When applying for a Maryland learners permit with the Motor Vehicle Administration, it is important to understand the permit requirements. Make sure you have the met the MVA requirements and that you have the necessary documents ready.
The State of Maryland requires young drivers to obtain permits before they are eligible for a regular driver’s license. However, before a driver can obtain a permit, there is certain criteria that must be met.
Age and Prerequisites for Maryland Permit
The minimum age to apply for a permit in Maryland is 15 years and 9 months. If the applicant is under the age of 16, they must also complete a Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance (Form DL-300) http://www.mva.maryland.gov/Resources/DL-300.pdf , which must be presented in a sealed, unopened envelope obtained from the school or county home school coordinator. If the applicant is under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must sign the application as well.
Maryland Permit Required Documentation
In addition to the Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance Form, the applicant must provide proof of their age, identity, lawful status, social security number and residency status. For a Maryland permit, the applicant must provide all of the following:
- Proof of age and identity – This proof can be an original birth certificate, or a valid US passport.
- Proof of lawful status – Documentation to prove age and identity are verified through Homeland Security to verify lawful status.
- Proof of social security number – This can be in the form of an original or replacement Social Security Card; W-2 or 1099 form, or pay stub with Social Security Number printed on it that is not more than three months old.
- Proof of Maryland residency – Since most teens do not possess documents such as a utility bill or bank statement in their names, Maryland MVA accepts a signed statement from parents to verify residency. The parent or guardian must provide ID and proof that the minor resides with them, such an income tax statement or health insurance policy.
The learner’s permit fee is $50, but this also covers the cost of moving up to a full license.
Maryland Permit Test
In order to obtain the permit, the applicant will be required to pass a vision screening and a knowledge test. The knowledge test is administered on a computer, typically contains 25 questions and it may be timed. A score of 85 percent or better is required to pass. Oral tests may be arranged by setting up an appointment in advance. After failing the test once, the applicant may retake the test the next business day, but must wait seven calendar days after failing the test two or more times.
Maryland Driving Restrictions
Permit holders must be accompanied by a qualified driver who is 21 years or older and has held a license for at least three years. The supervising driver must be seated next to the driver at all times and no other front seat passengers are permitted. Permit holders are required to complete 60 hours of supervised practice driving, with at least 10 of those hours after dark. A Practice Skills Log will be provided with the permit and must be completed by the supervising driver. Permit holders are restricted from using any electronic devices, such as a cell phone, while driving. Permit holders must also complete a Maryland MVA approved driver’s education course before becoming eligible for a provisional license.
The Graduated License Program in Maryland provides a provisional license to teens upon reaching age 16 ½ and holding the permit for at least 9 months. The driver must have completed a driver education course and the required practice hours. The provisional license allows teens to drive only between 5 AM and midnight, unless going to or from work or school activity. Additionally the driver may not carry passengers under the age of 18, unless they are an immediate family member for the first 5 months.
The provisional license converts to a full driver’s license upon turning 18 and having at least a year and a half of conviction-free driving with the provisional license.
