Updates to Maryland Rookie Driver: A Practice Guide for Coaches & Drivers

Bulletin: All Driver’s Education providers 
From: Business Licensing and Compliance

Purpose

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will be releasing an updated version of the Rookie Driver: A Practice Guide for Coaches & Drivers. While the guide retains its core purpose and instructional content, several revisions have been made to improve clarity, accessibility, and consistency with current best practices.

Summary

As part of the MVA's ongoing commitment to accessibility, the Rookie Driver Guide has also been revised to better align with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. These updates improve readability, navigation, and usability for all users, including individuals who utilize assistive technologies.

Driver education schools and instructors should review the updated guide once it is available and incorporate the following changes into classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

General Updates

• The guide has been reorganized using plain language principles and updated formatting to improve readability and support ADA accessibility standards.
• The order, format, and structure of the document have been revised to provide a more logical flow and improve navigation for all users.
• Unnecessary or repetitive language has been removed for greater clarity and conciseness.
• Charts, graphics, and illustrations have been redesigned to improve understanding and accessibility.
• Website links throughout the guide have been updated to direct users to current MVA webpages.

Instructional Updates

• Learner's Permit Expiration (Page 7)
  • The permit expiration guidance has been clarified.
  • The guide now clearly states that driver education does not need to be repeated if a learner's permit expires.
• Steering (Page 8)    
  • The steering section now includes additional guidance regarding palming the steering wheel.
  • Instructors should ensure students understand proper steering techniques and that palming the steering wheel is not considered an acceptable steering method.
• Seat Belt Use (Page 9)
  • The seat belt section has been expanded with additional guidance on proper seat belt usage.
  • Instructors are encouraged to reinforce correct seat belt positioning and proper occupant restraint during every driving lesson.
• Backing (Page 10)
  The backing section has been revised to:
  • Clarify the difference between backing in a straight line and backing while turning.
  • Provide guidance on the appropriate use of backup cameras.
  • Students should continue to emphasize direct observation while understanding that backup camera technology is intended to supplement, not replace, proper visual checks.
• Driving in Work Zones (Page 16)
  A new section has been added addressing safe driving practices in work zones. The section reinforces the importance of:
  • Reducing speed.
  • Following temporary traffic control devices.
  • Remaining alert for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns.
  • Exercising additional caution in active construction areas.
• Action Requested
  Driver education schools should:
  • Review the revised Rookie Driver Guide with all instructional staff.
  • Update classroom presentations, lesson plans, and student materials as appropriate.
  • Ensure instructors are familiar with the revised language, accessibility improvements, and new instructional guidance prior to classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
  • Encourage students and supervising coaches to use the most current version of the Rookie Driver Guide during practice sessions.

These revisions are intended to improve the usability and accessibility of the Rookie Driver Guide while providing students, coaches, and instructors with clearer, more consistent information to support safe driving practices. The MVA appreciates your continued partnership in delivering high-quality driver education throughout Maryland.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 410-787-2952 or [email protected].