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Maryland’s Graduated Driver Licensing Steps

3 min read

Maryland uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to help new drivers gain experience under lower-risk conditions. This system includes three stages: the Learner's Permit, the Provisional License, and the Full Driver’s License. Each step is designed to ensure that young and novice drivers develop the skills needed for safe driving over time.

Learner’s Permit Stage

To begin, applicants must be at least 15 years and 9 months old. They must present proof of age, identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Maryland residency. After passing a vision screening and knowledge test, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues the Learner’s Permit.

Permit holders must always be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older who has held a license for at least 3 years. This adult supervisor must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times. Learn more about when you need an adult supervisor in Maryland.

Permit holders must complete 60 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. These hours must be logged and submitted on the completed practice driving log.

For full permit details, visit How to Get a Maryland Instructional Permit.

Provisional License Stage

Once the permit holder has held the permit for a minimum of 9 months violation-free and completed an MVA-certified driver’s education program, they may take the driving skills test to obtain a Provisional License. Drivers under 18 must have parental or guardian approval.

Restrictions for Provisional License holders under 18 include:

  • No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified supervising driver or traveling for employment, school, or volunteer work.
  • No passengers under 18, other than immediate family members, for the first 151 days unless accompanied by a qualified supervising driver.
  • No use of mobile phones or hands-free devices while driving.

You can prepare with What to Expect on Maryland’s Driving Skills Test.

Full Driver’s License Stage

Drivers become eligible for a full license when they:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have held the provisional license for at least 18 months without any violations
  • Have met all other licensing requirements

No additional tests are required, but the driver must visit an MVA branch to obtain the new license or wait for automatic conversion depending on eligibility.

Additional Considerations for New Drivers

All novice drivers should understand Maryland traffic laws and best practices for safe driving. Be sure to review Understanding Maryland Road Rules for New Drivers and How to Obey Maryland School Bus Laws for essential legal guidance. Drivers should also be familiar with Maryland Roundabout Rules Explained to navigate intersections confidently.

Maryland's GDL program is designed to reduce crash risk for new drivers and build lifelong safe driving habits through structured learning and experience.