How to get a Maryland Driver's License
Find out how to get a new MD driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Maryland MVA guide.
Maryland Drivers License Rules
Under MD MVA guidelines, you must be at least 16 years, 3 month of age to apply for a Maryland Provisional Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Maryland Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our Maryland MVA practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Maryland learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive a MD drivers license. Your driver's skills test for the provisional license must be scheduled in advance by calling 1-888-212-4709 for an appointment. If you do not pass the test, you will need to make another appointment to take the entire test again.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 9 months, completed a Maryland MVA licensed and approved standarized driver education course, and log 60 hours (10 of which must be at night) of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New MD Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in MD. When heading to the MVA, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an MD driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
If you are exchanging an out-of-state license that has been expired for one year, you are required to take the knowledge and skills tests in addition to the vision test.
If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
Note that out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license.
International Drivers
If you are exchanging a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit, you are required to take the knowledge and skills tests in addition to the vision test. If you've never been licensed in the U.S., you must complete a 3-hour drug & alcohol awareness course. If you are from out-of-country, and have held a license, you must obtain a learner's permit.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Maryland MVA Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Maryland Driver's Manual |
