Drivers Permits in Maryland

ID Proof Required

For both learner permits and provisional licenses you need to provide MVA with proof of age, identity, and Maryland residence. Here's the tricky part. MVA requires two proofs of residence. In addition to that, you need to provide either two primary sources of identification or one primary source of identification and two secondary sources.

Note that a birth certificate or passport is the most ideal primary source. Below is a brief list of the most common sources of proof.

Common Proofs of Residence:

• Certified statement from a parent signed in front of an MVA representative.

• Life insurance card.

• Credit card statement.

• Telephone or utility bill.

Primary Sources:

• Birth certificate or certified copy.

• Social Security card.

• Valid U.S. passport or out-of-country passport.

• ID Card.

Secondary Sources:

• Certified statement from a parent signed in front of an MVA representative.

• Utility or telephone bill.

• Checking or savings account statement.

MVA provides a detailed page of primary sources and secondary sources, as well as specifics for what combinations it will accept.

Getting Your Learner Permit

NOTE: Most necessary forms are available in PDF format so you can download the document and fill it out before mailing it or taking it into the DMV. All you need is the free Acrobat Reader software from Adobe.

A learner permit doesn't give you all the privileges to drive, but it gets you started. Learner's permits are valid for two years from date of issue. The learner permit is the first step of the Maryland Graduated Licensing System, also known as the Rookie Driver program, so follow the steps below to obtain yours.

1. Provide appropriate sources of proof.


2. If under 16, you must provide a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process. Home schooled applicants must obtain certification from the home school coordinator for the applicant's jurisdiction.


3. Satisfy the requirements to obtain a learner permit:


• You must be at least 15 years and nine months of age.
• If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application. In other words, a parent must be present when you apply for your permit.
• You must give your Social Security number.


4. You must pass the vision test.


5. You must pass the knowledge test. You can download a driver's handbook to study for the test, and also check out DMV.org's practice tests.


6. You must hold your permit for a minimum of nine months before obtaining your provisional license.

Getting Your Provisional License

Your provisional license is the second step to getting your full driver's license. Provisional licenses allow you to drive without supervision during certain hours of the day (5 a.m. to midnight).

1. Provide appropriate sources of proof.


2. Satisfy the requirements to obtain a provisional license:


• You must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age.
• You must have held your permit for a minimum of nine months.
• You must have completed a driver education course and received a certificate as proof that you have passed the course. (Effective January 1, 2009: You'll no longer need to show proof in the form of a paper certificate that you passed the course. The course instructor will submit your completion to the MVA electronically.)
• You must have logged at least 60 hours with a supervisor (parent, guardian) using the Practice Skills Log provided by the MVA. Note: there have been a few key changes to the requirements for logging driving hours.


3. Schedule a driver skills test in advance. Call (888) 212-4709 for an appointment. Tests are either administered in traffic or on a test course.

Helpful Links for Parents

When your child gets into the driver's seat for the first time, it can be a scary moment. Below are a number of links MVA has provided to help adjust (and cope) with your new driver.

• Guidelines for Parents of New Drivers

• The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

• What Young Drivers Need to Know about Driving, Drinking and Drugs

Lost or Expired Permits

To get another learner permit, you have to apply as if it were your first, which means you have to retake the vision and knowledge test, as well as resubmit sources of proof.

Note: MVA does not allow you to exchange an out-of-state learner permit for a Maryland permit.

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