Who is required to have a Maryland driver's license?
Everyone who operates a motor vehicle on public roadways in Maryland.
Which examinations are required to obtain a driver's license in Maryland?
- Vision screening;
- Knowledge test;
- Driving skills test.
Which documents are required to apply for a driver's license in Maryland?
- Proof of age and identity;
- Lawful status;
- Social Security Number;
- 2 residency documents.
Documents must be provided in the original or certified form.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for a Maryland driver's license?
Yes, unauthorized immigrants can apply for a Maryland driver's license, if the required documentation is provided. New applicants must provide evidence that they have filed 2 years of Maryland income tax returns or proof of residency, or have been claimed as a dependent by an individual who has filed Maryland income tax returns.
MARYLAND GLS
What is the GLS or Graduated Driver Licensing System?
The GLS requires new drivers to gain driving experience in three steps:
- Learner's Instructional Permit;
- Provisional License;
- Driver's License.
Who is required to have a MD learner's instructional permit?
Every applicant who has never held a license.
How long is the learner's instructional permit in Maryland valid for?
It is valid up to 2 years and must be held for at least 9 months.
What is the age requirement for a MD learner's permit?
15 years and 9 months of age.
Can I sign my application for my learner's permit?
No, if you are younger than 18 years of age a parent/legal guardian must co-sign the application.
How can I obtain a Maryland learner's permit?
- Meet the age requirements;
- Present a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form (DL-300) if you are under 16 years of age;
- Pass the vision screening;
- Pass the knowledge test.
How can I practice driving with my MD learner's permit?
You must complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving (including at least 10 hours of driving between sunset and sunrise) and maintain a Practice and Skills Log.
I am at least 25 years of age and I hold a valid MD learner's permit. How can I obtain a driver's license?
- Hold your permit for at least 45 days;
- Complete a MD MVA approved driver education program (30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training);
- Complete at least 14 additional hours of supervised driving (including 3 hours at nighttime)
- Have an eligible supervising driver complete a Practice Skills Log and certification page.
If you have been convicted of a moving violation, you must hold your permit for at least 9 months.
I am younger than 25 years of age and I hold a valid MD learner's permit. What's the next step?
If you are at least 16 years and 6 months old, you must apply for a provisional license.
How can I obtain a MD provisional license?
- Be at least 16 years and 6 months old;
- Complete a Maryland approved driver education program;
- Submit a completed and signed Practice and Skills Log:
- Hold a valid MD learner's permit for at least 9 months;
- Do not have any moving violations convictions;
- Pass the driving skills test.
How can I upgrade from my provisional license to a full license in Maryland?
You must:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Hold your provisional license for at least 18 months;
- Not be convicted of any moving violations within the previous 18 months.
Once you meet all the requirements, the MVA will automatically convert your provisional license to a driver's license.
MARYLAND DRIVER'S LICENSE TESTS
How can I pass the vision screening?
You must have a binocular vision, a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
Can I wear corrective lenses during the vision screening?
Yes. If you need corrective lenses to pass the vision screening you must wear them while driving.
What is the knowledge test in Maryland about?
- Motor vehicle laws;
- Safe driving practices;
- Signs.
How can I pass the Maryland knowledge test?
Study the Maryland Driver's Manual available at https://www.mva.maryland.gov, check the Online Driver Test Tutorial on the MVA website and practice on DMV-Permit-Test.com.
Do I have to take an appointment for my driving skills test in Maryland?
Yes, you must schedule your test in advance on the MVA website or call the MVA offices.
Do I have to provide a vehicle for my driving test in Maryland?
Yes. The vehicle must:
- have valid license plates;
- be registered;
- have proof of insurance;
- be in safe driving conditions;
- have no cracks or obstructions on the windshield;
- have at least a half tank of gas.
What is evaluated during the MD driving test?
- On-course maneuvers;
- Driving on public roads;
- Driving skills;
- Observance of traffic laws.
Can I drive to the site of my driving skills test in Maryland?
No. A supervising driver must accompany you to the test site.
Can my supervising driver ride in the car with me during the driving test?
No. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the car during the test.