Driving Instructor Licensing & Certification

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) licenses and certifies driving instructors in Maryland. Driving schools are responsible for ensuring their instructors are properly certified before allowing them to teach. Instructors must:

• Be affiliated with a licensed driving school
• Be properly licensed and certified before teaching driver education and maintain required qualifications
• Comply with all Maryland statutes and regulations governing driver education

How to become a licensed driving instructor

The first step in becoming a license driving instructor, is getting an Apprentice Instructor Permit. 

Please note: To become an Apprentice Instructor for the first time, you must be affiliated with a Maryland‑certified driver education school or have an employee who holds a Maryland Certified Driver Education Instructor credential. 

Below is the checklist for an Apprentice Application:

• Driver's School Instructor Approval Application (DE-002) - PDF - 150.05 KB - completed in full
• Instructor Certification Courses documentation - signed letter from the certified school that the applicant has completed the required certification courses approved by the MVA. Letter must state:
  • Apprentice has completed basic driver education classroom instructor and basic Behind-the-Wheel trainings
  • The school is certifying that the applicant is prepared for apprentice testing
• High school or college diploma or its equivalent - If it's from another country and not in English:
  • diploma must be translated by that country's embassy and
  • verify that it is equivalent to at least a U.S. high school diploma with a credential evaluation report from a recognized agency (i.e. NACES-approved)
• Fingerprinting receipt - dated, official receipt verifying that fingerprinting has been completed and a criminal background request has been requested within the last 15 days.
• Written statements, signed by the applicant and dated, certifying under penalty of perjury that:
  • Applicant has no reportable medical conditions
  • Driving Instructor License/Certification has never been revoked in Maryland or any other state
• Pay required fees, see below for fee amounts

Once ready, submit all the required documents, information and fees from this checklist in the MVA Business Portal. You may not provide instruction until your license has been approved and issued. The MVA reviews all applications and may request additional documentation. 

How to renew your instructor license

Instructor licenses must be renewed before they expire. To renew, you must submit the following in the Business Portal:

• Driver's School Instructor Approval Application (DE-002) - PDF - 150.05 KB - indicate renewal on the application
• Fingerprinting receipt - dated, official receipt verifying that fingerprinting has been completed and a criminal background request has been requested within the last 15 days.
• Letter from certified school stating the instructor has taught at least 30 hours in the last 2 years and is in compliance with all rules and regulations
• Continuing education documentation for the last 2 years
• Pay the required renewal fees, see below for fee amounts

How to reinstatement an expired instructor license

If your license expires, you may not teach until it is reinstated. Submit the following in the Business Portal to reinstate an expired license:

• Driver's School Instructor Approval Application (DE-002) - PDF - 150.05 KB
• Fingerprinting receipt - dated, official receipt verifying that fingerprinting has been completed and a criminal background request has been requested within the last 15 days.
• Written statements, signed by the applicant and dated, certifying under penalty of perjury that:
  • Applicant has no reportable medical conditions
  • Driving Instructor License/Certification has never been revoked in Maryland or any other state
• Pay required fees, see below for fee amounts

If you previously held a Maryland Certified Driving Instructor license and are returning to the state, please contact the Driver Education program.

Instructor disqualification

As a licensed instructor, you must maintain a valid driver’s license, follow all instructional standards, and comply with inspection/audits. Keeping contact information current with the MVA will help ensure you stay compliant.

Failure to comply may result in administrative action. Your instructor may be disqualified, suspended, or revoked if you:

• Fail to meet licensing requirements
• Violate Maryland laws or regulations
• Lose required driving privileges
• Provide false or misleading information
• Engage in misconduct

If disqualified, you may not provide driver education services. The MVA will notify you and your school of any suspension, revocation, or denial.

Additional information for instructors

• Maryland does not accept partial completion of driver education courses from other states. Students may not complete the 30‑hour classroom portion in another state and then fulfill the behind‑the‑wheel requirement in Maryland. All components of the driver education program must be completed through a Maryland‑certified provider.
• Interested in opening your own driving school? To begin the process of opening a Driving School, 3‑Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program (RSDEP), or Driver Improvement Program (DIP), you must be affiliated with a Maryland‑approved driving school and/or employ a Maryland‑certified driving instructor. Below are the links to resources you will need to get started:
  • Driving School Licensing & Certification 
  • DIP & RSDEP Provider Applications
• If you reside out of state and are seeking to become a Maryland Certified Driving Instructor, please contact the Driver Education program for further guidance.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the MVA Driver Education program.