Getting your learner’s permit is the first step to getting your driver’s license. In Maryland, you need to schedule an appointment with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to apply for your permit. This article will guide you through the process of how to make an appointment for a learner’s permit in Maryland.
Requirements for a Maryland Learner’s Permit
Before you schedule your appointment, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
- Documents: Gather necessary documents such as proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of parental relationship or dependency if under 16. A US passport can be used as proof of identity, but additional proof of parental relationship is still required. For a complete list of acceptable documents, consult the Maryland MVA’s Online Document Guide.
Scheduling Your Learner’s Permit Appointment
You must schedule an appointment to apply for your learner’s permit at one of Maryland’s full-service MVA offices. Fortunately, you can complete the pre-application process and schedule your appointment online, saving you time and effort.
To schedule your appointment online:
- Visit the myMVA website.
- Complete the learner’s permit pre-application.
- Select a convenient date, time, and MVA branch location for your appointment.
After your appointment: Your learner’s permit will be mailed to you after you have successfully completed your appointment at the MVA.
What to Expect at Your Learner’s Permit Appointment
At your appointment, you will:
- Verify your identity and documents.
- Pay the required fees. A parent or guardian must co-sign the application and pay the fees if you are a minor.
- Take the required tests, which include a vision test and a knowledge test.
Learner’s Permit Restrictions and Requirements in Maryland
Once you have your learner’s permit, you must adhere to certain restrictions:
- Supervised Driving: You must always drive with a qualified supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for at least three years. The supervising driver must be seated beside you, and no other passengers are allowed in the front seat.
- Cell Phone Use: Cell phone use is prohibited, even with hands-free devices, except for making emergency 911 calls.
- Practice Hours: Before you can get your provisional license, you must complete a required number of supervised practice driving hours, including nighttime driving. The number of hours required depends on your age. Consult the Rookie Driver Practice Guide for specific requirements. The guide also contains a practice skills log that must be completed by your supervising driver. You will need to present this completed log at your driving skills test.
- Curfew: There may be restrictions on when you can drive.
Moving Violations and Learner’s Permits
If you receive a moving violation while holding a learner’s permit, it will affect your licensing process. You will be required to hold your permit for a minimum of nine months from the conviction date and fulfill all provisional license requirements before taking the driving skills test.
Conclusion
Obtaining a learner’s permit is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a licensed driver. By understanding the requirements and following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully schedule your learner’s permit appointment in Maryland and begin your driving experience. Remember to consult the MVA’s website for the most up-to-date information and resources.
