Maryland driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's instructional permit

15 years and 9 months.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

A minor's application must be cosigned by a parent or guardian (or, if none, another responsible adult such as an adult employer).Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

School attendance (under 16)

Applicants under 16 must show their school attendance record; more than 10 unexcused absences in the prior semester blocks the permit.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

A learner's instructional permit for a new driver expires 2 years after it is issued.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit supervision

Drive only with a supervisor who is at least 21, has been licensed at least 3 years and sits beside you; the supervisor is the only other person allowed in the front seat.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Wait before the driving test

Under 19: at least 9 months after getting the permit. 18 with a diploma, or 19-24: 3 months. 25 and older with no moving violations: 45 days. A moving violation restarts the clock.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education

Required for all new drivers: at least 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of highway driving instruction.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice

60 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night, recorded in a skills log book signed by each supervisor (applicants 25+: 14 hours, 3 at night).Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

What the exams cover

Vision, reading and understanding highway signs, and knowledge of Maryland traffic laws and safe driving, plus a driving demonstration. At least one motorcycle-awareness question appears.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

Part of every original license exam and required at renewal; it cannot be waived for new residents.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents

Proof of age and identity (such as a birth certificate), proof of lawful status, and proof of a valid Social Security number (card, or a current W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099 or pay stub).Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test vehicle

You provide the test vehicle (not an autocycle) and must come with a qualified supervising driver carrying their license.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license age

16 years and 6 months, after meeting the permit requirements and passing the driving test.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license rules

Provisional drivers under 18 may drive unsupervised only from 5 a.m. to midnight (exceptions for work, school, volunteer and sports activities) and all occupants must be belted. A full license comes at 18 after 18 months on the provisional license with no violations.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Time on the provisional license

At least 18 months; a moving violation or provisional-restriction violation restarts it.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Phone use

Permit and provisional holders 18 or older may not use a handheld phone while driving; texting while driving is banned for everyone.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a license lasts

Drivers 21 and older: up to 8 years, set by MVA regulation, expiring on your birthday. Under 21: no later than 60 days after your 21st birthday.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Within 12 months before expiration; MVA mails a notice at least 60 days before. Within 1 year after expiration you can renew without a driving test.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewing without visiting

MVA may renew without an in-person visit if your photo is less than 16 years old; drivers 21-39 may renew electronically or by mail without a vision test if they passed one in the previous 9 years.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test at renewal

Required at renewal, but MVA accepts a certification from a physician or optometrist from an exam within 2 years.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New residents

A new resident may drive on a valid license from their former state for the first 60 days of residency.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

MVA may waive the knowledge and driving exams if you hold a valid license from another state, U.S. territory, D.C., Puerto Rico or a Canadian province; the vision test is still required.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New residents licensed under 18 months

Drivers licensed elsewhere for less than 18 months may get a provisional license and must hold it 6-18 months, depending on experience.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Address and name changes

Notify MVA in writing within 30 days of moving or changing your name.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Lost or stolen license

Apply for a duplicate right away if your license is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed; a fee applies.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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