Getting your learner’s permit in Maryland is the first step towards driving independence. This crucial stage allows new drivers to learn the rules of the road and gain practical experience behind the wheel under supervision. Before you can begin driving education or practice on Maryland’s roads, obtaining a valid learner’s permit from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is mandatory. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the learner’s permit test in Maryland, ensuring you are well-prepared for the process.
Understanding Maryland’s Graduated Licensing System
Maryland employs a Graduated Licensing System (GLS) designed to gradually introduce new drivers to the responsibilities of driving. This system has three stages:
- Learner’s Permit: This is the initial stage, allowing you to practice driving with a supervising driver.
- Provisional License: After holding a learner’s permit for a required period and passing the driving skills test, you’ll receive a provisional license with some restrictions.
- Full Driver’s License: Once you meet all provisional license requirements, you’ll graduate to a full driver’s license.
The learner’s permit is your entry point into this system, and passing the learner’s permit test is the first hurdle to overcome.
Learner’s Permit Requirements in Maryland
To be eligible for a learner’s permit in Maryland, you must meet specific age and documentation requirements.
Age Requirements
The minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit in Maryland is 15 years and 9 months.
Required Documents
When you apply for your learner’s permit, you will need to provide several documents to the MVA to verify your identity and residency. The specific documents required depend on your age.
- Proof of Identity: This could be a U.S. Passport, birth certificate, or other documents listed on the MVA’s Online Document Guide. If presenting a U.S. passport, applicants under 16 must also provide proof of parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card.
- Proof of Social Security: You will need to provide proof of your Social Security number.
For a complete and up-to-date list of acceptable documents, and to schedule your appointment, it’s highly recommended to visit the MVA Online Document Guide.
Special Note for Minors in DSS Custody: If you are under the custody or guardianship of a local Department of Social Services (DSS), the Director of the Department or their designee can co-sign your application, even with limited guardianship. They must provide documentation including their State ID and an original court document reflecting the custody arrangement.
Tests Required
To obtain your learner’s permit, you must pass two tests:
- Vision Test: This test ensures you meet the minimum vision standards for driving.
- Knowledge Test: This written test assesses your understanding of Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. This is the “learner’s permit test maryland” that most applicants focus on preparing for.
Applying for Your Maryland Learner’s Permit
Applying for your learner’s permit requires an appointment at an MVA full-service office.
Scheduling an Appointment
You must schedule an appointment to complete your learner’s permit application. You can begin the pre-application process and schedule your appointment online through the myMVA portal.
After completing your appointment and passing the required tests, your learner’s permit will be mailed to you.
Learner’s Permit Expiration and Renewal
Learner’s permits are not indefinite. If your permit expires before you pass the driving skills test, or if it simply expires, you will need to reapply for a new one. To reapply, you will need to:
- Pass the vision and knowledge tests again.
- Pay the required fees.
- Have your parent or guardian co-sign the application if you are still a minor.
- Start the pre-application process again online with myMVA and schedule a new appointment.
Restrictions on Learner’s Permit Holders
Holding a learner’s permit comes with specific restrictions designed to ensure safety while you are learning to drive.
Cell Phone Restrictions
Learner’s permit holders are strictly prohibited from using cell phones while driving, even hands-free devices, except to call 911 in an emergency. Violating this restriction can lead to suspension of your driving privileges.
Supervising Driver Requirements
When driving with a learner’s permit, you must be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver. This driver must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 3 years.
- Be seated beside you in the front seat at all times, with no other front seat occupants.
Practice Driving Hours and Logbook
A crucial part of the learner’s permit stage is accumulating supervised driving practice. A qualified supervising driver (parent, guardian, or mentor) must complete a practice skills log in the Rookie Driver Practice Guide provided by the MVA. You will need to present the completed certification page from this guide, showing the minimum required practice hours for your age group, when you arrive for your driving skills test appointment.
The minimum holding period for a learner’s permit and supervised driving hours vary based on age and whether you have a high school diploma or equivalent:
| Age | Age 18 or under (without HS Diploma or equivalent) | 18 years old (with HS Diploma or 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 if moving violation conviction/PBJ | 9 months | 9 months | 9 months | 9 months |
| Supervised practice driving hours | 60 hours (10 at night) | 60 hours (10 at night) | 60 hours (10 at night) | 14 hours (3 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 convicted of a moving violation or granted probation before judgment (PBJ), you are required to hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months, regardless of age, and meet all provisional license requirements before taking the driving skills test.
For applicants under 25 who turn 25 while holding a permit, the holding period reduces to 45 days, provided they have completed at least 14 hours of supervised driving and the required driver’s education program.
Out-of-state driver’s education certificates are generally not accepted, except for those specifically approved by the Maryland MVA from the Delaware Board of Education.
Important Information for Parents
Parents and guardians of new drivers should be aware of the following:
- Violation Notifications: If a driver under 18 receives a citation for a moving violation, the MVA will notify the co-signer of the application.
- Parental Consent Withdrawal: Parents or co-signers can withdraw their consent, which may lead to the suspension of the minor’s license. Contact the MVA for specific details.
- Driving Skills Test Scheduling: You must schedule your driving skills test for a provisional license in advance. Schedule your appointment here.
- Insurance Requirements: Maryland law requires all registered vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP).
By understanding these requirements and restrictions, new drivers can navigate the learner’s permit process in Maryland effectively and safely progress towards obtaining their full driver’s license. Good luck with your learner’s permit test Maryland!
