The first step in receiving a Maryland Driver's License for new drivers and certain inexperienced drivers is to obtain a learner's permit.  Maryland provides two types of learner's permits:

• Type I Learner's Permit - Persons who have never held a driver's license, regardless of age, are required to first obtain a Type I Learner's Permit.  This learner's permit is issued as part of the MVA's Rookie Driver program, also known as the Graduated Licensing System (GLS).

• Type II Learner's Permit - A Type II Learner's Permit is:
  • Required for persons who currently have a Maryland Driver's License AND want to obtain a noncommercial driver's license of a higher class, or a class M (motorcycle) driver's license.
  • Required for persons who are converting an out-of-state or out-of-country license and at the same time want to obtain a license for a different or higher class.
  • Optional for persons who currently hold a license issued by another state, another country or the U.S. Armed Forces (when applying for the same or lower class).
  • Optional for persons whose last driver's license is EXPIRED.  The license may have been issued by Maryland, another state, another country, or the U.S. Armed Forces (when applying for the same or lower class).

What is the procedure for obtaining a learner's permit (either Type I or Type II)?

The process for obtaining either type of learner's permit is essentially the same.  First, gather the documents that you will need to present to the MVA:

• Proof of your age and identity, lawful status, social security number or proof of ineligibility, and Maryland residence;
  • If you need a class B or C license
    • Type I Learner's Permit - you must be at least 15 years, 9 months.
    • Type II Learner's Permit - you must be at least 16 years, 3 months.
  • If you need a class A license (Type I or Type II Learner's Permit) - you must be at least 18 years, 0 months.
  • If you need a class M license (Type I or Type II Learner's Permit) - you must be at least 18 years, 0 months unless you have satisfactorily completed a Motorcycle Safety Course approved by the MVA.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed, or a completed and signed Vision Screening Form (see Vision Screening Requirements for more information);
• If you are under 16 years of age, you must submit a Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification (form DL-300).
• If you are 70 years of age or older, you must present proof of your satisfactory operation of a motor vehicle in the past OR a written statement from a licensed physician regarding your general physical and mental status.  The certification must be reviewed and approved by the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) before your application for a learner's permit can be processed.
• Payment for the learner's permit (cash, check, or MasterCard, American Express, or Visa credit card or MVA credit voucher).

Second, visit any MVA full-service branch office; no appointment is needed.  If you are less than 18 years old, a parent, or legal guardian, must accompany you.  An MVA Customer Agent in the office will:

• Take your photograph; see note below
• Review the documents you brought with you;
• Give you a vision screening or scan your Vision Screening form; and
• Verify that you meet all eligibility requirements.

Note:  MVA Photo Guidelines:   Because of the ever increasing need to use a photo driver’s license, learner’s permit or moped permit as proof of personal identification (i.e.: MVA, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, etc.) in addition to its role as a licensing document, the Maryland MVA is required to follow and enforce certain guidelines concerning approving and using an acceptable digital image/photograph on these license products.  The same guidelines would also follow for the issuance of a Maryland Photo Identification Card.

The MVA will not permit an applicant to significantly alter, hide or enhance their face or facial features by the use or excessive use of:

1). Face Paint

2). Cosmetics

3). Cosmetic Contacts

4). Facial Contortions

5). Hats/Scarves/Other Clothing

6). Hands, etc.

If a supervisor deems it necessary, the customer will be required to remove the unacceptable face paint, cosmetics, etc. before a photo is taken.

If a photo image is taken and it is determined to be unacceptable by an MVA supervisor due to any of the above reasons or otherwise, the MVA reserves the right to require that the customer either sits for another image or is refused the issuance of the MVA product.

References:

1. Issuance of license: TR, 16-111.1(d)(2-iv):  A color photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires.
2. Form and contents of an Identification Card: TR, 12-301(g)(2v):  A color photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires.

Upon completion of these steps, you will be given a test of your driving knowledge.  If you fail the test, you must return on a different day to try again.  If you pass the test, you will be directed to a Customer Agent who will collect the fee owed, and issue your learner's permit.

While you are driving with the learner's permit:

• A supervising driver (parent, guardian or other responsible person) must accompany you.  The supervising driver:
  • Must have a valid driver's license of the same class as or higher class than your learner's permit class;
  • Must be 21 years or older;
  • Must have a minimum of 3 years driving experience in the same or higher class; and
  • Must be in the front seat, with no other front seat occupants.
• Class M (motorcycle) license applicants ONLY - Your supervising driver must be on the motorcycle with you, on a motorcycle riding beside you, or in a vehicle riding behind you.
• If you are less than 18 years old, you cannot use any wireless communication device (including cell phone) except to make an emergency 911 call.

Fees:

• There is a fee for each learner's permit issued.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Services Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions: