What a Maryland Provisional License Is and Who Needs One
A provisional license in Maryland is an intermediate driver's license for people aged 16 or 17 who have passed their written test but not yet their road test. It lets you drive unsupervised during daylight hours and with restrictions on passengers and phone use, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You need a provisional license before you can take the road test for a full license.
If you are 16 or 17 and want to drive in Maryland, you must get a provisional license first. You cannot skip this step and go straight to a full license. The provisional period lasts until you turn 18, pass your road test, or both — whichever comes first.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass the written knowledge test at the Motor Vehicle Administration before you can get a provisional license.
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, and a completed process (Form DL-43) to the MVA office.
- The provisional license costs money and is valid until you turn 18 or pass your road test, whichever happens first.
- With a provisional license, you can drive alone during the day but cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you are limited to one passenger under 20 years old.
Step 1: Pass the Written Knowledge Test
Before you can get a provisional license, you must pass the Maryland written knowledge test at a Motor Vehicle Administration office. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA provides free online and in print at any MVA office.
You can take the test as many times as you need, but you must pass it before moving forward. Once you pass, you are ready to explore for the provisional license. The test results are valid, so you do not have to retake it if you wait a few days before explore.
Documents You Need to Bring to the MVA
Bring these documents to your local MVA office when you explore for a provisional license:
- Your birth certificate, passport, or other proof of identity and age
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form)
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address
- A completed process form (Form DL-43), which you can fill out at home or at the MVA office
- Payment for the license fee
If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Check the MVA website or call your local office to confirm what signature requirements explore to your age.
Where to explore and How Long It Takes
You explore for a provisional license at any Motor Vehicle Administration office in Maryland. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early or going on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
The MVA issues your provisional license on the spot if your documents are in order and you have passed the written test. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive with the temporary license when ready.
Restrictions That Come With a Provisional License
A provisional license comes with rules you must follow. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even if you are with an adult. You can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car (family members are sometimes exempt — check the current rules with the MVA). You cannot use a handheld cell phone while driving, even to talk or text.
These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or pass your road test and get a full license, whichever comes first. If you break these rules, you can be ticketed and face fines or license suspension. The restrictions exist because young drivers have higher crash rates, especially at night and with passengers.
When You Can Take Your Road Test
You must hold a provisional license for at least 60 days before you can take the road test in Maryland. This waiting period gives you time to practice driving under the restrictions. After 60 days, you can schedule your road test through the MVA.
You take the road test at an MVA office with an examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you get a full license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set number of days — the MVA will tell you how long.
Cost and Renewal
The cost of a provisional license varies depending on how long it is valid. Since a provisional license is only good until you turn 18 or pass your road test, you typically pay a lower fee than you would for a full license. The exact amount changes, so check the MVA website or call your local office for the current price.
You do not renew a provisional license. Once it expires or you pass your road test, you either get a full license or must reapply if you did not pass the road test yet. If you turn 18 before passing your road test, your provisional license becomes invalid and you must explore for a full license instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my provisional license if I have an adult in the car?
No. The midnight to 5 a.m. restriction applies whether you are alone or with an adult. The passenger limit and phone restrictions also explore at all times. An adult in the car does not override these rules.
What happens if I turn 18 before I pass my road test?
Your provisional license becomes invalid on your 18th birthday. You must then explore for a full license, which has fewer restrictions. You can still take the road test, but you will need the full license instead of the provisional one.
How many times can I take the road test?
You can take the road test as many times as you need. There is a waiting period between attempts (usually a few days), and you must pay a fee each time. The MVA will tell you when you can schedule your next test after you do not pass.
Do I need to take the written test again if I fail the road test?
No. Once you pass the written test, you do not have to take it again. Your passing score stays on record, and you can take the road test multiple times without retaking the written test.
Can I get a provisional license if I am homeschooled?
Yes. Homeschooling does not affect your ability to get a provisional license. You still need to pass the written test and bring the required documents to the MVA office, just like any other applicant.