How to Get Your Driver's License in Maryland

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Maryland. Maryland uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 18.

GDL Stages in Maryland

1

Learner's Permit

Age 15.75+ 9 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
2

Provisional License

Age 16.5+ 18 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 9 months
  • Complete 60 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • No passengers under 18 who are not immediate family
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 18+

Requirements

  • Turn 18

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
  • No passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members are allowed at any time during the provisional phase.

How restrictions lift: All restrictions are removed when the driver turns 18.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. At age 18, all provisional restrictions are removed. Adults who never held a license must still pass knowledge and road tests.

Maryland-Specific Information

Maryland requires 60 hours of supervised driving and bans all non-family passengers under 18 during the entire provisional period. The state also requires completion of a driver education course before the permit can be issued to anyone under 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 18 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Maryland.

Maryland uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Provisional License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
  • No passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members are allowed at any time during the provisional phase.

Adults age 18 and older in Maryland can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. At age 18, all provisional restrictions are removed. Adults who never held a license must still pass knowledge and road tests.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Maryland learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Maryland.

Maryland drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website for the most current information.