A Maryland learners permit allows new drivers to begin the learning process of driving a motor vehicle by gaining valuable hands-on experience and practice. This permit is a necessary step of the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program that Maryland has in place for drivers under the age of 18. However, a drivers permit is also a necessary step for applicants 18 years of age or older in order to drive on Maryland roadways and eventually obtain a full drivers license.

In order to get a permit, you must meet the specific MVA learners permit requirements that are set in place. This includes being a Maryland resident and at least 15 years and nine months of age.

Understanding what the eligibility requirements are and knowing how to apply for a permit is very important if you wish to experience a smooth process. If you are interested in learning more about these types of permits, read the sections below.

Did you know? Almost half of all driving applicants fail Maryland’s DMV test. Be prepared for your DMV written exam by taking one of our DMV practice tests.

Maryland Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines

The drivers permit requirements that you must be aware of include being of a certain age and being able to provide certain documentation.

Specifically, these requirements include that you must:

• Be at least 15 years and nine months of age.
• Be able to provide a parent or guardian signature of approval.
• Be able to provide a Verification of School Attendance form if you are younger than 16 years of age.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pass a knowledge test.
• Be able to provide proof of age, identity, Social Security number and Maryland residency.

When applying for a learning license, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen in order to qualify. However, you do need to be able to prove that you have lawful status in the United States. Also, if you do not have a valid Social Security number, you must provide documentation that states your ineligibility for a Social Security number.

How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Maryland

Knowing where to get your learners permit is very important before you start the application for a permit. If you are wondering how to get your driving permit online, you need to understand that there are no online options available because your application must take place in-person at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.

When you begin to apply for a learner permit, you must present certain documentation to the MVA and pass a couple of tests. Because of this, it is crucial that you understand what is required of you ahead of time so that you can be fully prepared before you visit the MVA.

The process for how to apply for a learners permit involves following a few steps. The steps include:

1. Visit a Maryland MVA office.
2. Present documentation to verify identity, age, Social Security number and Maryland residence.
3. Present a permit application form. This must be signed by a parent or guardian if you are younger than 18 years of age.
4. Pass a vision screening.
5. Pass a knowledge exam.
6. Provide payment for the permit fees.

After you complete the application process, as long as you are eligible your permit will be mailed to you within a few weeks’ time.

The Maryland Drivers Permit Test

One of the steps for getting a permit is passing the MVA Maryland permit test, which is also called the knowledge exam. The learners permit test must be passed with an appropriate score in order for you to be able to get a permit presented to you. Therefore, you may want to consider using an MVA practice permit test in order to help you study so that you can get a good score on the exam.

A score of 88% must be achieved in order for you to pass, and you are allowed a maximum of 20 minutes to complete the exam. However, if you do not pass on your first attempt you may retake the exam.

The online drivers permit test can only be taken at participating MVA office locations. The test is typically administered online on an MVA computer, so if you are wondering what to bring to the permit test, you must note that no additional materials are needed.

The test includes a total of 25 questions that will test you on your knowledge of Maryland traffic laws, signals and safe driving maneuvers. All of the information included in the test can be found in the Maryland Driver’s Manual, so it is important that you study the manual before you start the exam.

Although studying the driver’s manual is one of the best ways to prepare for the test, taking a drivers permit practice exam is another great resource. A learners permit practice test can be very beneficial when you need to study the information included on the exam and it can also help you to get familiar with the format and timing of the exam as well.

The state of Maryland has its own MVA permit practice test that you can use to practice your driving knowledge. Just like the real exam, the practice test includes 25 questions and you can choose to take the timed version to see if you can pass it in the amount of time that you will be given on the actual exam. This practice test may be taken either in English or Spanish, and it can be repeated as often as you want.

Maryland Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions

Make sure that you understand the driving permit rules and restrictions that are associated with having a permit before you start driving with that permit. The learners permit rules that you must abide by include only driving with a supervising adult, always having your permit on-hand when driving and not using any electronic devices.

If you are younger than 18 years of age, you are prohibited from using a cell phone and/or any Bluetooth or hands-free devices when operating the vehicle, except to make an emergency 911 call. Violations may result in the suspension of your driving privilege.

If you are asking yourself, “With whom can you drive with a Maryland permit?” the answer is that you may only drive with a permit if you are accompanied by a qualified supervising driver, such as a parent, guardian or mentor, who is 21 years of age or older and has held a license for a minimum of three years. That supervising adult must be seated next to you with no other front seat occupants.

In Maryland, there are no permit driving hours during which you are not allowed to drive. You can drive at any time as long as you have a supervising adult seated next to you.

If you are wondering, “How long does a learner’s permit last?” the answer is that once it is issued to you, your Maryland permit is valid for a period of one year.

Maryland Learner Permit Fees

The permit price in Maryland is $50. This fee includes a conversion to a full driver’s license once you satisfy all the requirements.

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