Maryland Graduated Licensing System (GLS)
Understand the process of getting your Maryland driver's license.
Maryland Driver Licensing Process
The Maryland Graduated Licensing System (GLS) is designed to help new drivers gain the knowledge and experience needed to drive safely. Follow the steps below to earn your Maryland driver's license.
Enroll in an MVA-Approved Driver Education Course
You can begin the classroom portion of driver education at age 15, but you must have a Maryland learner's permit before any behind-the-wheel lessons. Many students take the class first to help prepare for the MVA knowledge test.
Obtain Your Learner's Permit
You can apply for a Maryland learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months. To receive your permit, you must pass the MVA knowledge test and vision screening.
Complete Your 36-Hour Driver Education Program
Complete Maryland's required 36-hour Driver Education Program, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Successfully completing the course is required before you can progress toward your provisional driver's license.
Complete Your Required Practice Hours
Before you can apply for your provisional driver's license, complete the required supervised driving practice hours.
Age
Required Practice Hours
Under 25 60 hours (including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving)
Age 25 and older 14 hours (including at least 3 hours of nighttime driving)
Track your supervised driving practice using the New Driver & Coach Practice Guide or the RoadReady® smartphone app.
Schedule and Pass the Maryland MVA Skills Test
Before you can schedule your Maryland MVA Skills Test, you must complete the required learner's permit holding period without any moving violations or alcohol-related convictions:
Age
Learner's Permit Holding Period
Age 18 and under (without a high school diploma) 9 months
Age 18 and over (with a high school diploma or equivalent) 3 months
25 and older 45 days
After meeting the required holding period and all Maryland MVA requirements, schedule and pass the Maryland MVA Skills Test to receive your provisional driver's license.
Receive Your Provisional License and Progress to a Full License
After passing the Maryland MVA Skills Test, you will receive your provisional driver's license. If you maintain a safe driving record for 18 consecutive months, you will be eligible for a full, unrestricted Maryland driver's license
Official Maryland MVA Resources
Download official Maryland MVA guides and access helpful driver resources.