Get your first driver's license in Maryland

Online or in person

Start online · At least two visitsComplete the pre-application and schedule your appointment through your myMVA account. The knowledge test is taken at the appointment; only a sample test is online. An appointment at a full-service MVA office for the learner's permit (vision screening and knowledge test), and an appointment for the behind-the-wheel test, which is required. The upgrade from provisional to full license needs no visit.

Cost

$65 learner's permitLearner's Permit, Non CDL Type I (GLS), for those with no previous license; the MVA fee table says it includes conversion to full license. There is no MVA fee for the knowledge test.

You leave with

Learner's permit, then a provisional licenseYour learner's permit is mailed to you after the appointment. When you meet the requirements (18 months with a clean record), the MVA upgrades the provisional license to a full license automatically and mails you a card.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Birth certificate
     • U.S. passport
     • Permanent Resident card
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
   • Social Security number
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Official Social Security card
     • Pay stub showing your SSN
     • W-2 or 1099 showing your SSN
   • Other documents from the MVA's Online Document Guide · all that apply
     The learner's permit page points to the MVA's Online Document Guide for the full list of accepted documents; check it before your appointment.
   • For the provisional license · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Unexpired Maryland learner's permit
     • Signed skills practice log and certification page
     • Verification of driver education completion (Your driving school submits it to the MVA electronically.)
   • Payment · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • $65 learner's permit (no previous license)

2. Apply online and book the permit appointment

   You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old. Complete the pre-application and schedule your appointment at a full-service MVA office through myMVA.

   Learner's permit ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Maryland Permit Practice Test: 25 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Maryland practice test

4. Pass the vision screening and knowledge test

   At the appointment you complete a vision screening and the knowledge test: 25 questions, 20 minutes, 88% to pass. After a first failure you may retest the next business day if an appointment is available; after two or more failures you wait at least seven calendar days. Your permit is mailed to you.

   Knowledge tests ↗

5. Practice with a qualified supervising driver

   Your supervising driver must be at least 21, licensed at least three years, and sit in the front passenger seat; no one else may sit in front. No phone use while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. The supervising driver keeps a log of your practice hours.

6. Complete driver education

   Every age group must complete a certified, MVA-approved driver education course: 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind the wheel. Your driving school submits verification of completion to the MVA electronically.

   Driver's education ↗

7. Hold the permit 45 days and practice 14 hours

   Hold the learner's permit at least 45 days and complete 14 supervised practice hours, at least 3 at night, with no moving violation conviction or probation before judgment in the past 9 months.

   Provisional license requirements ↗

8. Pass the behind-the-wheel test

   Appointments are required; schedule through myMVA. Bring your valid learner's permit, your signed practice log, driver education verification, a supervising driver with a valid license, and the vehicle's registration, front and rear tags and proof of insurance. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection and have at least half a tank of gas. If you fail, wait at least one business day and book a new appointment.

   Behind-the-wheel tests ↗

9. Keep a clean record for 18 months

   After 18 months with no traffic conviction or probation before judgment, the MVA upgrades you to a full license automatically, with no trip to the MVA, and mails you a card; a conviction or probation before judgment restarts the 18 months.

   Teens & new drivers ↗