How to Convert an International Driver's License to a Maryland License
By Circle Driving School — Silver Spring, MD
If you moved to Maryland from another country, you'll need a Maryland driver's license to drive legally after your grace period ends. Here's how the process works.
Can you drive on a foreign license in Maryland?
Maryland allows you to drive on a valid foreign license for up to one year after establishing residency. After that, you must obtain a Maryland license.
Some countries have reciprocity agreements with Maryland — drivers from Canada, Germany, France, South Korea, and a few others may be able to exchange their license more simply. Check the MVA website for the current list.
The RSEP program
If your country is not on the reciprocity list, you'll go through the Road Skills Evaluation Program (RSEP). This is Maryland's formal process for international drivers who need to demonstrate driving competency.
RSEP requires:
- A valid foreign driver's license
- Passing the Maryland knowledge test
- Completing a drug and alcohol education course
- Passing a road skills test at the MVA
Circle Driving School is a certified provider of the Drug & Alcohol Education course required for RSEP. This 6-hour course satisfies the state requirement.
Step-by-step process
Step 1 — Apply for a Maryland learner's permit
Visit your local MVA with:
- Valid foreign passport
- Proof of Maryland residency (two documents: utility bill, bank statement, lease)
- Proof of Social Security number (or documentation if ineligible)
- Your foreign driver's license
You'll take the Maryland knowledge test (25 questions, 88% passing score). Study the Maryland Driver's Manual beforehand.
Step 2 — Complete the drug and alcohol education course
This 6-hour course covers Maryland traffic laws, safe driving practices, and substance impairment risks. Circle Driving School offers this course as part of our Drug & Alcohol Education (RSEP) program for $100.
Step 3 — Practice on Maryland roads
Even experienced drivers need time to adjust to Maryland traffic patterns, signage, and right-of-way rules. Behind-the-wheel lessons with an instructor familiar with the White Oak MVA test routes can make a significant difference.
Step 4 — Schedule your road skills test at the MVA
Schedule through myMVA at mva.maryland.gov. You can bring your own vehicle or use Circle Driving School's car.
Our Road Test Preparation packages are especially popular with RSEP students:
- Practice + Test ($180) — 1 hour of practice at the test site, then the test
- Extended Prep + Test ($240) — 2 hours of practice before the test
Common challenges for international drivers
Roundabouts and four-way stops — Many countries don't have four-way stop intersections. Examiners watch carefully for proper yielding order.
Speed limits — Maryland posts limits in miles per hour. Adjust from km/h mentally before your test.
Right on red — Permitted in Maryland after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. Many countries do not allow this.
Left-lane rules — Maryland law requires keeping right except when passing on multi-lane roads.
Mr. Mekonnen's experience with international drivers
Circle Driving School has helped hundreds of international students — from Ethiopia, El Salvador, El Salvador, Bolivia, Cameroon, and dozens of other countries — convert to Maryland licenses. Mr. Mekonnen understands the specific challenges of adapting driving habits to Maryland roads and MVA examiner expectations.
Ready to get started?
Circle Driving School is MVA-certified and has trained 1,000+ students in Silver Spring, MD since 2016.