How to Get Your Maryland Permit License

Apply for a learner's permit at 15 years 9 months

Apply for a Maryland learner's permit starting at age 15 years 9 months, after passing the 25-question knowledge test (88%, 22 correct) within the 20-minute time limit, plus a vision screening.

• Proof of identity and residency

Complete certified driver education

Complete a certified driver-education course with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Log 60 hours of supervised driving

Log at least 60 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including a minimum of 10 hours after dark.

Keep a clean driving record

Have no moving-violation conviction, or probation before judgment for one, in the 9 months before applying for a provisional license.

Apply for your provisional license at 16 years 6 months

Once you've turned 16 years 6 months and met the driver-education, supervised-hour, and clean-record requirements, receive a provisional license, which lets you drive without a supervising adult.

• Driver education completion certificate
• Supervised driving log

Follow provisional license restrictions

For the first 151 days, carry no non-family passengers under 18 unless a qualified supervising driver (21+, licensed 3+ years) is also in the vehicle. No driving midnight-5 a.m., unless supervised or exempt for work, school, an organized volunteer program, or an athletic event. No wireless device use at all, even hands-free, except to call 911.

Maintain a clean record for 18 months

Keep a clean driving record for 18 months as a provisional license holder to become eligible for a full, unrestricted license.

Receive your full license automatically at 18

Once you turn 18 and meet the clean-record requirement, the MVA automatically upgrades your license to full status — no office visit is needed.

Apply for a learner's permit

Apply for a learner's permit at an MVA office; certified driver education is not required for applicants 18 and older.

Pass the knowledge test

Pass the same 25-question knowledge test (88%, 22 correct) within the 20-minute time limit, and a vision screening.

• Proof of identity and residency

Practice and pass the road test

Practice driving under the terms of your learner's permit, then pass the road test to receive your license.

Receive your full license

Adult first-time applicants receive a standard, unrestricted license upon passing — Maryland's provisional restrictions apply specifically to applicants who start the process before turning 18.