Maryland's Graduated Licensing System
A learner's permit allows a new driver to begin the learning process of operating a motor vehicle.
Applicants must obtain a valid learner's permit before any behind-the-wheel driver education training or driving on Maryland's roadways.
Requirements:
Age Required:
Minimum age for applicants is 15 years and 9 months.
Documents Required:
- If under 16, additional proof of parental relationship or dependency is also required:
-
Proof of Identity
If proof of US passport is presented applicant must provide proof of parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card/policy. -
Proof of Social Security
For a complete list of documents you can bring, and to schedule your appointment, visit our
Online Document Guide.
Please note: If the minor is under the custody or guardianship of a local Department of Social Services (DSS), the Director of the Department or the Director's Designee (e.g. social worker), is authorized to co-sign the application, even if DSS has limited guardianship. They must provide documentation with the application, including their State ID card and an original (with seal) court document reflecting the minor’s custody or guardianship with DSS.
Tests Required:
Schedule an Appointment
To complete your Learner’s Permit application, you must make an appointment at any of the MVA's
full-service offices. You can complete the pre-application and make your appointment
online with myMVA.
After completing your appointment, your permit will be mailed to you.
If your learner's permit expires, or you are not able to complete or pass the required skills tests before it expires, you will be required to reapply for a new permit. To do so, please:
- pass the vision and knowledge tests and
- pay the required fees
- have your parent/guardian co-sign the application if you are a minor
- Start the pre-application
online with myMVA and make a new appointment to complete your new permit application
Learner's permit holders are prohibited from using a cell phone even with 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 in the Rookie Driver Practice Guide for the learner's permit holder, which is issued by the MVA along with every learner's permit. New drivers will be required to present the completed certification page from the
Rookie Driver Practice Guide (with the minimum number of practice hours according to their age classification as listed in the chart below) and their unexpired Maryland learner's permit when they arrive for their driving skills test appointment.
|
Age |
Age 18 or under
(without HS Diploma or its equivalent)
|
18 years old
(with HS Diploma or its equivalent)
|
Ages 19-24 |
25 and older |
|---|
|
Minimum holding period before provisional license can be issued |
9 months |
3 months |
3 months |
45 days |
|
Minimum holding period before provisional can be issued, if Individual was convicted of, or granted probation before judgement for, a moving violation |
60 hours of practice driver with experienced (who’s 21 and held a valid license for at least 3 years)
10 hours at night |
60 hours of practice driver with experienced (who’s 21 and held a valid license for at least 3 years)
10 hours at night |
60 hours of practice driver with experienced (who’s 21 and held a valid license for at least 3 years)
10 hours at night |
14 hours of practice with experienced driver
3 hours at night |
|
Supervised practice driving hours |
60 hours of practice driver with experienced (who’s 21 and held a valid license for at least 3 years)
10 hours at night |
60 hours of practice driver with experienced (who’s 21 and held a valid license for at least 3 years)
10 hours at night |
60 hours of practice driver with experienced (who’s 21 and held a valid license for at least 3 years)
10 hours at night |
14 hours of practice with experienced driver
3 hours at night |
|
Driver Education |
30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel |
30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel |
30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel |
30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel |
If a driver with a learner's permit is convicted of or given a probation before judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation, they are required to hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months following the date they were convicted of a moving violation, or granted the PBJ. They must also meet all of the requirements for a provisional license before they are eligible to take a driving skills test.
If an applicant is under 25 years old when a first Maryland learner’s permit is obtained and then turns 25 afterwards, the MVA will permit the applicant to take a driving skills test if the permit has been held for at least 45 days (the 45 days may include the days the applicant held the permit before turning 25). The applicant must have completed at least 14 hours of supervised driving and the required driver’s education program. An eligible supervising driver must have completed the certification page from the practice skills log.
Out-of-state driver’s education certificates are not typically accepted by the MVA. Currently, the MVA has only approved certificates that are issued by the Delaware Board of Education that state that the certificate has been approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No other out-of-state certificates are currently accepted.
Parents Please Note:
- If a new driver under 18 is cited for a moving violation, the MVA will notify the co-signer.
- Drivers under 18 may have their licenses suspended if the parent, guardian, or co-signer withdraws their consent. Contact the MVA for details.
- Your driving skills test for a provisional license must be scheduled in advance. Go to
here to schedule an appointment.
- Maryland requires all registered vehicle owners to carry liability insurance, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Everything You Need to Know About Maryland's Graduated Licensing System (Rookie Driver Home)
Home School Coordinators List
Driver Education Program
Rookie Driver Practice Guide
