How to Get Your Maryland Learner's Permit in 2025 (Step by Step)
By Circle Driving School — Silver Spring, MD
Getting your Maryland learner's permit is the first step toward your driver's license. Here's exactly what you need to do.
Who can apply?
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a Maryland learner's permit. There's no upper age limit — adults getting their first license follow the same process.
What documents do you need?
Bring these to your MVA appointment:
- Proof of identity — birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident card
- Proof of Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with your SSN
- Proof of Maryland residency — two documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or school records
- If you're under 16 — a completed Form DL-300 (school attendance verification), submitted in a sealed envelope from your school
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign your application.
The knowledge test
The Maryland knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 22 out of 25 correctly (88%) to pass.
About half of first-time test takers fail — study the Maryland Driver's Manual before your appointment. The MVA also offers free practice tests online.
The test is computer-based and administered at your local MVA office. It's not available online.
How to schedule your appointment
Make an appointment at any full-service MVA office through your myMVA account at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-ins are not accepted.
The White Oak MVA at 2131 Industrial Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20904 is the closest full-service office for Silver Spring residents.
After you get your permit
Once you have your permit, you must:
- Complete a certified driver education program — 30 hours of classroom + 6 hours behind the wheel
- Log supervised driving hours — 60 hours total (10 at night) if you're under 25
- Hold the permit for the required time — 9 months if you're under 18
At Circle Driving School, we take care of steps 1 and 2. Our classes run Monday through Saturday with evening, morning, and weekend options.
Ready to get started?
Once you have your learner's permit, enroll in a driver education class at Circle Driving School. We'll handle the classroom instruction and your 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Ready to get started?
Circle Driving School is MVA-certified and has trained 1,000+ students in Silver Spring, MD since 2016.