DMV Maryland · Fees, age, and practice test
Maryland Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Maryland DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Maryland permit test cost?
$0 MVA fee for the knowledge test; permit or license issuance fees still apply
- Learner permit / application fee: $65 Learner's Permit Non CDL Type I (new driver with no prior license); $45 Type II if previously licensed
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $0 MVA fee for the knowledge test; permit or license issuance fees still apply
- Initial driver license fee: $11 per year (new driver's license under 21); $88 or $11 per year if 21 and over, prorated per year
Source: MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Maryland practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
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
Permit fee
$65 Learner's Permit Non CDL Type I (new driver with no prior license); $45 Type II if previously licensed
Initial license fee
$11 per year (new driver's license under 21); $88 or $11 per year if 21 and over, prorated per year
Questions on the knowledge test
25 questions (Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit)
Passing score
88% or higher
Retake fee
Free; there is no MVA fee for taking a knowledge test (after failing twice, wait at least seven calendar days before retesting)
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
Maryland is over 99% REAL ID compliant; use the MVA's Real ID Check tool to confirm whether your license still needs documents.
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.
How much is the Maryland permit test?
Maryland knowledge test fee: $0 MVA fee for the knowledge test; permit or license issuance fees still apply (official source). Permit fee: $65 Learner's Permit Non CDL Type I (new driver with no prior license); $45 Type II if previously licensed (official source).
How many questions are on the Maryland permit test?
The official Maryland knowledge test: 25 questions (Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit) (official source). Passing score: 88% or higher (official source).
Maryland DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $0 MVA fee for the knowledge test; permit or license issuance fees still apply | source |
| Permit fee | $65 Learner's Permit Non CDL Type I (new driver with no prior license); $45 Type II if previously licensed | source |
| Initial license fee | $11 per year (new driver's license under 21); $88 or $11 per year if 21 and over, prorated per year | source |
| Retake fee | Free; there is no MVA fee for taking a knowledge test (after failing twice, wait at least seven calendar days before retesting) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Maryland DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Maryland driver license covers
Initial license fee: $11 per year (new driver's license under 21); $88 or $11 per year if 21 and over, prorated per year (official source)
REAL ID status: Maryland is over 99% REAL ID compliant; use the MVA's Real ID Check tool to confirm whether your license still needs documents. (official source)
See a real Maryland license sample on the official DMV site (MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration) →
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Maryland DMV site for exact card timelines.
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
Maryland is over 99% REAL ID compliant; use the MVA's Real ID Check tool to confirm whether your license still needs documents. 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 180 questions across 8 topics
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