If you’re not sure how to get a restricted license in Maryland, all you need to do is keep reading this useful guide. We’ll go over everything you need to know when it comes to Maryland learner’s permits and hardship licenses, including what restrictions you’ll need to follow.

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What is a restricted license in Maryland?

There are two types of Maryland driver’s licenses that include limitations on where and when you can drive:

Learner’s permit

: New drivers who are learning to operate a vehicle are allowed to drive under certain circumstances.

Hardship license: This type of license allows drivers with suspended licenses to drive to and from work or medical appointments.

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

How to get a Maryland learner’s license

If you want to learn to drive in Maryland, you’ll need to get your learner’s permit before you can legally get behind the wheel. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a learner’s permit, and anyone under the age of 18 must have their application co-signed by a parent or legal guardian.

In Maryland, you must apply for your learner’s permit in person at your local

Motor Vehicle Administration office

. While you’re at the MVA, you’ll also need to:

Submit proof of identity

Pass a vision test

Pass the written exam based on the

Maryland Driver’s Manual

Pro tip You can prepare for the learner’s permit written exam with the MVA’s
Online Driver Test Tutorial

Once you have held your learner’s permit for nine months and completed a

state-approved driver education program

, you can schedule a road test to get your provisional license. Your parent or legal guardian will also need to certify that you have had at least 60 hours of driving practice.

Restrictions on a Maryland learner’s license

New drivers with a learner’s permit are only allowed behind the wheel under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has had their driver’s license for at least three years.

provisional license

allows you to operate a vehicle on your own but still comes with certain restrictions based on your age.

Drivers under the age of 18:

May not drive with any passengers who are under 18, unless they are members of the driver’s immediate family.

May not drive between 12 am and 5 am unless they are supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

May not use a cell phone or hands-free wireless device while driving.

Drivers with a provisional license who are under the age of 21 may not drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system—even if it’s below the legal limit.

Once you have had your provisional license for 18 months, you can graduate to an unrestricted driver’s license as long as you have a

clean driving record

and no violations.

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How to get a Maryland hardship license

If you have a

suspended license in Maryland

, you’re probably trying to figure out how you’re going to get to and from work. In most cases, you’ll need to rely on public transportation or help from family and friends until you can get your

license reinstated

—but you might be eligible for a hardship license if you’re having major trouble getting around.

As long as you haven’t had any other license suspensions within the last five years, you can apply for this type of restricted license by contacting the

Office of Administrative Hearings

To qualify for a hardship license, you’ll need to pay a $150 filing fee and be able to prove:

That you drive a vehicle as part of your job

That you have no other way to get to and from work

That you will use the license to attend a substance abuse treatment program

MORE:

SR-22s in Maryland: What you need to know

Restrictions on a Maryland hardship license

The exact rules you’ll need to follow with a Maryland hardship license depend on the severity of your violation and will be determined by the court after your hearing. In most cases, you will be allowed to operate a vehicle in order to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or substance abuse treatment programs.

MORE:

How to get a suspended license reinstated

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