Maryland Learner's Permit and Licensing

Driving Tests Requirements

• You must have a driver's license before operating a motor vehicle like a car, van, or pickup truck.
• Licensing requirements include a vision screening, knowledge test, and driving skills test.
• Additional requirements may be necessary to ensure safe driving.

Vision Screening

• Tests how well you can see and can be done at the MVA or by an eye doctor.
• To qualify for a driver's license, you must have:
  • Binocular vision
  • Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye
  • A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees
• If glasses or contacts are required to meet these standards, they must be worn while driving, and it will be noted on the license.

Knowledge Test

• Checks your knowledge of motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, and traffic signs.
• Consists of 25 questions administered at an MVA location, with 20 minutes allowed for completion.
• An Online Driver Test Tutorial is available on the MVA website for practice.
• This manual is for studying to help pass the test.

Driving Skills Test

• Assesses your ability to drive safely and responsibly on public roads and a special testing course.
• An appointment is required, and you must provide a vehicle for the test that meets specific conditions such as:
• Up-to-date license plates and registration
• Proof of insurance
• Safe to drive condition
• At least a half tank of gas.
• A supervising driver must accompany you to the test site.
• Only the test taker, the examiner, and an approved interpreter (if needed) are allowed in the vehicle during the test.
• Keep the air flowing in the vehicle and follow tester suggestions.
• Wearing a mask during the test is optional.
• Reschedule your appointment if you are not feeling well.

Reportable Medical Conditions

• You must inform the MVA of any medical condition that could affect your driving ability, as required by state law.

Licensing Requirements and Process

• This section outlines the steps to obtain a Maryland noncommercial driver's license (Class C).
• To begin, schedule an appointment at any MVA branch.
• Required documents include proof of age (e.g., birth certificate or passport), proof of lawful status (if born outside the U.S.), Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of ineligibility, and two proofs of Maryland residency.
• The MVA requires originals or copies certified by the issuing agency; photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.

Rookie Driver/Graduated Licensing System (GLS)

• The process for first-time driver's license applicants of all ages.
• It involves obtaining a Learner's Instructional Permit, then a Provisional License, before advancing to a full Driver's License.

Learner's Instructional Permit

• A Type 1 permit required for those without a noncommercial driver's license; lasts up to 2 years.
• A Type 2 permit is available to those with a license seeking a different class; lasts up to 180 days.
• To obtain a permit, you must pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
• You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old for a Type 2 permit.

Requirements by age for Learner's Instructional Permit

• Applicants younger than 25: minimum age is 15 years and 9 months old.
• If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign the application.
• If under 16, provide a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form (DL-300).
• While holding the permit, applicants must:
  • Complete the Maryland Driver Education Program
  • Practice driving for at least 60 hours with a supervising driver (10 hours at night)
  • Keep a Practice and Skills Log.
• Applicants 25 years or older:
  • Requirements: Completion of the Maryland Driver Education Program, 14 practice hours with a supervising driver (3 at night), and maintain a Practice and Skills Log. You must hold the permit for at least 45 days to be eligible for a Provisional License.
• Permit violations may extend the holding period before Provisional License eligibility.
• Convictions or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for moving violations require holding the permit for 9 months following the event.
• If younger than 18, holding for at least 9 months without violations is required.
• If 18+ with a diploma or GED, or 19-24 years old, holding for 3 months without violations is required.

Provisional License

• Issued to new drivers and allows driving without supervision, but with restrictions (e.g., passengers, nighttime driving).
• The license must be held for at least 18 months before eligibility for a full Driver's License.
• To graduate to a Provisional License from a Learner's Instructional Permit, you must:
  • Successfully complete an MVA-approved driver education program.
  • Have a valid Learner's Instructional Permit without violations.
  • Complete and submit a signed Practice and Skills Log showing the required practice hours.

Driver's License

• The final stage of the Graduated Driver Licensing System.
• Requirements:
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Holding a Provisional License for at least 8 months.
  • No moving violations or probations before judgment in the past 18 months.
• The MVA automatically switches your Provisional License to a Driver's License when all requirements are met - card will be mailed.
• Carry with your Provisional License.

