before getting a full driver's license.

Schedule your road test using the MVA's online appointment system.

All first-time drivers, regardless of age, must complete an approved Maryland Driver Education Program that includes at least:

• 30 hours of classroom study.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

You'll also need to complete the applicable number of behind-the-wheel practice hours and hold your permit for the required waiting period, both of which vary by age. If you are:

• Under 25 years old:
  • Perform at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours driven at night.
    •  
  • 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.
• Over 25 years old:
  • Complete at least 14 hours of supervised driving practice, including 3 hours driven at night.
  • Hold your permit for at least 45 days.

Your supervising driver will need to complete the Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide (form RD-006) to record your driving hours. Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your provisional license.

The knowledge test for the learner's permit is available by appointment at most MVA offices throughout the state.

Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you feel comfortable coming back for you a retest. You're eligible to test again 1 day after your first test failure. When you're ready, make an appointment for the next available retest slot.

You'll need to wait at least 1 day before you're eligible to retest. After any subsequent failures, you must wait at least 7 days in between retests.

Yes. You must wait at least 1 day for your first retest. If you fail again, you'll need to wait 7 days between every subsequent retest.

You must wait at least 1 day before you can try to test again. If you fail again, you'll need to wait 7 days between every subsequent retest.

If you're simply visiting Maryland, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you have 60 days before you're required to exchange your out-of-state license for a Maryland driver's license.

No, you will need to exchange your out-of-state permit for a Maryland learner's permit.

• You do not need to take a road test if ALL of the following are true:
  • You are at least 16 years and 6 months old.
  • You've been licensed for at least 18 months.
  • Your out-of-state driver's license is valid or has been expired for under 1 year.
• You must take a road test if:
  • You are under 16 years and 6 months,even if you already have a license from another state.
  • Your out-of-state license has expired for more than 1 year.

You have 60 days to obtain a Maryland license after establishing residency.

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.

You must answer 22 of the 25 total questions on the exam correctly.

There are 25 questions on the test. You must answer 22 of them correctly to pass.

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

You can miss up to 3 questions.