How to Get a Maryland Driver's License
Getting a driver's license in Maryland involves passing a 25-question written knowledge test (88% to pass), holding a learner's permit for 9 months minimum (provisional license), completing 60 hours total (10 at night) of supervised driving, and passing a road test. Below is the complete process — eligibility, required documents, fees, and Maryland-specific rules.
Maryland License — Quick Facts
- Permit Age
- 15 years 9 months
- License Age
- 16 years 6 months (provisional) / 18 (full)
- Full Privileges
- 18
- Permit Fee
- $50 (combined fee)
- License Fee
- $72 (8-year)
- Written Test
- 25 Q · 88%
- Issuing Agency
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) ↗
Age: Learner's permit at 15 years 9 months; full driver's license at 16 years 6 months (provisional) / 18 (full); full unrestricted privileges at 18 Residency: Must be a Maryland resident with documentation Permit holding period: 9 months minimum (provisional license) before becoming eligible to take the road test Supervised driving: 60 hours total (10 at night) of practice with a licensed adult before the road test
Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted at most Maryland MVA offices.
Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage) Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization Parental/guardian consent form (signed in person or notarized) — required for under-18 applicants Proof of school enrollment or graduation (in many states, required for under-18)
Always verify current document requirements with the Maryland MVA ↗ before your visit.
-
1
Verify your eligibility
Confirm you're at least 15 years 9 months (the minimum age for a Maryland learner's permit) and have all required documents.
-
2
Apply for your learner's permit
Visit a Maryland MVA office (or apply online if available), submit your documents, pay the $50 (combined fee) fee, and pass a vision test.
-
3
Pass the written knowledge test
25 questions, 88% required (22 correct out of 25). Format: Multiple choice. Try our free Maryland sample test →
-
4
Complete supervised driving practice
Drive with a licensed adult (typically 21+ with 3+ years of driving experience). Log 60 hours total (10 at night) as documented practice. Hold the permit for at least 9 months minimum (provisional license).
-
5
Pass the road test
A Maryland MVA examiner rides with you for 15–25 minutes, scoring your driving on standard maneuvers. Pass to qualify for licensing.
-
6
Receive your driver's license
Pay the license fee ($72 (8-year)), have your photo taken, and receive your Maryland driver's license. A temporary paper license is usually issued the same day; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks.
Standard road test components in Maryland (and most US states):
Pre-drive vehicle inspection (lights, signals, horn, mirrors) Starting and proper signaling before moving Lane changes and merging into traffic Stop sign and traffic signal compliance Right and left turns at intersections Parallel parking Three-point turn (if road permits) Backing in a straight line Maintaining safe following distance Speed control (not too fast, not too slow) Mirror and blind-spot checks Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling stops — slowing without coming to a complete stop Failing to check blind spots before lane changes Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by 1–2 mph Not signaling far enough in advance of turns Improper or unsafe lane changes Failing to yield right-of-way at intersections Hitting curbs while parking Driving too slowly (perceived as unsafe in traffic)
Maryland has the highest passing threshold in the US (88%) — only 3 mistakes allowed of 25.
💡 Pro tip: With only 3 allowed mistakes, practice until you're consistently scoring 95%+ on practice tests.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can apply for a learner's permit at age 15 years 9 months. A full driver's license is available at age 16 years 6 months (provisional) / 18 (full), with full unrestricted privileges by age 18.
How much does it cost to get a Maryland driver's license?
Maryland's permit fee is $50 (combined fee), and the license fee is $72 (8-year). Total cost varies depending on the length of license you choose. Always verify current fees with the Maryland MVA.
How many questions are on the Maryland written test?
The Maryland written knowledge test has 25 questions. You need to answer 22 correctly (88%) to pass. Format: Multiple choice.
How long do I have to hold my permit in Maryland?
Maryland requires holding your learner's permit for 9 months minimum (provisional license) before applying for a full license. During this time, you must complete 60 hours total (10 at night) of supervised driving practice.
What's a Maryland-specific rule I should know?
Maryland has the highest passing threshold in the US (88%) — only 3 mistakes allowed of 25.
Ready to pass the Maryland written test?
Practice with our free Maryland sample test or download the full app for hundreds of practice questions.