Learner's Permit
About learner's permits
A learner’s permit is the first step in Maryland’s Rookie Driver program. You must have a valid learner's permit before you start behind-the-wheel driver education or drive on Maryland roads.
Requirements for a learner’s permit
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a Maryland learner’s permit.
How to apply for a learner’s permit
Step 1: Study for your knowledge test
Study the Maryland Driver's Manual to prepare. You can also take practice tests with the Maryland Online Driver Test Tutorial.
Step 2: Make an appointment
Make an appointment at any full-service MVA office. You can complete the pre-application and schedule your appointment online through your myMVA account.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Everyone must bring:
- Proof of identity (if you use a U.S. passport, you must also bring proof of parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card)
- Proof of your Social Security number
If you are under 16, you must also bring:
- Proof of parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card/policy
- One of the following school forms:
- Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance (Form DL-300) - PDF - 93.23 KB completed by your school or county home school coordinator, in a sealed unopened envelope from the school
- Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance by Parent or Guardian (Form DL-300A) - PDF - 186.08 KB co-signed by a parent or guardian
If you are a minor in DSS custody or guardianship, the director or their designee must bring:
- Their state ID card
- An original court document with seal showing the minor's custody or guardianship with DSS
Need help choosing documents?
For a full list of accepted documents, visit the Online Document Guide.
Step 4: Go to your appointment & pass your tests
At your appointment, you will complete:
After your appointment
After completing your appointment, your permit will be mailed to you.
Once you have your permit, you can:
Drive on Maryland roads following the rules for driving with a learner’s permit.
Keep a driving log
Your supervising driver should keep track of your supervised practice driving hours. You’ll need this record to get your provisional license.
Rules for driving with a learner’s permit
When driving with a learner's permit, you must:
- Be accompanied at all times by a qualified supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for at least three years
- Have your supervising driver sit in the front passenger seat — no other front-seat passengers are allowed
- Never use a cell phone while driving, even with Bluetooth or hands-free devices. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.
Parent approval for drivers under 18
Drivers under 18 need permission from a parent, guardian, or co-signer to have a provisional driver’s license. Parents and guardians may withdraw their consent for driving at any time.
Penalties for moving violations with a learner’s permit
If you are convicted of or granted Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation, you may need to wait longer apply for your provisional license – the next step in the graduated license process.
Parental notifications
If a new driver under 18 is cited for a moving violation, the MVA will notify the adult who co-signed the application.
Getting a provisional license
The minimum time you must hold a learner's permit before getting a provisional license depends on your age and education status. Learn more about getting your provisional license.