Maryland Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Maryland learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official MVA pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: MDOT MVA — Learner's Permit ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Maryland
- At 15 years 9 months or older, study the Maryland Driver's Manual and schedule a learner's permit appointment
- Bring required identity and Social Security documents, plus school forms if under 16
- Pass the vision screening and knowledge test
- Drive only with a qualified supervising driver while keeping the supervised driving log
- Complete driver education, hold the permit 9 months, log 60 supervised hours with 10 at night, and qualify for the provisional license
Maryland GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: Learner's permit holders must be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver age 21+ who has held a license at least 3 years, seated in the front passenger seat
- Permit device rule: Learner's permit holders may not use a cell phone while driving, including Bluetooth or hands-free devices, except to call 911
- Provisional passenger rule: For the first 151 days, under-18 provisional drivers may not drive with passengers under 18 unless they are immediate family members or a qualified supervising driver is in the car
- Provisional night rule: Under-18 provisional drivers may not drive midnight to 5 a.m. unless a qualified supervising driver is present or an allowed work, school, volunteer, or athletic exception applies
Documents you'll need
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- School attendance/identity form if under 16
- Parent or guardian co-signature if under 18
- Supervised driving log for provisional license
The details
- Permit eligibility: Maryland learner's permit minimum age under the Rookie Driver program
- Knowledge test: 25 questions; 88% to pass; Web search: 25-question test, 22 correct (88%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Maryland?
You can get a learner's permit in Maryland at 15 years 9 months. Maryland learner's permit minimum age under the Rookie Driver program.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Maryland?
You must hold your Maryland permit for at least 9 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Maryland require?
Maryland requires 60 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Maryland permit test?
Right here — take a free Maryland practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full MVA-format experience with a readiness score.
