How to Get Your Maryland Learner's Permit (MVA Guide)
Everything you need to apply for a Learner's Permit through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) — the age requirement, documents to bring, the knowledge test, fees, and what comes next.
Requirements & minimum age
To get a Learner's Permit in Maryland, you must be at least 15 years, 9 months and apply in person at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Applicants under 18 generally need a parent or guardian to sign, and many states also require enrollment in or completion of a driver-education course.
Maryland's learner's permit knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving judgment drawn from the Maryland Driver's Manual. Applicants complete graduated licensing, including supervised practice hours before the road test.
Documents to bring to the MVA
Bring original or certified documents (not photocopies) that establish:
- Proof of identity, such as a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, Permanent Resident card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
- Proof of your Social Security number, such as an official Social Security card, a pay stub showing your full SSN, or a W-2 or 1099 tax document with your SSN.
- First proof of Maryland residency showing your name and Maryland address, such as a utility, cable, or cell phone bill, a bank statement, or a Maryland income tax return.
- Second proof of Maryland residency showing your name and Maryland address from a different source than the first (documents may not come from the same business, company, or agency).
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must appear in person to sign a consent form accepting liability for the applicant.
- If you are under 16, school verification of identity and attendance completed on Form DL-300 by the school or on Form DL-300A by a parent or guardian.
The knowledge test
In Maryland, the knowledge test is taken in person. The Class C knowledge test is taken in person on a computer at an MVA office and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering road rules and signs, with a passing score of 88%.
Rehearse with our free Maryland practice test — 25 random questions with instant explanations.
Start the Maryland Practice Test →Fees
The MVA charges $65 for a first-time noncommercial learner's permit (Type I) for the permit. Amounts can change and sometimes include separate knowledge-test or service fees, so verify the current cost with the MVA before you visit.
What happens after you pass (graduated licensing)
Maryland's Rookie Driver graduated licensing program moves new drivers through a learner's permit, a provisional license, and a full license. Learner's permit holders must complete driver education and log 60 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours at night, before advancing to a provisional license.
Maryland permit FAQ
How many questions is the Maryland permit test?
The MVA knowledge test has about 25 questions, and you need 22 of 25 (88%) to pass. Our free practice test uses a random set of 25 questions so you can rehearse before the real thing.
Can you take the Maryland permit test online?
In Maryland, the knowledge test is taken in person. The Class C knowledge test is taken in person on a computer at an MVA office and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering road rules and signs, with a passing score of 88%.
What do I need to bring to the MVA?
Bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency, plus anything required for a Learner's Permit. Applicants under 18 also need parental or guardian consent. See the full checklist above.
How old do you have to be to get a Maryland permit?
You can apply for a Learner's Permit at 15 years, 9 months in Maryland, provided you meet the MVA's other requirements.
How much does a Maryland permit cost?
The MVA charges $65 for a first-time noncommercial learner's permit (Type I) for the permit. Fees can change and may include separate testing or service charges, so confirm the current amount with the MVA.
What happens if I fail the Maryland permit test?
If you fail the knowledge test for the first time, you may retest the next business day if an appointment is available. After failing two or more times, you must wait at least seven calendar days before testing again.
Official sources: mva.maryland.gov · mva.maryland.gov · mva.maryland.gov