DMV Maryland · Facts and practice test
Maryland DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Maryland DMV, plus a free 78-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years and 9 months old
Knowledge test fee
$0 MVA fee for the knowledge test; permit or license issuance fees still apply
Retake wait after failing
Next business day after the first failure if an appointment is available; seven calendar days after two or more failures
Supervised driving before road test
60 supervised practice hours, including at least 10 nighttime hours, for most drivers under 25; 14 hours including 3 nighttime hours if age 25 or older
What to bring
Proof of identity, required identification, and learner permit application materials for test day
Find an office / appointment
Use the Locations tool on mva.maryland.gov to find nearest branch/kiosk; appointments recommended and can be booked via Appointments & Online Services page.
REAL ID status
REAL ID required (age 18+) to fly or enter federal facilities as of May 7, 2025; needs one proof of age/identity, one SSN proof, two MD residency proofs. Maryland over 99% compliant.
Motorcycle license
At least 16 years old for Class M motorcycle license; under 18 must complete Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course; knowledge test plus skills test or Fast Track course.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate only (K restriction, no interstate/hazmat/passengers); 21 for interstate/hazmat/passenger. Requires 14-day CLP hold, knowledge+skills tests, DOT medical cert, ELDT for Class A/B.
Official source: MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) site.
Getting a license in Maryland
Getting your first permit
In Maryland, the minimum permit age is 15 years and 9 months old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity, required identification, and learner permit application materials for test day. Use the Locations tool on mva.maryland.gov to find nearest branch/kiosk; appointments recommended and can be booked via Appointments & Online Services page.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$0 MVA fee for the knowledge test; permit or license issuance fees still apply. If you fail the knowledge test: next business day after the first failure if an appointment is available; seven calendar days after two or more failures. Before the road test, the state requires 60 supervised practice hours, including at least 10 nighttime hours, for most drivers under 25; 14 hours including 3 nighttime hours if age 25 or older.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID required (age 18+) to fly or enter federal facilities as of May 7, 2025; needs one proof of age/identity, one SSN proof, two MD residency proofs. Maryland over 99% compliant. For a motorcycle license: at least 16 years old for Class M motorcycle license; under 18 must complete Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course; knowledge test plus skills test or Fast Track course. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate only (K restriction, no interstate/hazmat/passengers); 21 for interstate/hazmat/passenger. Requires 14-day CLP hold, knowledge+skills tests, DOT medical cert, ELDT for Class A/B.
The Maryland bank has 78 questions across 7 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.
