Learn the Maryland requirements for obtaining your learners permit and drivers license. Then register for driver ed at our Maryland state-approved driving school today.
Learner's Permit
- The minimum age for applicants is 15 years and nine months.
- If under 16, you must provide a completed verification of identity and school attendance form (#DL-300) to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process. The attendance form must be presented to the MVA in a sealed, unopened envelope provided by the applicant's school or county home school coordinator if homeschooled.
- A parent or guardian must co-sign the learner's permit application if you are under 18.
- You are required to present documents to the MDOT MVA. If you are a minor, additional proof of parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card/policy, is also required. For a complete list of documents you can bring and to schedule your appointment, visit our Online Document Guide.
- Before obtaining a learner's permit, you must pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
- You must obtain a valid learner's permit before any behind-the-wheel driver education training or driving on Maryland's roadways.
Learner's permit holders under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone and all Bluetooth/hands-free devices while operating a motor vehicle except to make an emergency 911 call. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.
While driving, learner's permit holders must be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver who is 21 years or older and has held a license for a minimum of 3 years. The person must be seated beside the new driver at all times, with no other front-seat occupants.
A qualified supervising driver (parent, guardian, or mentor) must complete a practice skills log for the learner's permit holder, which the MVA issues along with every learner's permit. New drivers must also present the completed certification page from the practice skills log and their unexpired Maryland learner's permit when they arrive for their driving skills test appointment.
Provisional License
- The minimum age is 16 years and six months.
- You must complete the requirements for a learner's permit without convictions or probations before judgment for the required period.
- You must have completed the classroom and behind-the-wheel components of the Maryland driver's education program with an approved provider.
- You must have completed all required practice driving under supervision and have a signed certificate in the Rookie Driver Practice Guide.
All provisional drivers must maintain a clean driving record for 18 months before being eligible for a full Maryland driver's license. With a provisional license, you may drive without a supervising driver. However, you may be subject to restrictions depending on your age.
Provisional drivers under 21 may not drive with any measurable alcohol in their systems. Older drivers must comply with Maryland's impaired driving laws.
Provisional license holders under the age of 18:
- May not drive with passengers under 18, other than immediate family members, for the first 151 days without a qualified supervising driver.
- May not drive between 12 midnight and 5 AM unless a supervised, licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has three years of driving is with them or they are driving to or from a job, official school activity, organized volunteer program, or are participating in an athletic event or related training session.
- May not use any wireless communication device, including a hands-free device.
- All passengers must wear safety belts or child safety seats on every trip.
Full Driver's License
- The minimum age is 18 years.
- Drivers must hold a provisional license for at least 18 months and be conviction-free.
- If under 21, the applicant's license and driving record must be alcohol-free.
- When provisional license holders meet all requirements, the MVA automatically converts the license to a full driver's license status. An attachment card showing the conversion to a full license is mailed to the driver. The card should be carried with the Provisional license to show the change in licensing status. The attachment card will no longer be needed when the provisional license expires. The driver comes in for license renewal, pays the renewal fee, and then is issued a full license.