Applying for a New License

Anyone operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of Maryland must have a valid driver license in their possession. This is a bit of a no-brainer, but it is still worth mentioning just in case you just happen to come from a country that does not require you to have a license to drive. So if you do not have a license and are driving, well, you are breaking the law. If you get caught you will have to pay a pretty hefty fine for the infraction.

Why take the risk when getting a license in Maryland is a relatively easy process and doesn't really put a dent in the pocketbook? Plus, the identification factor alone makes having a license worth its weight in gold.

There a few ways to go about applying for a license. If you have never had a license and are of the legal driving age (16 years old), you will need to begin the process from scratch. Rookie drivers trying for the first license will undergo the graduated licensing program, which involves earning a permit and then a provisional license. New residents will not have to go through so many hoops if they have a license from their previous state.

Then there are those applicants that are from out of the country and are here for an extended period and are looking to have the ability to drive around. After all, Maryland is home to a large base of diplomats from other countries. But before we jump into the details let's begin with what kind of licenses are available.

Classes of License

There are basically a couple non-commercial classes of driver licenses that most people are after. A Class A license is the standard-issue document that is issued to the majority of applicants. A Class M license is for those daring motorcyclist types who are fond of two wheels rather than four and a bit of speed.

Besides the licenses that are relevant to the general populace, there are a few commercial and non-commercial types that allow you to operate larger vehicles. Each class of license is also prone to having an alphabet of restrictions placed on it.

Most of the codes are not used too often. But if you are one of those who must use corrective lenses, then you will see a restriction stamped onto your license that requires you to wear your contacts or eyeglasses when driving.

Application Requirements and Procedures

If you have never had a driver license before, you'll need to start with a learner's permit and work your way up to a full license. Here's how to do that:

• Prospective drivers must appear in person at an MVA office.

• Provide proof of age. You must be at least 15 years and nine months old.

• Supply two documents establishing your Maryland residency.

• Disclose your Social Security number, either verbally or via a card.

• Pass a vision test or provide a completed screening form from your optometrist.

• Successfully identify a series of road signs and pavement markings.

• Score an 80% or higher on a multiple-choice written exam. This test is gleaned from the pages of the state's driver handbook and covers an array of topics from general rules of the road to questions on alcohol and driving.

Permit Types

If you complete the above requirements and procedures you will be issued a learner's permit. Maryland has two varieties of learner's permit. Each can be achieved on the condition that you successfully ace both a vision screening and the general knowledge written exam. A permit is the initial measure on the path to owning a driver license.

Type One

This permit is intended for those applicants entering the rookie driving program.

• Age requirement: 15 years and 9 months.

• Valid: One year.

• Must be held for a minimum of six months.

• If under 18 years of age, a parent of guardian must sign a waiver.

Type Two

This permit is issued to older applicants that are applying for a Maryland license for the first time, but not necessarily having to go through the graduated program.

• Age requirement: 16 years and 1 months.

• Valid: Six months.

• Must be held for a minimum of 14 days.

• If under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver.

While you possess a permit, you are limited to being behind the wheel only with a driver who is at least 21 and has held a license for three years. The person will need to sit in the passenger seat and hopefully offer prudent advice and sage driving tips.

First-time applicants that have never had a license in any state, regardless of how old or young you may be, must enroll in a driver education course.

The education course should be completed prior to taking the driving test. The course is a 30-hour overview of driving safety and preparation that takes place both in the classroom and behind the wheel. You will have to physically attend this program, as online learning is not a suitable substitute.

The Driving Test

The last hurdle to hop before being issued a driver license, whether the provisional or full variety, is getting behind the wheel and displaying to an examiner all that you have learned.

These real-world testing situations are somewhat stressful, but we have all been there. Just take a deep breath and put all your practice into play. In a matter of 30 or so minutes you will have your shiny new license. The tests are proffered by appointment at any full-service MVA office.

License Changeover

If you have moved to Maryland from another state, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory, you will need to get a Maryland license within 60 days of arrival. To do this, you must appear in person at an MVA office and present the following:

• Old driver license that is either valid or expired less than one year

• Birth certificate

• Two forms of identification showing you are now a resident of Maryland

• Social Security number (it will not be displayed on the license)

A vision test is required. In some cases you may be required to take the written exam, especially if your out-of-state license has been expired for more than a year. If the license you are exchanging is less than 18 months old, you can only receive a provisional version of the Maryland document.

Thus, for a period defined by the examiner (six, 12, or 18 months) error-free driving will be the rule of the day. One traffic infraction garnered will be like hitting the reset button on the license. You will have to restart the provisional process under a new time frame.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're a currently licensed driver from another country who is visiting Maryland, you may legally drive within the state. Be sure to always have your license with you when driving.

It's a good idea to also have an International Driver Permit. This permit, issued by your home country, basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

Should you decide to apply for a Maryland license, you'll need to pass the standard vision, knowledge, and road tests. Plus, you'll need to complete an approved alcohol and drug education course. Some applicants may need to schedule an appointment for their tests by calling (800) 950-1682.

The MVA offers additional information for out-of-country driver license applicants.

Fees

• Type One Learner's Permit: $50

• Type Two Learner's Permit: $30

• Driver License: $45

Find more license-related information at Renewing Your License,
Replacing a Lost License, Motorcycle License, Applying for a New CDL, and Other License Information.