Maryland's Graduated Licensing System
A learner's permit allows a new driver to begin the learning process of operating a motor vehicle.
Requirements:
Minimum age for applicants is 15 years and 9 months.
If under 16, you must provide a completedverification of identity and/or 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 orcounty home school coordinator, if home schooled.
A parent or guardian must co-sign the learner's permit application if the applicant is under 18.
All applicants are required to present documents to the MDOT MVA. ForMinor Applicants: Additional proof of parental relationship or dependency is also required, such as a tax return or health insurance card/policy.For a complete list of documents you can bring and to schedule your appointment, visit ourOnline Document Guide.
Applicants must successfully pass avision screeningand a knowledge test prior to obtaining a learner's permit. Applicants need to study theMaryland Driver's Manualand can also practice with theMaryland Online Driver Test Tutorialto prepare for the knowledge test.
Applicants must obtain a valid learner's permit before any behind-the-wheel driver education training or driving on Maryland's roadways.
Restrictions on Learner’s Permit:
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 apractice skills logfor the learner's permit holder, which is issued by the MVA along with every learner's permit.
| Age | Age 18 or under | 18 years old | 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 |
New drivers must also present the completed certification page from thepractice skills log(with the minimum number of practice hours according to their age classification as listed in the chart above) and their unexpired Maryland learner's permit when they arrive for their driving skills test appointment.
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 25years 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 actually state that the certificate has been approvedby the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No other out-of-state certificates are currently accepted.
Parents Please Note:
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If a new driver under 18 is cited for a moving violation, the MVA will notify the co-signer.
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Drivers under 18 may have their licenses suspended if the parent, guardian, or co-signer withdraws their consent. Contact the MVA for details.
Things to Remember:
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To obtain a learner's permit, please visitany of the MVA'sfull-service offices. Your permit will be mailed to you.
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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.
Please note that 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:
- present your learner’s permit (if expired less than 1 year) and
- pass the vision and knowledge tests and
- pay the required fees
- have your parent/guardian co-sign the application if you are a minor
Everything You Need to Know About Maryland's Graduated Licensing System
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