Category: Maryland

Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Maryland, adults getting a first license go through almost the same process as teens. Every first-time driver, whatever their age, needs a learner’s permit, the full 36-hour driver education course, logged practice and a provisional license. What changes with age is how long you hold the permit and how many practice hours you log. At 25 or older the minimum is 45 days and 14 hours. This guide works through each age band, using the Maryland Transportation Article.

Key facts

• Permit first: the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues a learner’s instructional permit before any original license (§16-105(a)).
• Driver education at every age: at least 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction (§16-105(d)).
• Minimum permit time: 9 months under 19; 3 months at 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, or at 19 to 24; 45 days at 25 or older with no moving violations.
• Practice hours: 60 (10 at night) under 25; 14 (3 at night) at 25 or older.
• Provisional license: held for at least 18 months before a full license, at any age (§16-111).

How long must an adult hold a Maryland learner’s permit?

Your age and situation	Earliest skills test	Practice hours	Driver ed
18 without a high school diploma or equivalent	9 months after the later of your permit date or your most recent moving violation	60, including 10 at night	30 + 6 hours
18 with a diploma or equivalent, or 19 to 24	The later of 3 months after the permit date or 9 months after your most recent moving violation	60, including 10 at night	30 + 6 hours
25 or older, no moving violations	45 days after the permit date	14, including 3 at night	30 + 6 hours
25 or older, with a moving violation	9 months after the most recent violation	14, including 3 at night	30 + 6 hours

“Moving violation” includes a probation before judgment for one. The law counts night hours from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise, and every supervisor signs your skills log.

Worked examples

Jordan, 20

Gets a permit on March 1 with no tickets. Earliest skills test: June 1 (3 months), once the 36-hour course and 60 logged hours (10 at night) are done. Sixty hours in 13 weeks is a little under 5 hours a week, so start the course early.

Priya, 31

Gets a permit on March 1 with no tickets. Earliest skills test: April 15 (45 days), after the full 30 + 6 hour course and 14 hours of practice (3 at night). The course is the long part, not the hold.

Sam, 27

Gets a speeding conviction on the permit on May 10. The 45-day rule no longer applies: the earliest test is February 10 the following year, 9 months after the conviction.

Who can supervise an adult learner in Maryland?

• At least 21 years old.
• Licensed for at least 3 years, in Maryland or another state, for the class of vehicle you are driving.
• Seated beside you, and the only other person allowed in the front seat.

At 18 or older on a permit, you may not use a handheld phone while driving. Logging tips: the Maryland Rookie Driver practice skills log.

Step by step: first Maryland license as an adult

1. Book a knowledge test at a full-service MVA office and bring identity, Social Security and residency documents. See the Maryland knowledge test and learner’s permit and the Maryland permit practice test.
2. Pass the vision screening and knowledge test and get your permit. A first-time permit is valid for 2 years.
3. Take an MVA-approved driver education course: 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel. See Maryland driver education requirements.
4. Log your practice hours for your age band and get each supervisor to sign.
5. Pass the driving skills test once your minimum permit time is up. See the Maryland driving skills test explained.
6. Drive on a provisional license for 18 months without a moving violation conviction, then move to a full license.

What is on the Maryland driving skills test?

The MVA describes two parts: a closed-course section that you must pass first, then an on-road drive. Before the test, you and the person who brought you sign the MVA’s certification of insurance form. The detail of the maneuvers, what to bring and the retest rules (which differ between MVA pages) are in the skills test guide. The December 2025 Driver’s Manual lists pull-in parking, back-in parking and a three-point turn on the closed course, and says parallel parking is no longer required. Check the current maneuver list with the MVA before test day.

The provisional license for adults

Passing the skills test gets you a provisional license, not a full one, even at 30. You must hold it for at least 18 months after the later of the issue date, your most recent moving violation conviction or provisional-restriction violation, or the date any suspension ends (§16-111(d)).

Provisional rule	Applies to you at 18 or older?
Night limits and passenger limits	No, these are under-18 rules
No handheld phone use	Yes, until the full license is issued
No alcohol in your blood	Yes, while you are under 21
A conviction restarts the 18-month clock	Yes

Full detail: Maryland provisional license rules and Maryland points for new drivers.

Common questions

Do adults need driver’s ed in Maryland?

Yes. The 30-hour classroom and 6-hour behind-the-wheel course applies to first-time drivers of every age.

I’m 18. Does finishing high school change anything?

Yes. At 18 with a diploma or equivalent, the minimum permit time drops from 9 months to 3 months. The 60 practice hours stay the same.

Is it worth waiting until 25?

Only if you were going to wait anyway. At 25 the hold drops to 45 days and the log to 14 hours, but the 36-hour course and the 18-month provisional period still apply.

I have a license from another country. Do I start over?

Not necessarily. The MVA can issue a provisional license to someone licensed in another state or country, or by the armed forces, for less than 18 months, with the provisional period shortened by how long you have been licensed. See moving to Maryland.

Can I drive alone on a permit as an adult?

No. Every permit driver, at any age, needs a qualified supervisor seated beside them.

What does it cost?

The MVA fee page lists $65 for a first learner’s permit if you have never been licensed, covering conversion to your license later (as of November 2026). Driving schools set their own course prices. Confirm the current fee with the MVA before your appointment.

Back to learning to drive in Maryland. Other states: learning to drive as an adult in the US.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-113” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “License & ID Fees” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Behind-the-Wheel Tests” (mva.maryland.gov)

Photo: Corwin Melvin, Pexels

Maryland MVA points are added to your record when you are convicted of a traffic offense, from 1 point for a minor moving violation up to 12 for the most serious. Points counted over any 2-year period trigger a warning letter, a driver improvement program, a suspension or a revocation. New drivers face tighter rules on top of this. This page is for Maryland permit and provisional drivers, and their parents, who want to know what a ticket really costs.

