How to Get a Driver’s License in Maryland [2024]

You are required to bring the following:

• Your current learner's permit or driver's license
• Glasses or contact lenses if you need them
• Certified practice skills log (for rookie drivers)
• Maryland MVA approved course certificate if not submitted electronically (for rookie drivers)
• the 3 Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Certificate (for holders of foreign licenses)
• proof of your vehicle insurance
• vehicle registration card
• Front and rear tags (month/year stickers on rear)

Your vehicle must pass a pre-trip inspection. The following features should be in good working condition:

• Tires (inflated, adequate tread, no missing lug nuts)
• Windshield unobstructed view of wiper area, no cracks
• Driver and passenger doors open and close
• Seat belts
• Lights and lenses
• Gas gauge reads at least 1/2 tank
• Gas cap is present
• Rear view and outside left side mirrors
• Front seats free of debris, clean and operational
• Glove box closed
• No loose articles in the car that may create a hazard
• Exhaust system
• Brake and accelerator pedals
• No dashboard warning lights activated
• No fluid leaks
• Horn
• Speedometer

If the weather is wet and/or cold, windows must be rolled up, heater, defroster windshield wipers and washers must be operable. There must be washer fluid.

If the weather is hot, front windows must open or air conditioner must be operable.

No one other than your examiner and interpreter (if applicable) are permitted to stay in your car during the test. Your job is to listen to your MVA examiner, follow the instructions, drive safely and obey all signs and rules of the road.

The test will include 2 parts: basic skills test and public road test

Basic Skills Test

You will be tested on a closed course before going to the public road.

Here you must show:

1. your general driving ability
2. reverse two-point turnabout

Turnabout space will be 10' wide and 20' deep. You will be asked to drive past space and then back your car completely into this space. Maximum time is 3 minutes. If you use more than 3 minutes, you will be disqualified automatically.

If you fail this portion of the test, you won't be able to proceed to the second part of the test and will have to schedule a new appointment.

Public Road Test

Here you will drive on a pre-determined public road route with a variety of traffic situations.

Your examiner will assess the following safe driving practices:

1. Making a turn
   • use the correct turn signal at the right time
   • check traffic in all directions
   • get into correct lane while braking smoothly
   • come to a complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or stop sign
   • leave a safe gap when stopping behind another vehicle (You should be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead of you touching the ground.)
   • keep both hands on the steering wheel during the turn
   • maintain smooth acceleration
   • yield to pedestrians and other traffic
   • accelerate to the speed of traffic
   • move into the right lane when safe to do so, if not already there
   • avoid getting too close to the curbs
2. Braking
   • Brake smoothly
   • Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights
3. Steering
   • keep both hands on the wheel unless using other controls
   • don't use the open palm of your hand to turn the wheel
4. Checking traffic
   • check traffic and mirrors regularly
   • watch for hazards
   • scan ahead, observe traffic and look for pedestrians
   • check blind spots by looking over your shoulder when necessary
5. Stops
   • don't stop over a marked stop line, pedestrian crosswalk, sidewalk or other marker
   • If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop before your vehicle enters the intersection or roadway
6. Intersections
   • Check traffic thoroughly in all directions when approaching
   • Don't change lanes while going through the intersection
   • Perform head/traffic checks after leaving the intersection
7. Lane Changes
   • look in your mirrors, then check your blind spots
   • use the correct turn signal
   • smoothly change lanes when it is safe to do so
   • cancel your turn signal
   • check traffic behind you
8. Curve
   • when approaching , check traffic thoroughly in all directions
   • before entering a curve, reduce your speed so further braking is not required in the curve
   • keep your vehicle in the lane
   • follow posted warning signs
   • observe traffic signs and signals
   • you may be asked to identify various road signs throughout your driving test

Critical Driving Errors

Your test will be terminated, and you will be disqualified automatically if you commit one of the following:

• You fail to wear glasses or contact lenses, if required.
• You fail to properly fasten safety belt (shoulder and lap belt, if equipped with both).
• You exceed three minutes to complete the closed course exercise.
• You move a cone or flag.
• You fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
• You fail to obey signs, signals, any other traffic law.
• You are involved in an avoidable crash.
• Your vehicle makes contact with other vehicles, objects or pedestrians.
• Another driver is forced to take evasive action in order to prevent a crash due to your actions.
• You put your vehicle over sidewalks or curbs.
• You do not follow the examiner's verbal instructions.
• You impede the flow of traffic unnecessarily.
• You remove both hands from the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion.
• Your examiner is forced to intervene; either physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act.

If you fail the skills test, you may retake the test one day later (if the appointment is available) if it’s your first failure. If it’s your second or subsequent failure, you will have to wait one week minimum depending on test availability.