What you need to do to get a Maryland driver's license

To get a Maryland driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a road test, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The process takes at least two visits — one for the written test and one for the road test — and typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you can schedule your road test appointment.

Maryland issues licenses to people aged 16 and older. If you are under 18, you will follow a different path called the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which includes a learner's permit stage before you can take the road test. Adults 18 and older can move directly to the written and road tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office twice: once to pass the written test and once to pass the road test, with at least one day between visits.
  • Bring original documents proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free MVA manual available on the Maryland MVA website.
  • For the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition, and a licensed adult driver must accompany you.
  • If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test.

Documents you need to bring to the MVA

You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. For identity, bring one of these original documents: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. Photocopies do not work — the MVA must see the original.

For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company on letterhead confirming your address, along with a document showing your name and date of birth.

You will also need to bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (like a Social Security card or tax return). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian's ID as well, since they must sign your process.

Taking the written test at an MVA office

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at any MVA office — no paper version is required. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the MVA website or in print at any MVA office. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests on the MVA website to see what kinds of questions to expect. There is no fee to take the written test.

You do not need an appointment for the written test at most MVA offices, but wait times vary. Check the MVA website for real-time wait times at offices near you before you go. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. You must wait at least one day after passing the written test before you can take the road test. Schedule online through the MVA website or call the MVA scheduling line. Road test appointments typically book two to four weeks out, depending on demand in your area.

For the road test, bring a vehicle that is registered in Maryland, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors all work. Bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration. You must also bring a licensed adult driver (at least 18 years old) to accompany you — this person sits in the passenger seat while you drive.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like starting the car, backing up, turning, stopping, and parking. You will drive on local roads and possibly on a highway. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and wait for the next available slot.

Getting your license after passing the road test

Once you pass the road test, you will receive your Maryland driver's license the same day. The MVA will take your photo and issue your license before you leave the office. Your license is valid for five years if you are 18 to 64 years old, and eight years if you are 65 or older.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions as part of the Graduated Driver Licensing system. A Class F license (for drivers aged 16 to 17) restricts driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and limits passengers. At age 18, you can return to the MVA to upgrade to a full Class C license with no restrictions.

The Graduated Driver Licensing system for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete two stages before you get a full driver's license. First, you obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test.

During the six-month waiting period, you must log at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. Keep a log of your driving hours — the MVA does not check it, but it helps you track progress and ensures you have enough experience. After six months and 60 hours, you can schedule your road test and move to the second stage.

Once you pass the road test, you receive a Class F license. This license restricts you from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and limits you to one passenger under 18 (with some exceptions for family members). These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18, at which point you can visit the MVA to upgrade to a full Class C license.

MVA office locations and how to prepare

Maryland has MVA offices in every county. Find the office nearest you on the MVA website, which also shows real-time wait times. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You do not need an appointment for the written test, but road test appointments must be scheduled in advance online or by phone.

Before you go, gather all your documents and check the MVA website to confirm what you need. Bring originals, not copies. Arrive early if you are going for the written test, since wait times can be long during peak hours. If you are taking the road test, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your vehicle, insurance proof, registration, and your accompanying licensed driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must take the written test in person at an MVA office. However, you can study online using the free practice tests on the MVA website before you go.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake it. You do not need to retake the written test — your passing score stays on record for one year.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Maryland, insured, and in safe working condition. You cannot use a rental car or a vehicle borrowed from someone outside your household.

How long is a Maryland driver's license valid?

A license is valid for five years if you are 18 to 64 years old, and eight years if you are 65 or older. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires.

Can I renew my license online?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. You can renew online through the MVA website. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you must visit an MVA office in person.