From provisional license to full driver's license

Key points

1. A Provisional License is for new drivers who have never held a license. It allows driving without supervision, but with restrictions.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “A Provisional Driver's License is issued to new drivers who have never held a driver's license. It permits you to drive without supervision but with restrictions.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10

2. You hold the Provisional License for at least 18 months before a regular license.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “You have a Provisional Driver's License for at least 18 months before being eligible for a regular Driver's License.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10

3. To move up from the permit you need a signed Practice and Skills Log showing 60 hours, or 14 if you are 25 or older.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “at least 60 practice hours driving with a supervising driver (14 if you are 25 or older).”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10

4. You must also complete a Maryland approved driver education program.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “Have successfully completed a Maryland approved driver education program.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10

5. For a full Driver's License you must be at least 18.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “To be eligible for a Driver's License, you must: Be at least 18 years of age.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11

6. You also need no moving violation convictions or probation before judgment in the past 18 months.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “Have not been convicted of any moving violations or have been granted probation before judgment for any moving violations within the past 18 months.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11

7. The MVA switches you to a Driver's License automatically and mails you a card showing the switch.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “the MVA will automatically switch your Provisional License to a Driver's License. A card showing the switch will be mailed to you.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11

8. Applicants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to co-sign the application.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “If you are younger than 18 years old, you are a minor. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their application.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11

9. A co-signer can cancel a minor's license. It stays canceled until you turn 18 unless a co-signer signs a new application.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “Your license remains canceled until you reach the age of 18, unless a co-signer co-signs a new application for you.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Maryland practice test

1. 1. Which license is issued to a new driver who has never held a driver license?

   1. A Provisional Driver’s License
   2. A commercial driver license
   3. A temporary learner card
   4. A motorcycle instruction card
   Show answer

   A Provisional Driver’s License. Maryland describes the Provisional Driver’s License as the stage issued to new drivers who have never held a driver license. It permits unsupervised driving but includes restrictions, such as limits on passengers and nighttime driving. A commercial license is a different credential for qualified commercial operation. A learner card is held before the provisional stage and requires supervision. The motorcycle card does not describe this graduated licensing stage. Keep the sequence in mind: the learner permit comes first, the provisional license follows the required practice and testing, and the regular driver license is the final stage.

2. 2. What is the purpose of Maryland's Provisional Driver's License?

   1. To permit unsupervised driving with restrictions for new drivers
   2. To replace the learner's permit for commercial drivers only
   3. To allow unrestricted driving before any testing
   4. To authorize driving only when a parent is in the vehicle
   Show answer

   To permit unsupervised driving with restrictions for new drivers. The provisional credential is the graduated licensing step for a new driver who has never held a license. It allows driving without supervision, but restrictions control situations such as passengers, nighttime travel, and wireless device use. It is not an unrestricted license and is not limited to commercial applicants. Think of it as supervised experience carried forward into a restricted independent stage.

3. 3. How long must a Maryland provisional driver stay violation free before the license converts to a full driver's license?

   1. 6 months
   2. 30 days
   3. 18 months without a moving violation conviction or probation before judgment
   4. 5 years
   Show answer

   18 months without a moving violation conviction or probation before judgment. To convert a provisional license to a full driver's license, you must have held it for at least 18 months and not have been convicted of any moving violations, or granted probation before judgment for any, within the past 18 months. When the requirements are met the MVA switches the license automatically and mails a card that you must carry with the provisional license.

Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 2: Licensing Requirements and Process. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.