How to get a Maryland Driver's License
- Maryland Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
MD Driver's License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Maryland Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your MD Driver's Permit
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 and vision test to receive a MD drivers license. Your driver's skills test for the provisional license must be scheduled in advance by calling 1-410-768-7000 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 standardized driver education course, and log 60 hours (10 of which must be at night) of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
If you are under 21 years of age, you must hold a learners permit for 6 months and complete a minimum of 35 hours of supervised driving before taking the road skills test.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Maryland practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Maryland 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 a 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 never held a license, you must obtain a learner's permit.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Maryland DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Restricted Driver's License (16 years and nine months to 18 years of age) valid for 5 years.
- Full Driver's License (18 years of age and older) valid for 5 years.
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.