What happens at each points level in Maryland

For points collected within any 2-year period (Transportation Article §16-404):

Points	MVA action
3	Warning letter
5	Driver improvement program required
8	License suspended
12	License revoked

A first points suspension lasts 2 to 30 days, and a later one 15 to 90 days. The notice tells you how long. You have 10 days after it is sent, not counting weekends and legal holidays, to ask in writing for a hearing. Without a hearing request, the suspension or revocation takes effect at the end of that period.

The extra rule for provisional drivers under 18

If you hold a provisional license, are under 18, and collect 5 or more points in 12 months, the MVA must suspend your license:

• first time: 6 months
• second or later time: 1 year

On top of that, any moving violation on a provisional license brings separate sanctions under §16-213. A first offense means a driver improvement program. Repeat offenses bring possible suspensions and limits on when you can drive. See Maryland provisional license rules for the full table.

A ticket also resets your clock

• On a permit (under 19): a moving violation conviction restarts the 9 months you must wait before the skills test.
• On a provisional license: a moving violation conviction, or a provisional restriction violation, restarts the 18 months before you can get a full license.
• Probation before judgment counts the same as a conviction for both clocks.

Maryland point values new drivers should know

Offense	Points
Moving violation not listed, no crash	1
Speeding 10 mph or more over the limit	2
Following too closely	2
Running a steady red light	2
Negligent driving	2
Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights	3
Any moving violation that contributes to a crash	3
Driving on a learner’s permit unaccompanied	5
Driving while not licensed	5
Failing to report a crash	5
Aggressive driving	5
Speeding 20 mph or more over a 65 mph limit	5
Reckless driving	6
Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit	6
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs	8
Racing or exhibition driving on a highway	8
Driving under the influence of alcohol	12
Fleeing or trying to elude police	12
Failing to stop after a crash causing injury or death	12

The full list is in §16-402. If you are convicted of several charges from the same incident, the MVA counts only the charge with the most points.

Worked example

A 17-year-old provisional driver is convicted of speeding 12 mph over the limit (2 points). Four months later, they are convicted of running a red light (2 points). The total is 4 points in 12 months: not yet a suspension, but a third 1-point ticket within the 12 months would make 5 and trigger a 6-month suspension. Each conviction also restarts the 18-month provisional clock, and the second one counts as a second provisional offense under §16-213.

Phone offenses for new Maryland drivers

• Under 18, using any phone while driving, except to call 911, can lead to a suspension of up to 90 days.
• Texting while driving is banned for everyone. Under 18, it can also lead to a suspension of up to 90 days.
• For handheld phone use under §21-1124.2, no points are added unless the offense contributes to a crash.
• Carrying passengers under 18 in your first 151 days on a provisional license is a moving violation, so it carries points.

Common questions

How many points before a suspension in Maryland?

8 points in 2 years for most drivers. For a provisional driver under 18, 5 points in 12 months.

How many points is a speeding ticket in Maryland?

Under 10 mph over is usually 1 point. 10 mph or more over is 2, and 30 mph or more over is 6. Speeding 20 mph or more over a 65 mph limit is 5.

Do points from a ticket on my permit count?

Yes. Points go on your driving record, and the conviction also restarts your permit waiting period.

Can I fight a points suspension?

Yes. Request a hearing in writing within 10 days of the notice being sent, not counting weekends and legal holidays.

What is a driver improvement program?

An MVA course for drivers with points or provisional offenses. The MVA sets the fee, and approved private providers can run it instead.

Back to the Maryland learner driver guide. For how points work elsewhere, see US points and suspensions. Related: zero tolerance under 21.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-402” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-404” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-213” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-212” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1123” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.1” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)

Photo: David Dibert, Pexels

Maryland drivers ed is required for every first-time driver, whatever their age. You must complete an MVA-approved course of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction before you can take the driving skills test. This page is for Maryland teens, parents and adults planning their route to a license. It explains who needs the course, when to take it and how it fits with the 60-hour practice log.

What the Maryland driver education requirement is

Part	Minimum	Who teaches it
Classroom instruction	30 hours	An MVA-approved driver education program
Behind-the-wheel instruction	6 hours	The same approved program

This comes from Transportation Article §16-105(d), which bars a permit holder from taking the skills test until the course is done. The course is separate from the supervised practice hours you log with a parent or other coach.

Do adults need drivers ed in Maryland?

Yes. The law sets out four groups of first-time applicants, and all four need the 30-hour classroom and 6-hour behind-the-wheel course. What changes with age is the permit holding period and the practice hours:

Applicant	Driver education	Logged practice	Minimum permit time
Under 19	30 + 6 hours	60 hours, 10 at night	9 months
18 with a diploma or equivalent, or 19 to 24	30 + 6 hours	60 hours, 10 at night	3 months
25 or older	30 + 6 hours	14 hours, 3 at night	45 days (9 months after any moving violation)

Who is exempt?

• Drivers already licensed in another state. The MVA can issue a license without a permit stage or waiting period when it is satisfied with your driving experience.
• Drivers licensed only in another country or by the US armed forces. If you never held a license from Maryland or another state but otherwise qualify, you must complete a 3-hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program instead (§16-105(f)).

See driving in the US on a foreign license and moving to a new state.

Can you take part of the course in another state?

No. The MVA says you may not complete the 30-hour classroom portion in another state and then do the behind-the-wheel portion in Maryland. Choose one approved Maryland program for both parts.

