YieldGoStart a free examFree exam
  • 15 yrs 9 moYoungest age for the permitp. 9
  • 25Questions on the knowledge testp. 7
  • 60 hoursSupervised practice, 10 of them around darkp. 10
  • 9 monthsWith the permit first (under 18)p. 10

Step by step

  1. Make an appointment and gather documents

    Bring originals or certified copies of:

    • Your age and full name (for example a birth certificate or passport)
    • Lawful status, if you were born outside the United States
    • Your Social Security number, or proof you can't get one
    • Two documents showing you live in Maryland
    • Under 16: the Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification (DL-300)

    (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 9)

  2. Bring a co-signer (under 18)

    A parent or legal guardian signs the application with you, with proof of the relationship. A spouse aged 18+ or another responsible adult can sign in some cases. (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 9, 11)

  3. Pass the vision screening and knowledge test

    You need at least 20/40 in each eye. The knowledge test is 25 questions in 20 minutes at an MVA location. (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 7, 9)

  4. Finish driver education and log your practice

    Complete the Maryland Driver Education Program and record your supervised hours in the Practice and Skills Log: 60 hours under 25 (10 around dark), 14 hours from 25 (3 around dark). (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 9–10)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website before you go.

Rules while you have a learner's instructional permit

  • A supervising driver aged 21+, licensed at least three years for the same class of vehicle, sits beside you. (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 51)
  • No phone at all while driving, not even hands-free, except to call 911. (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 47)
  • A moving violation (or probation before judgment) restarts the wait: you then hold the permit at least 9 months from that date. (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 10)

What comes next

After the required time with no violations and your logged hours, pass the driving skills test for a provisional license. Hold it 18 months with no moving violations, and from 18 the MVA switches you to a full driver's license. (Maryland Driver's Manual, p. 10–11)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Maryland practice exam: 25 questions, 22 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Maryland Driver's Manual (October 2025 Edition), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.