How licensing works in Maryland
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) licenses drivers. Maryland's graduated licensing system has a learner's permit, a provisional license and a full license. Driver education is required for new drivers of any age.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 years 9 months | Pass the knowledge test. Hold 9 months. 60 supervised hours, 10 at night. |
| Provisional license | 16 years 6 months | Under 18: no driving midnight to 5 a.m. First 5 months: no passengers under 18 (with exceptions). |
| Full license | After the provisional period | Passenger limit can end at 16 years 11 months. Night limit ends at 18. |
New drivers are most likely to crash in their first months of driving alone, and night driving and carrying friends make that risk higher. Graduated licensing rules give you time to build skill in safer conditions, so you gain experience before the limits come off.
Adult learners
| Age when you apply | Permit holding period | Supervised hours |
|---|---|---|
| Under 19 (or 18 without a diploma) | 9 months | 60 |
| 19 to 24 (or 18 with a diploma) | 3 months | 60 |
| 25 and older | 45 days | 14 |
The Maryland knowledge test
You must pass the MVA knowledge test to get a learner's permit. The questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual and cover traffic laws, safe driving and road signs.
- Check the MVA website for test locations, appointments and the documents you must bring.
- Study the whole Maryland Driver's Manual, not just the signs.
- Practice with these questions until you score 90% or more.
Rules specific to Maryland
Phones
Maryland bans handheld phone use and texting for all drivers, and police can stop you for it. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while driving, not even hands-free.
Seat belts and child seats
- Front-seat belt violations are primary: police can stop you for them. Rear-seat violations are secondary.
- Everyone under 16 must be belted in any seat. Everyone 16 and older must be belted in the front seat.
- Children ride rear-facing until age 2 or until they outgrow the seat.
- Children under 8 use a child restraint unless they are taller than 57 inches.
Impaired driving
- A first offense brings a 180-day administrative suspension.
- Penalties increase at a BAC of 0.15%.
- Ignition interlocks are required for all convictions.
Speed limits and cameras
| Road | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Interstates (rural and urban) | 70 mph |
| Other limited-access roads | 55 mph |
Maryland allows speed cameras in school zones during certain hours and in highway work zones posted 45 mph or more, among other places.
Bicycles
Bicycle riders under 16 must wear a helmet. Give bicyclists plenty of room when you pass.
Key numbers to remember
Many test questions ask for an exact age, time or number. Use this table as a quick review before you practice.
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Permit age | 15 years 9 months |
| Permit holding period (teens) | 9 months |
| Practice hours | 60, including 10 at night |
| Provisional age | 16 years 6 months |
| Night limit (under 18) | Midnight to 5 a.m. |
| No passengers under 18 | First 5 months |
| Interstate limit | 70 mph |
| First-offense suspension | 180 days |
Test tips
- Read the Maryland Driver's Manual all the way through.
- Learn the Maryland numbers: 15 years 9 months, 9 months, 60 and 10 hours, 16 years 6 months, midnight to 5 a.m.
- Do these practice tests until you score 90% or more.
- Review road signs every day for a week before your test.
On test day
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your test. Get a good night's sleep, eat something before you go, and arrive early so you do not feel rushed.
- Bring every document on the official checklist, plus your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see.
- Turn off your phone and put it away before the test starts.
- Read each question all the way through, then read every answer before you choose.
- If you are not sure, first rule out the answers you know are wrong.
- Change an answer only if you are sure you misread the question.
If you do not pass, do not give up. Look at the topics you missed, study those parts of the handbook again, and take more practice tests before you try again.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Maryland. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your test.