Planning your timeline

1. Get your learner’s permit at 15 years 9 months or later. See the Maryland knowledge test and permit.
2. Book driver education early in the permit period. Behind-the-wheel slots can fill up, and the course must be finished before the skills test.
3. Log practice alongside the course. See the Practice Skills Log.
4. Book the skills test once the course, the log and your permit time are all done. See the skills test explained.

How to choose a Maryland driving school

• Confirm the school is MVA-approved before you pay.
• Ask how the school reports your completion to the MVA, and when.
• Ask how behind-the-wheel sessions are scheduled, and whether pickup is offered.
• Compare total prices, including any fees for missed lessons. Schools set their own prices.

Common questions

How many hours is drivers ed in Maryland?

At least 36: 30 in the classroom and 6 behind the wheel.

Can I take Maryland drivers ed online?

Ask the MVA or an approved school what classroom formats are currently approved. The 6 behind-the-wheel hours are always in a car.

Do the 6 behind-the-wheel hours count toward my 60 practice hours?

They are a separate legal requirement. Check with your school or the MVA before counting them in your log.

I am 30 and have never driven. What do I need?

A learner’s permit, the 30 + 6 hour course, 14 logged practice hours (3 at night), at least 45 days on the permit, and a pass on the skills test.

Does drivers ed lower my car insurance?

That depends on your insurer. See car insurance for new drivers.

Back to the Maryland learner driver guide.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-103” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Driver’s Education” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Provisional Driver’s License” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Maryland Driver’s Manual” (mva.maryland.gov)

Photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maryland requires 60 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 at night, before a learner under 25 can take the driving skills test. You record those hours in the Rookie Driver Practice Skills Log (form DL-195). This checklist is for Maryland permit holders and the parents or other adults coaching them. It covers who can supervise, what counts as night driving, how to fill in and sign the log, and how to spread the hours sensibly.

Key facts

• Under 25: at least 60 hours, 10 of them at night.
• 25 or older: at least 14 hours, 3 of them at night.
• “Night” means from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.
• The signed log goes with your permit to the skills test.

Who can be a Maryland Rookie Driver coach?

Under Transportation Article §16-105, every supervising driver must:

• hold a valid driver’s license
• be at least 21 years old
• have been licensed to drive for at least 3 years

The coach sits in the front passenger seat, and nobody else may sit in the front. More than one coach can share the hours, as long as each one signs for the driving they supervised.

What goes in the Practice Skills Log

The Rookie Driver guide includes the log and a set of practice lessons for coaches. For every session, write down:

• the date
• start and end times
• the skill or activity practiced
• the hours, adding up to a running total

Keep a separate night-hours tally so you can see at a glance when you pass 10 (or 3 if you are 25 or older).

Signing the log: who signs what

1. Each supervising driver signs to certify that you showed the required skills and completed the practice hours.
2. The parent or guardian who cosigned your permit application also signs, if you are under 18.
3. You bring the log and its certification page to the skills test with your unexpired learner’s permit. Without a completed, signed log you cannot take the test.

Practice checklist: covering the skills the test needs

The 60 hours are a minimum. Aim to cover each item below with your coach before you book the test.

• Pre-drive checks: mirrors, seat, seat belts, lights and controls.
• Smooth starting, steering and braking in an empty parking lot.
• Quiet neighborhood streets with light traffic.
• Stop signs, traffic lights and four-way stops.
• Left and right turns, including right on red.
• Pull-in parking, back-in parking and a three-point turn: the closed-course maneuvers on the skills test. Parallel parking is no longer tested, but learn it anyway.
• Busier roads, lane changes and freeway merging.
• Work zones. The posted limit applies even when no workers are present.
• Night driving: at least 10 hours, in different places.
• Rain and poor visibility. See driving in snow, fog and rain.
• Sharing the road with trucks, bikes and motorcycles.

How to spread 60 hours over the permit period

Teens under 19 must hold the permit for at least 9 months, so there is time to build up gradually. As a rough plan, about 7 hours a month across 9 months reaches 60 with a little to spare. Start with short sessions in easy places, and leave night driving and busy roads until the basics are smooth. Log each session the same day, because reconstructing hours later leads to gaps.

Common questions

Can a driving instructor’s hours count toward the 60?

The law counts practice supervised by anyone who meets the coach rules above. Driver education’s 6 behind-the-wheel hours are a separate requirement, so check with your school or the MVA before counting them twice.

Do I need the log if I am over 25?

Yes, but only 14 hours, 3 of them at night.

Can a grandparent or older sibling be my coach?

Yes, if they are 21 or older and have held a license for at least 3 years.

Where do I get the log?

It is part of the MVA’s Rookie Driver practice guide. The MVA has announced an updated edition, so make sure you use the current version from the MVA website.

What counts as night hours?

Driving from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise.

Back to the Maryland learner driver guide. Related: the Maryland skills test, driver education requirements, the learner’s permit and supervised hours by state.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-107” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Rookie Driver Manual: A Practice Guide for Coaches & Drivers” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Updates to Maryland Rookie Driver: A Practice Guide for Coaches & Drivers” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Learner’s Permit” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Maryland Driver’s Manual” (mva.maryland.gov)

Photo: Bryant's Juarez, Pexels

Maryland provisional license restrictions for drivers under 18 are: no unsupervised driving from midnight to 5 a.m.; no passengers under 18, other than family, for the first 151 days; everyone in the car belted; and no phone use at all except to call 911. This page is for new Maryland provisional drivers and their parents. It sets out each rule, its exceptions, and how to reach a full license after 18 months.