Co-Signer of Minor's Application for License

• Minors (under 18) must have a parent or legal guardian (or responsible adult) co-sign their license application.
• Acceptable proofs of relationship include an original birth certificate or court documents showing legal guardianship.
• Married minors (18+) may have their spouse co-sign if they provide proof of marriage.
• Co-signers can cancel a minor's license by submitting a written request to the MVA.
• The license remains canceled until the minor turns 18, unless a new co-signer is found.

Out-of-Country Licenses

• To obtain a Maryland license with an out-of-country license, you must:
  • Pass a vision screening.
  • Pass the knowledge test.
  • Pass the driving skills test.
  • Complete a three-hour MVA-approved alcohol and drug education program.
• You must have an International License or a translated license in English if it is not.

Equity for All Customers

• The MVA offers documents and tests in multiple languages.
• An interpreter may assist customers who have difficulty communicating in English, particularly for the knowledge and driving tests but need to take it at least 5 times.
• The interpreter must show a valid photo state driver's license of identification card before providing on-site interpretation and confirm on the MVA approved list.
• The MVA does not charge a fee for interpreters, but the customer must pay for their services.
• Interpreters for knowledge/skills testing may not provide other unrelated services.
• The MVA provides accommodations for customers with disabilities, including extended test time, sign language support, oral testing, screen readers, headphones, and visual aids.
• Those with developmental disabilities may carry a Developmental Disability Disclosure Card, a voluntary blue card the size of the license includes important details to communicate to law-enforcement.

Basic Driving

• Drive defensively
• Drive safely and take responsibility for your vehicle
• Maintain visual search to know surroundings
• Manage driving risks to avoid danger

Right-of-Way

• Yield to others, do not assume you have the right-of-way
• Yield to drivers at or arriving before you at an intersection
• Yield to the driver on your right
• Yield to drivers on your right at a four-way intersection with stop signs
• Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers still in intersection
• Yield to drivers on road if you are stopped at a "T" intersection
• Yield to other drivers if approaching an intersection with a yield sign facing you
• Yield to drivers in opposing traffic lane when making a left turn
• Yield to drivers on the road if entering from driveway or private road
• Yield to drivers already on a highway when on an entrance ramp

Understanding Vehicle Speed

• Observe signs and drive speed limit or slower
• Adjust drives based on conditions appropriately
• Speeding reduces ability to handle curves, stop vehicle as well as increase the force and impact of a crash

Driving Situations and Conditions

Driving in Reduced Visibility

• This refers to conditions such as darkness, fog, heavy rain, and snow.
• Remember the following:
  • Use the edge of the road for guidance.
  • The right side should be marked by the white pavement markings.
  • Yellow pavement marking on the left edge of the road divides the opposite direction of traffic.
• Laws:
  • Use low beam headlights in fog, rain, snow, tunnels or construction area.
  • Switch to low beams at least 500 feet before reaching oncoming vehicles
  • Switch to low beam when following a vehicle 300 feet or less in front of you
  • Maryland law requires you to always turn on your headlights when using your windshield wiper

Driving at Night

• It is hard to judge how far away and fast or speed
• See as far as headlights allow make it difficult to clearly see what others are driving

Driving In Fog

• Reduce normal driving speed
• Reduce speed or taillights, prepare to stop quickly
• Pull off road to safe location
• Use low beam headlights

Driving in Inclement Weather

• Traction between the road and tires is the most important for starting, stopping and change direction
• To avoid crashing:
  • Keep a safe distance
  • Reduce your speed so you have more time to react
  • Make sure your tires have good treads
  • Avoid slamming on your brake
  • Avoid jerking and steer wheel

This quiz covers rules for the Learner’s Instructional Permit, required documentation, and age restrictions. It also addresses proof of residency, permit holding times, and parental co-signing requirements for driver's license applications in Maryland.