Maryland Driver’s License Requirements
Potential drivers must provide proof of identity, complete a knowledge exam, and pass a road test before being eligible for a Maryland driver’s license.
In order to get a first-time driver’s license in
Maryland
, you must complete a driver’s education course and pass three tests: a vision exam, a knowledge test, and the final road test. - First-time drivers in Maryland must pass a vision test, knowledge test, and road test to get their driver’s license.
- In addition to passing your tests, you must provide identifying documents, a practice skills log, and a $72 fee to the Motor Vehicles Administration (MVA).
- Drivers in Maryland can upgrade their learner’s permit to a provincial license as early as the age of 16 and a half years old.
- A Maryland driver’s license renewal costs $48 and can be done online, by mail, or in-person at an MVA office or self-service kiosk.
- First-time drivers in Maryland must pass a vision test, knowledge test, and road test to get their driver’s license.
- In addition to passing your tests, you must provide identifying documents, a practice skills log, and a $72 fee to the Motor Vehicles Administration (MVA).
- Drivers in Maryland can upgrade their learner’s permit to a provincial license as early as the age of 16 and a half years old.
- A Maryland driver’s license renewal costs $48 and can be done online, by mail, or in-person at an MVA office or self-service kiosk.
How to get a Maryland driver’s license
First-time drivers in Maryland must complete a
driver’s education course
including 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training before applying for a license. The class covers vital Maryland traffic laws, emphasizing the dangers of reckless driving and alcohol use.Driver’s will need to schedule and pass the following tests at their local MVA to get their Maryland driver’s license:
- Vision test: To pass the vision test, you will need at least 20/40 vision in both eyes and a continuous field of vision of 140 degrees. For more vision requirements, explore theMVA homepage.
- Knowledge test: The knowledge exam features 20 questions covering Maryland driving laws and participants must score an 88% or above to pass. To practice, use thisofficial tutorialon the MVA website.
- Road test: The road test is your last step after completing all other tests, practice hours, and document requirements. You’ll be graded based on proximity to vehicles, posture, and your understanding of basic road maneuvers and traffic laws.
You’ll be given a seven-day waiting period between additional tests if you fail the road test on your second or first attempt.
How much does a Maryland driver’s license cost?
The fee to get your Maryland driver’s license is $72. Bring proof that you’ve passed your tests to your local MVA to pay the fee and get your Maryland driver’s license.
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Maryland?
When applying for your driver’s license, you’ll need the following:
- Primary proof of age, identity, and residence
- Documentation of Social Security number
- A learner’s permit
- A completed practice skills log
- A conviction-free driving record
Proof of identification can be anything from a passport to a birth certificate, while
proof of residence
can be a lease agreement or mortgage statement. You can apply for a Maryland learner’s permit at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. You’ll need to have held your learner’s permit for the following times depending on your age:
- Under 25: nine months
- 25 or older: 45 days
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, you can schedule a road test online or by phone.
If you pass the test and have the necessary documents, you’ll be given a
Maryland provisional driver’s license
. The MVA will automatically upgrade you, by mail, to a full adult license after the following requirements are met:- The driver is at least 18 years old
- The driver has held their provisional license for at least 18 months
- The driver has avoided violations on their driving record for a full 18-month period
Requirements for young drivers
The earliest age someone can get a driver’s license in Maryland is 16 and a half, but this may vary depending on how long you’ve had your learner's permit.
Drivers under 18 must have parental consent before acquiring a license. Students will need to complete a
DL 300 form
to certify their attendance before they receive a learner's permit. Those under 25 must also complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night. Maryland drivers under 18 must abide by the following restrictions:
- No driving with a passenger, except immediate family members
- No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless driving to work, school activities, or (participatory) sporting event
- No using any wireless communication while driving (including hands-free calls and texts)
Requirements for out-of-state drivers
New residents must secure a Maryland driver’s license within 60 days of moving by taking the following steps:
- Bring your current driver’s license to your local MVA branch.
- Show proof of identification, residence, and Social Security number.
- Pass a vision test.
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How to renew your Maryland driver’s license
Your Maryland driver’s license is valid for eight years at a time, at which time you’ll have to pay a $48 renewal fee. You can renew your Maryland driver’s license online, by mail, or in person.
What to do: Check the expiration date of your license in the bottom right corner above the date of issue—it should coincide with your birthday. You’ll receive a notice in the mail and e-mail with specific instructions on how to renew your Maryland driver’s license.
Here’s what you can expect:
- By mail: Mail-in applications must be postmarked to the address listed on your renewal notice at least 15 days before your license expires.
- In-person: Drivers over the age of 40 may be able to renew in person by booking an appointment on myMVA.maryland.gov. Drivers under the age of 40 are required to renew online, by mail, or at a self-service kiosk unless they need to fix errors in their personal information.
Drivers over the age of 40 must submit proof of a vision assessment by an
Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider
obtained within 24 months of the renewal. Keep in mind: You are required to pass a vision screening, knowledge, and driving skills road test again if your license has been expired for over one year. You may also be required to present your age, identity, and residency documents.
FAQ's
What do I need for a Maryland driver’s license?
You’ll need proof of identification, a completed vision test, and a learner's permit. Once you’ve had the permit for long enough, you’ll be able to schedule a driving test to acquire a provisional Maryland License.
How much does it cost to get a Maryland driver’s license?
A permit in Maryland will cost you $50. However, a driver’s license will cost you $72.
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