Maryland provisional license restrictions at a glance

Restriction	Who it applies to	Ends	Law
No unsupervised driving between 12 midnight and 5 a.m.	Provisional drivers under 18	At 18	§16-113(d)
No passengers under 18 unless they are family or a qualified supervisor is beside you	Provisional drivers under 18	On the 151st day after the license is issued	§21-1123
Driver and every passenger must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat	All provisional drivers under 18	At 18	§16-113(d-1)
No phone use while driving, hands-free included, except to call 911	All drivers under 18	At 18	§21-1124
No handheld phone use	Provisional drivers 18 or older	When the full license is issued	§21-1124.2
No alcohol in your blood	All drivers under 21	At 21	§16-113(b)

The midnight to 5 a.m. rule

Under 18, you may drive unsupervised only between 5 a.m. and 12 midnight. You may still drive in the restricted hours if you are:

• with a licensed driver who is at least 21
• driving to or from work, or in the course of your job
• driving to or from a school class or official school activity
• driving to or from an organized volunteer program
• driving to or from an athletic event or related training session

The 151-day passenger rule

From the day your provisional license is first issued until the 151st day after, a driver under 18 may not carry any passenger under 18. Two exceptions apply:

• Family: your spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister, or any relative who lives at your address.
• Supervisor present: the rule does not apply when someone at least 21, licensed for at least 3 years, sits beside you.

Police can enforce this only as a secondary action, when they stop you for something else. It still counts as a moving violation, and the MVA can suspend or revoke your license for it.

Scenario: can I drive my friends to practice?

You are 17, licensed 60 days ago, and want to take two 16-year-old teammates to practice at 4 p.m. The time is fine, but the passengers are not, because you are inside the first 151 days and they are not family. A parent who meets the supervisor rules would need to ride beside you. After day 151, the passenger rule no longer applies.

Phones on a Maryland provisional license

Under 18, the ban covers handheld and hands-free devices alike. The only exception is calling 911. Texting while driving is banned for every driver. A violation under 18 can lead to a license suspension of up to 90 days. At 18 and still on a provisional license, you may not use a handheld phone. More in hands-free and texting laws.

How to get your full Maryland license

You become eligible when you are 18 and have held the provisional license for 18 months. The 18 months restart from the latest of these dates (§16-111(d)):

1. the date you first got the provisional license
2. the date of a conviction, or probation before judgment, for a moving violation or a provisional restriction violation
3. the date a suspended, revoked or canceled license is restored

When you qualify, the MVA upgrades you automatically and mails a card showing your full status. You carry it with your provisional license until that card expires or is renewed. No office visit is needed.

Penalties for a moving violation on a Maryland provisional license

These sanctions under §16-213 come on top of fines and points:

Offense	Under 18	18 or older
First	Driver improvement program required	Driver improvement program required
Second	Possible suspension up to 30 days, then 90 days of education and employment driving only	Possible suspension up to 30 days
Third	Possible suspension up to 180 days, a young-driver improvement program, then 180 days of education and employment driving only	Possible suspension up to 180 days
Fourth or later	Revocation for at least 180 days, then retaking the license exams	Possible suspension or revocation up to 180 days

Separately, if you are under 18 and collect 5 or more points in 12 months, the MVA must suspend your license: for 6 months the first time and 1 year after that. See the Maryland points system for new drivers.

Common questions

What time can a provisional driver drive in Maryland?

Under 18, unsupervised from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight, unless one of the work, school, volunteer or sports exceptions applies.

Can my provisional teen drive a sibling?

Yes. Brothers, sisters, step-siblings and relatives living at your address are exempt from the 151-day rule.

Does the curfew end when I turn 18?

Yes. The hour restriction, the seat belt restriction and the under-18 phone ban end at 18. The 18-month clock for a full license keeps running.

Does a ticket reset my provisional time?

Yes. A moving violation conviction or probation before judgment restarts the 18 months.

I moved to Maryland with a license from another state. Do these rules apply?

If you were licensed for less than 18 months, the MVA can issue a provisional license. You hold it for 18, 12 or 6 months, depending on how long you were licensed before. See moving to a new state.

Back to the Maryland learner driver guide. Compare other states in GDL laws by state.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-113” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-213” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-404” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1123” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.1” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Full Driver’s License” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Provisional Driver’s License” (mva.maryland.gov)

Photo: >Author G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Maryland driving test, which the MVA calls the behind-the-wheel or driver skills test, has two parts: a closed course and a drive on public roads. You must pass the closed course before you go out on the road. This page is for Maryland permit holders getting ready for the test. It explains who can book it, what the car needs, what to bring, and what happens if you fail.

Are you eligible to take the Maryland skills test?

Check all three before you book (Transportation Article §16-105(d)):

Your age	Minimum permit time	Driver education	Logged practice
Under 19	9 months from the permit date or your last moving violation, whichever is later	30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind the wheel	60 hours, 10 at night
18 with a diploma or equivalent, or 19 to 24	3 months from the permit date, or 9 months after your last moving violation, whichever is later	30 + 6 hours	60 hours, 10 at night
25 or older, no moving violations	45 days	30 + 6 hours	14 hours, 3 at night
25 or older, with a moving violation	9 months after the most recent violation	30 + 6 hours	14 hours, 3 at night

Under 16 years 6 months, you cannot get a provisional license, whatever your permit date. Details: driver education and the Practice Skills Log.

Test day checklist: what to bring

• Your unexpired Maryland learner’s permit.
• The completed, signed Practice Skills Log and its certification page.
• The vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance.
• A supervising driver with a valid license. The MVA asks them to stay until the examiner has checked their license.
• Any identity or residency documents listed when you booked or in the myMVA Online Document Guide.

Before the test starts, you and the responsible adult sign an MVA “Certification of Insurance & Authorization to Operate Vehicle” form.

