Maryland Driver's License FAQ

You can apply for a Maryland learner's permit beginning at 15 years and 9 months, subject to the state's application and testing requirements.

Yes. Maryland requires new drivers to complete an MVA-approved driver education course with at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

No. TeenDrivingCourse is not an MVA-certified Maryland driver education provider and does not replace the required certified course or its official completion verification.

The learner's permit process includes a vision screening and knowledge test at the MVA.

Drivers under 25 generally need 60 hours of supervised practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before qualifying for a provisional license.

Maryland defines nighttime practice as driving from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise.

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for at least three years, and must sit in the front passenger seat.

For a typical driver under 18, the permit must be held for at least 9 months, along with completion of the other eligibility requirements.

A young driver can generally qualify beginning at 16½ after meeting the required permit period, completing certified driver education, completing the required supervised practice, maintaining the required recent driving record, and passing the driving skills test.

For a driver under 18, the first 151 days restrict passengers under 18 unless they are immediate family members or a qualified supervising driver is present.

If you are under 18, you generally cannot drive unsupervised between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless a qualifying exception applies.

No. Learner's permit holders cannot use a wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free use, except for a 911 emergency call.

A conviction or probation before judgment for a moving violation can lead to driver-improvement requirements, suspension, or other penalties, and it can restart the required 18-month conviction-free period.

You must be at least 18, hold your provisional license for at least 18 months, and have no conviction or probation before judgment for a moving violation during those 18 months. The MVA then automatically converts your provisional status to a full license.

Maryland requires at least $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage, respectively, along with required uninsured motorist coverage.