How to Get Your Maryland Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Maryland license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Maryland learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Maryland residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Maryland residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Maryland permit knowledge test
The Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions; you must answer 22 correctly (88%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Maryland-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the next business day if an appointment is open. After failing two or more times, you must wait at least seven calendar days. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
The best prep path is to read the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free MD practice test and the full 25-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Maryland learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $50).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Maryland's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Maryland license
Schedule your Maryland road test through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $72 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Maryland steps in order
As listed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA):
- Turn 15 years and 9 months old.
- Read the Maryland Driver's Manual at mva.maryland.gov.
- Take practice tests until you score 90% or higher.
- Make an appointment at an MVA branch office through the MVA website.
- Bring proof of age, identity, Maryland residency, and lawful presence.
- Pass the vision screening and the 25-question knowledge test.
- Pay the $50 learner's permit fee.
- Hold the learner's permit for at least 9 months and complete the Maryland Driver Education program.
- Log at least 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- Pass the skills test and pay the $72 provisional license fee.
- Drive on your provisional license for 18 months with a clean record, then upgrade to a full Class C license.
FAQ: Getting Your Maryland License
How old do I need to be to get a Maryland learner permit?
You must be at least 16 to apply for a Maryland learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Maryland permit test?
The Maryland permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 22 correctly (88%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Maryland permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Maryland residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Maryland?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) driver manual lists Maryland's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Maryland driver license?
Yes — Maryland issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free MD practice tests mirror the real Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Maryland-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.