Maryland test vehicle requirements

You supply the car. The MVA can refuse to test you if the car is not ready. It needs:

• Working lights, brakes, wipers, heater, defroster, horn and mirrors.
• No dashboard warning lights on, such as Check Engine or ABS or brake warnings.
• Properly inflated tires with enough tread.
• At least half a tank of gas.
• Maryland plates fixed securely on the front and rear.

Only you and the examiner may be in the car during the test, plus an MVA-approved interpreter if you need one. An automatic parking feature may not be used during the test. Back-up cameras and audio back-up warnings are allowed. You may not take the test in an autocycle (§16-110).

What happens during the Maryland driving test

1. Paperwork and vehicle check. The examiner checks your documents and the car.
2. Closed course. Low-speed control maneuvers away from traffic. The December 2025 Maryland Driver’s Manual lists pull-in parking and back-in parking in a 10 by 20 foot space, and a three-point turn in a 16 by 20 foot space. Parallel parking is no longer required on the test. Another paragraph of the same manual still mentions a reverse two-point turn, so confirm the current list with the MVA when you book and practice all of them.
3. Road drive. Only after you pass the closed course. The examiner watches how you handle normal traffic: signaling, observation, lane position, speed, stops and right of way.

What the examiner looks for

• Full stops at stop signs and before turning right on red. Learn the right-on-red rules.
• Right of way at intersections and four-way stops, and for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Observation: mirror and over-the-shoulder checks before you pull out, change lanes or reverse.
• Speed control: at or under the limit and right for conditions. See the basic speed law.
• Smooth control in tight spaces without hitting curbs or cones.

Ask the MVA if you want the full list of automatic failures for the Class C test. Common mistakes are covered in why people fail the driving test.

If you fail the Maryland skills test

You book a new appointment. The MVA’s Behind-the-Wheel Tests page says to wait at least one business day before retesting. Its separate Class C special instructions say that after a first or second failed attempt, you wait at least 7 days between each later test. Check which rule applies to you when you rebook.

After you pass

You surrender your permit and get a provisional license. It carries night, passenger, seat belt and phone restrictions while you are under 18. See Maryland provisional license rules.

Common questions

Does the Maryland driving test have parallel parking?

No. The December 2025 Driver’s Manual says parallel parking is no longer required, although driver education still teaches it. You are tested on pull-in parking, back-in parking and a three-point turn instead. See also road tests by state.

Can I use a driving school car for the Maryland test?

The law only requires you to provide a suitable vehicle. Whatever car you bring must meet the checklist above, with registration and insurance papers.

Who can drive me to the test?

Any licensed driver can drive you there. If you drive yourself on your permit, a qualified supervisor (21 or older, licensed for 3 years) must be with you.

Can I use a backup camera?

Yes. Back-up cameras and audio warnings are allowed, but automatic parking is not.

Do I need the log if I am 25 or older?

Yes. You need 14 logged hours, 3 of them at night, plus driver education.

Back to the Maryland learner driver guide.

Sources

• Maryland MVA, “Behind-the-Wheel Tests” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Behind the Wheel Drivers Test Special Instructions” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Provisional Driver’s License” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-103” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-110” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)

Photo: >Author G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Maryland permit test is a 25-question MVA knowledge test that you must finish in 20 minutes with a score of 88% or better, which means at least 22 correct answers. This page is for Maryland learners and parents booking that test. It covers what to bring, the fee, retakes, and the rules that apply once you hold a learner’s instructional permit.

Key facts

• Minimum age: 15 years 9 months.
• Test: 25 questions, 20 minutes, 88% to pass, taken at an MVA office after a vision screening.
• Fee: no charge for the test itself; the first permit costs $65 as of November 2026.
• Permit validity: 2 years for a first-time driver.

How many questions are on the Maryland permit test?

The MVA test has 25 questions drawn at random, with a 20-minute limit and a pass mark of 88%. The MVA’s free Online Driver Test Tutorial also uses 25 questions. You can take its untimed version as often as you like, and its timed version lets you practice beating the clock. The MVA says about half of first-time test takers fail, so practice until you pass the timed version with room to spare.

Questions come from the Maryland Driver’s Manual. By law the exam checks your vision, your ability to read and understand traffic signs, and your knowledge of Maryland traffic law and safe driving practices (Transportation Article §16-110).

Can you take the Maryland permit test online?

No at-home test is described on MVA pages. You can fill in the pre-application and book your appointment online through a myMVA account. The vision screening and knowledge test then take place in person at a full-service MVA office. Practice tests are online and free.

What to bring to the MVA

• Proof of identity and lawful status.
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card. A current W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099 or a pay stub showing your name and number can also work.
• Proof of Maryland residency. The myMVA Online Document Guide lists what is accepted.
• Under 18: a parent or guardian to cosign your application. If you have no parent or guardian, or you are married, an adult employer or other responsible adult can sign.
• Under 16: a copy of your school attendance record. The MVA cannot issue the permit if it shows more than 10 unexcused absences in the previous semester.
• Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, for the vision screening.

Maryland permit fees (as of November 2026)

Item	Fee
Knowledge test	No charge
Learner’s permit, never licensed before (includes later conversion to a license)	$65
Learner’s permit, currently or previously licensed	$45
Corrected permit	$30

Fees change. Check the MVA’s License and ID Fees page before you go. The MVA can also charge a fee if you miss a booked exam appointment.

What if you fail the Maryland knowledge test?

After a first failure you may retest the next business day if an appointment is open. After several failures, the MVA makes you wait seven calendar days between attempts.

