Happy early birthday! The driving age in Maryland
is 18 years old, but you can apply for your learner’s permit at 15 years and 9 months. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to get written permission from a parent or guardian before you can start driving. You’ll also have to go through the *graduated driver licensing program, which means you’ll progress through several phases of varying restrictions before obtaining the same driver’s license as an adult.
The Free State’s Rookie Driver Program begins with the learner’s permit phase:
You must be 15 years and 9 months old to apply
You need permission from your parent or guardian and a signed school attendance form
You must pass a vision screening and written knowledge exam
You must complete 60 hours of recorded driving practice (including 10 at night) to apply for your license. You’ll also need to complete a certified driver’s education course that includes 30 hours of classroom time and at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
Once you’ve held a permit for at least 9 months, you can apply for a provisional license. You must hold this for 18 months before you can graduate to a full, unrestricted license. If you are convicted of a moving violation during this time—regardless of your age or experience—you will be required to restart the 18-month period.
No matter your age, if you’re driving then you must have car insurance
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