Key points
With a Provisional License, you and every passenger must be buckled up.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“You must always use a safety belt if you have a Provisional License. All passengers must use safety belts or child safety seats.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47Under 18, for the first 151 days you may not drive unsupervised with passengers under 18 who are not immediate family.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“you may not drive unsupervised with passengers under the age of 18 for the first 151 days unless they are immediate family members.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47Between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. you may drive unsupervised only for work, volunteering, school activities or athletics.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“you are allowed to drive unsupervised between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., ONLY if you are: Driving to, from, or during your job.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47Permit and provisional drivers may not use any wireless device, even hands free, except for a 911 call.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“you may not use any wireless communication device (including a hands-free phone) while driving. The only exception is a 911 emergency call.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47By driving in Maryland, you agree to take a drug or alcohol test if a law enforcement officer asks.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“you consent (agree) to take a drug or alcohol test if a law enforcement officer asks you to.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47For minors, a second violation brings a 30 day suspension, then 90 days of work and school only driving.
Source: Handbook p. 49
“A SECOND offense will result in a 30-day suspension of your driver's license followed by a 90-day restriction that limits your driving to employment and educational purposes only.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49A third violation as a minor brings a 180 day suspension and a young driver improvement program.
Source: Handbook p. 49
“A THIRD offense will result in a 180day suspension of your license, require attendance at a driver improvement program for young drivers”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49After each violation you must start a new 18 month conviction free period.
Source: Handbook p. 49
“you will be required to begin a new 18-month conviction-free period before you can get your license back.”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49Parking on a disability access aisle is illegal even with a disability plate or placard.
Source: Handbook p. 50
“Parking on any part of an access aisle next to a disability parking space (even if you have a disability license plate or placard).”
Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 151 days | passenger restriction period for provisional drivers under 18 | Handbook p. 47 |
| 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. | hours provisional drivers may drive unsupervised only for listed purposes | Handbook p. 47 |
| 911 | the only wireless device use allowed for permit and provisional drivers | Handbook p. 47 |
| 30 days, then 90 days | suspension and restriction after a second violation as a minor | Handbook p. 49 |
| 180 days | suspension after a third violation as a minor | Handbook p. 49 |
| 18 months | new conviction free period after each violation | Handbook p. 49 |
| 18 | passenger and phone restrictions apply to provisional drivers under this age | Handbook p. 47 |
Recognize these signs
Disability parking
3 questions from the Maryland practice test
1. During the first 151 days, when may an under-18 Maryland provisional licensee carry a non-family passenger under 18?
- Whenever the passenger has written permission from a parent
- Only during daylight hours without any exception
- When a qualified supervising driver is also present
- After the licensee has driven 500 miles
Show answer
When a qualified supervising driver is also present. For the first 151 days, an under-18 provisional licensee cannot drive unsupervised with an under-18 passenger who is not immediate family. A qualified supervising driver in the vehicle creates the stated exception. A parent note, daylight, or a mileage total does not replace that condition. The practical check is to identify both ages, the family relationship, and whether supervision is actually present.
2. What happens after a second moving violation for a Maryland provisional driver under 18?
- A warning
- License revocation until age 21
- A 180 day suspension
- A 30 day suspension followed by a 90 day restriction to employment and educational driving
Show answer
A 30 day suspension followed by a 90 day restriction to employment and educational driving. For a provisional license holder under 18, the first moving violation conviction requires a driver improvement program. A second offense brings a 30 day suspension followed by a 90 day restriction that limits driving to employment and educational purposes. A third offense brings a 180 day suspension, the young driver improvement program, and a 180 day employment and education restriction.
3. What does a third moving violation bring for a Maryland provisional driver under 18?
- A 180 day suspension, a young driver improvement program, and a 180 day employment and education restriction
- A written warning
- A 30 day suspension
- A $110 fine only
Show answer
A 180 day suspension, a young driver improvement program, and a 180 day employment and education restriction. A third offense for an under 18 provisional driver results in a 180 day suspension of the license, required attendance at a driver improvement program for young drivers, and an employment and education only restriction for 180 days. A fourth or later offense can bring revocation. The first offense requires the improvement program and the second a 30 day suspension with a 90 day restriction.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Maryland practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 9: Other Restrictions, Violations and Penalties. 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.