Rules once you have your Maryland learner’s permit

• Supervisor: at least 21, licensed for at least 3 years for the type of vehicle, and seated beside you.
• Front seat: only the supervisor may sit there while you drive.
• Phones: under 18, no phone use at all while driving, hands-free included, except to call 911. At 18 or older on a permit, no handheld phone.
• Alcohol: under 21, any alcohol in your blood breaks your license restriction.
• Driving alone on a permit carries 5 points.
• A moving violation restarts the 9-month waiting period before your skills test (if you are under 19).

Next steps: driver education, the 60-hour Practice Skills Log and the skills test.

Common questions

How many questions can you miss on the Maryland permit test?

Three. 22 correct out of 25 is 88%.

How long is the Maryland permit test?

You have 20 minutes.

Is the Maryland permit test available in other languages?

The MVA has announced the test in 17 languages, including American Sign Language. Ask your MVA office which versions it offers when you book. If the test is offered in your language, the Driver’s Manual says you must take it at least 5 times before you may use an interpreter. Interpreters must be on the MVA’s approved list; the MVA charges no fee, but you pay the interpreter. Accommodations such as extra time, oral testing, screen readers and sign language support are available for customers with disabilities.

Can I get my permit at 15 in Maryland?

Only once you reach 15 years 9 months.

How long is a Maryland learner’s permit valid?

Two years for a first-time driver. If it runs out before you pass the skills test, you need a new one.

Can I drive in another state on a Maryland permit?

It depends on the other state’s rules. See driving with a permit in another state.

Back to the Maryland learner driver guide. Comparing states? See the permit test by state.

Sources

• Maryland MVA, “Knowledge Tests” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Maryland Online Driver Test Tutorial” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Learner’s Permit” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “License & ID Fees” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Maryland Learner’s Permit Exam Now Available In 17 Languages Including American Sign Language” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-103” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-103.1” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-107” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-110” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-402” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)

Photo: Tristan W, Pexels

This guide is for Maryland teens, parents and adult first-time drivers who want to know how to get a driver’s license in Maryland. In short: get a learner’s instructional permit at 15 years 9 months, finish driver education and 60 hours of logged practice, pass the skills test for a provisional license at 16 years 6 months or later, then hold the provisional license for 18 months without a conviction. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) runs every step.

Key facts (Maryland Transportation Article)

• Learner’s permit: minimum age 15 years 9 months (§16-103).
• Provisional license: minimum age 16 years 6 months (§16-103).
• Full license: minimum age 18, after 18 months on a provisional license with no moving violation conviction (§16-111).
• Before the skills test: driver education (at least 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) plus at least 60 hours of supervised practice, 10 of them at night, for drivers under 25 (§16-105).

The three stages of Maryland’s graduated license

Stage	Earliest age	What you can do	How you move on
Learner’s instructional permit	15 years 9 months	Drive only with a supervisor who is 21 or older, licensed for at least 3 years and seated beside you	Hold it for the minimum period, finish driver ed and the practice log, pass the skills test
Provisional license	16 years 6 months	Drive alone, with night, passenger, seat belt and phone restrictions while under 18	18 months with no moving violation conviction, and age 18
Full license	18	Drive without provisional restrictions. Under 21, any alcohol in your blood is still banned	The MVA upgrades you automatically

How long must you hold a Maryland learner’s permit?

It depends on your age when you take the skills test (§16-105(d)):

• Under 19: at least 9 months from the later of the date you got the permit or your most recent moving violation conviction.
• 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, or 19 to 24: at least 3 months from the permit date, or 9 months after your most recent moving violation, whichever is later.
• 25 or older with no moving violations: at least 45 days, and the practice requirement drops to 14 hours (3 at night).

A first-time permit is valid for 2 years. A ticket while on your permit restarts the 9-month clock, so drive carefully.

Step by step: from permit to full license in Maryland

1. Book a knowledge test appointment at a full-service MVA office. Bring identity, Social Security and residency documents, and a parent or guardian to cosign if you are under 18. Under 16, you also need a school attendance record. See the Maryland knowledge test and learner’s permit.
2. Pass the vision screening and the 25-question knowledge test. The MVA pass mark is 88%.
3. Take an MVA-approved driver education course. See Maryland driver education requirements.
4. Log your practice hours in the Rookie Driver Practice Skills Log. See the Practice Skills Log guide.
5. Pass the driving skills test. It has a closed-course part and an on-road part. See the Maryland driving skills test explained.
6. Follow the provisional rules for 18 months. See Maryland provisional license rules.
7. Keep your record clean. Points and convictions restart the clock and can suspend your license. See the Maryland MVA points system for new drivers.

What does it cost?

As of November 2026, the MVA fee page lists $65 for a first learner’s permit if you have never been licensed. That fee also covers converting to your license later. There is no separate MVA fee for taking the knowledge test. Driver education schools set their own prices. Check current fees with the MVA before your appointment.

What the Maryland Driver’s Manual covers

The knowledge test draws on the Maryland Driver’s Manual. Most of it follows national standards. Where Maryland law adds its own rule, it is noted below.

Manual topic	Maryland detail worth knowing	Read more
Signs, signals and markings	Maryland uses the national sign system	Road signs, signals, road lines
Rules of the road	Running a steady red light carries 2 points	Four-way stops, right on red, speed limits
Safe driving	Drivers under 18 may not use any phone, even hands-free, except to call 911	Phone laws, bad weather
Sharing the road	Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights carries 3 points	School buses, move over, trucks and bikes
Alcohol and drugs	Under 21, your license carries a restriction banning any alcohol in your blood	Zero tolerance, implied consent
Emergencies and crashes	Failing to report a crash carries 5 points	After a crash
Points, suspensions, insurance	3 points brings a warning letter, 8 a suspension, 12 a revocation	Maryland points, insurance

Maryland road rules worth memorizing

From the December 2025 Maryland Driver’s Manual:

• Following distance: the MVA recommends at least 3 to 4 seconds in ideal conditions.
• Headlights: on whenever you cannot see clearly 1,000 feet ahead, and whenever your wipers are on in bad weather. Dip to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet when following.
• Move over: for any vehicle stopped, standing or parked on the road with its lights flashing, move to a lane not next to it. If you cannot, slow to a safe speed.
• School buses: when a bus has stopped with its red lights flashing, stop at least 20 feet from it, whether you are behind it or facing it.
• Bicycles: leave at least 3 feet when passing, and yield to cyclists in a bike lane or shoulder when you cross it.
• Seat belts and child seats: everyone must be belted. Children under 8 ride in a child safety seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller, and children under 2 ride rear-facing.
• Earphones: you may not drive with headsets, earphones or earplugs in both ears. Hearing aids are allowed.
• Insurance: carry your insurance card (electronic is fine) whenever you drive.
• Funeral processions: vehicles in a procession with headlights and hazard lights on have the right of way, even if you have a green light. Wait until the procession has passed unless you can go without crossing its path.

Medical conditions you must report

Maryland law makes you tell the MVA, when you apply or when you are diagnosed, about conditions such as epilepsy or seizures, a stroke, sleep apnea or narcolepsy, blackouts or fainting, diabetes that caused a low blood sugar episode needing help in the past 6 months, a heart condition that caused a loss of consciousness in the past 6 months, a traumatic brain injury, alcohol or drug use problems, and vision below 20/70 in your better eye or a field under 110 degrees. The MVA’s Driver Wellness and Safety Division or Medical Advisory Board then decides on your license. See driving with a medical condition.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to drive in Maryland?

You can get a learner’s permit at 15 years 9 months and a provisional license at 16 years 6 months. A full license comes at 18 at the earliest.

Can a 16 year old drive alone in Maryland?

Not at 16 exactly. Solo driving starts with the provisional license, at 16 years 6 months at the earliest, and only after 9 months on a permit.

Do adults need driver’s ed in Maryland?

Yes. The 30-hour classroom and 6-hour behind-the-wheel course applies to first-time drivers of every age. Drivers 25 and older need only 14 practice hours instead of 60.

Can a parent cancel a teen’s license?

Yes. Under 18, the adult who cosigned your application can ask the MVA in writing to cancel your license. It stays canceled until you turn 18, unless a qualifying adult cosigns a new application.

Who can supervise a Maryland permit driver?

Someone at least 21 who has held a license for at least 3 years and sits in the front passenger seat. Nobody else may sit in the front.

What if I already have a license from another state?

The MVA can issue a license without a permit stage. If you have been licensed for less than 18 months, you get a provisional license for the rest of that time. See moving to a new state.

Do I need a REAL ID?

It is optional for driving but matters for flights. See REAL ID and your first license.

Comparing states? See how to get a driver’s license in the US and GDL laws by state.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-103” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-107” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-113” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-402” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-404” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “License & ID Fees” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Knowledge Tests” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Full Driver’s License” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Maryland Driver’s Manual” (mva.maryland.gov)

Photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maryland has a bioptic telescope statute, Transportation Article section 16-110.2, but read it carefully: its last subsection says it applies only to people granted a license under it on or before 30 September 1997 who continue to qualify. New applicants today come under the MVA’s bioptic regulation, COMAR 11.17.05, which uses the same vision figures: 20/100 with ordinary lenses, a 150-degree field and 20/70 through the telescope.

What section 16-110.2 says

Requirement	Statute
Vision with ordinary lenses	20/100 in one or both eyes
Field of vision	150 degrees horizontal, or 100 degrees with vision in one eye only
Through the telescope	20/70, without field expanders
Medical review	An eye exam report from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist, reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board (section 16-118)
License	Noncommercial Class C
Learner’s permit	Available to applicants who meet the vision standards
Hours	Half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset; license endorsed “daylight driving only”
Night driving	20/40 through the telescope without field expanders, at least one year licensed under the section, and a nighttime skills test
Who it covers	Only those licensed under it on or before 30 September 1997 who continue to qualify

The statute defines a bioptic telescopic lens as a spectacle-mounted telescope placed at the top of a corrective lens.

What about new bioptic drivers in Maryland?

The MVA regulation on bioptic lenses, COMAR 11.17.05, applies to any applicant. It has no 1997 cut-off.

Requirement	COMAR 11.17.05
Vision with ordinary lenses	At least 20/100 in one or both eyes
Field of vision	150 degrees horizontal, or at least 100 degrees with vision in one eye only
Through the telescope	At least 20/70 in one or both eyes, without field expanders
Eye doctor’s statement	From a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. You must have had the bioptic for at least 60 days and received instruction at least equal to the regulation’s suggested training
Training content	Finding still and moving objects through the telescope, brief glances, and judging daylight, dusk and night conditions
Skills test	Required if you have not already passed one wearing the bioptic
Medical Advisory Board	Referral if your vision loss comes from a medical condition or is not stable
License	Noncommercial Class C only, for vehicles up to 10,000 lb GVW. You can ask for a vision re-exam to remove a vision restriction

The regulation itself does not set daylight-only hours; the MVA adds restrictions it considers appropriate. Also confirmed:

• The MVA standard for an unrestricted noncommercial license is 20/40 or better in each eye with a continuous field of at least 140 degrees. Restricted and low-vision categories also exist.
• The MVA’s vision form for eye care providers tells them not to enter acuities achieved with telescopic lenses in the standard acuity chart. So the telescope is not used to meet the ordinary standard.
• Maryland uses a Medical Advisory Board to review drivers with medical and vision conditions.

Secondary summaries mention a red, green and amber color test for bioptic applicants. Check this with the MVA.

How to start

1. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist to complete the MVA vision form, with full details of your bioptic.
2. Contact the MVA’s medical review office and ask what the Medical Advisory Board needs from a new bioptic applicant.
3. Ask about training. A driver rehabilitation specialist with bioptic experience can help: see learning to drive with a disability.
4. Follow the usual Maryland learner steps once approved: see learning to drive in Maryland.

Questions about your own vision are for your eye doctor. This guide covers licensing rules only.

How Maryland compares

The statute’s figures mirror Virginia’s 20/70 telescope and night-driving rules: see Virginia bioptic driving rules. Neighboring Pennsylvania runs a structured permit and training program. For every state, see bioptic driving laws by state and the Northeast vision rules.

All medical and disability topics: the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.

Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free US letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article section 16-110.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Code of Maryland Regulations 11.17.05, “Use of Bioptic Telescopic Lenses”, regulations .02 to .06 (text via law.cornell.edu)
• Maryland MVA, “Vision Tests and Requirements” (mva.maryland.gov)
• Maryland MVA, “Vision Certification Information for Eye Care Providers” and form DL-043A (mva.maryland.gov)

Photo: Styves Exantus, Pexels

Maryland drivers under 18 may not use a phone while driving, hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911. Learner’s permit and provisional license holders who are 18 or older may not use a hand-held phone at all. Every other Maryland driver may use a hand-held phone only to start or end a call or switch the phone on or off, and nobody may text. This page explains each rule, the exceptions and the penalties, section by section.

Key facts (Maryland Transportation Article, as of November 2026)

• Under 18 (§21-1124): no wireless communication device use while driving, hand-held or hands-free. Exception: calling 911.
• Permit or provisional holder 18 or older (§21-1124.2): no hand-held phone use, except emergency calls.
• All drivers (§21-1124.1): no writing, sending or reading texts or electronic messages while driving in the travel portion of the road. GPS use and 911 texts are allowed.
• Hand-held fines: up to $75, $125 and $175 for first, second and third offenses. No points unless the offense contributes to a crash.
• Under 18, the MVA may suspend your license for up to 90 days for a phone or texting violation.

Which Maryland phone rule applies to you?

You are	Hand-held calls	Hands-free calls	Texting
Under 18, permit or provisional license	No	No	No
18 or older, learner’s permit or provisional license	No (emergencies only)	Yes	No
Full license holder	Only to start or end a call or turn the phone on or off	Yes	No

§21-1124: the under-18 ban

An individual under 18 may not use a wireless communication device while driving. The law defines that as a hand-held or hands-free device used to access wireless telephone service. So Bluetooth calls, speakerphone and earpieces are all covered.

• Exception: contacting a 911 system.
• Penalty: the MVA may suspend your license for up to 90 days. It may issue a restricted license for that time, limited to driving for work, to and from work, or to and from school.
• Hearing: you may request a hearing on the suspension.

The ban ends at 18, but the 18-month provisional period may not. See Maryland provisional license rules.

§21-1124.2: the hand-held ban

This section sets two rules:

1. Permit and provisional holders aged 18 or over may not use a hand-held phone while driving.
2. All other drivers, while the vehicle is moving, may not use their hands to operate a hand-held phone except to start or end a call or turn the phone on or off.

Emergency exceptions

Emergency use is allowed, including calls to 911, a hospital, an ambulance service, a fire department, a law enforcement agency or a first aid squad.

Penalties

Conviction	Maximum fine
First	$75
Second	$125
Third or later	$175

Points are not added unless the offense contributes to a crash. For a first offense, the court may waive the penalty if you prove you have bought a hands-free accessory or similar feature for your phone.

§21-1124.1: the texting ban

No driver may use a text messaging device to write, send or read a text or electronic message while driving in the travel portion of the roadway. The section does not apply to using a GPS, or to texting 911. If the driver is under 18, the MVA may also suspend the license for up to 90 days, with the same restricted license option. Check the current fine and point amount for texting with the MVA or the District Court.

§21-1124.3: when phone use causes serious harm

If a texting or hand-held violation causes a crash that immediately results in someone’s death or serious bodily injury, the driver faces up to 1 year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The offense carries 12 points, and the MVA revokes a license at 12 points (§16-404).

Earphones and headsets

Separate from the phone sections, Maryland bars every driver from wearing headsets, earphones or earplugs in both ears while driving. Hearing aids are allowed. A single earpiece for a hands-free call is not covered by this rule, but drivers under 18 still may not make the call.

Common questions

Can a 17-year-old in Maryland use Bluetooth to talk?

No. The under-18 ban covers hand-held and hands-free devices. Only a call to 911 is allowed.

I am 19 with a provisional license. Can I use hands-free?

Yes. At 18 or over on a permit or provisional license, you may not use a hand-held phone, but the under-18 ban no longer applies, so hands-free calls are allowed. Texting is banned for everyone.

Can I use GPS on my phone in Maryland?

The texting law exempts GPS. Under 18, the device ban still applies, so set the route before you drive and don’t touch the phone. At any age, mount the phone and keep your hands off it while moving.

Do phone tickets add points in Maryland?

Not for a hand-held violation unless it contributes to a crash. Other moving violations do. See the Maryland MVA points system for new drivers.

Can I text at a red light in Maryland?

No. The ban covers driving in the travel portion of the roadway, and a car stopped in a traffic lane is still there. Pull off the road and park.

Is the phone law on the Maryland knowledge test?

It can be. Study it with the Maryland MVA knowledge test guide.

Back to the complete Maryland learner guide. Other states: hands-free and texting laws.

Sources

• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124, §21-1124.1, §21-1124.2 and §21-1124.3” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-402, point system” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
• Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-404, suspension and revocation” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)