Maryland · How to Get a Permit
How to Get a Maryland Driver's Permit
Maryland permit-test facts: Questions: 25; To pass: 88% minimum (22 out of 25 correct); Minimum age: 15 years 9 months for a Maryland learner's permit; Fee: $65 GLS Type I permit; $45 GLS Type II permit; Re-takes: A passing knowledge-test score is valid for six months; after expiration, the applicant must retake the test. After a failure, the next attempt is allowed the following day; no attempt cap stated.; Official handbook: Maryland Driver's Manual.
Getting your Maryland learner's permit is straightforward once you know exactly what to bring and what to expect. This step-by-step guide covers every requirement so you walk into the DMV ready.
Most first-time applicants complete the whole process in one DMV visit. The biggest reason people fail? They don't pass the written knowledge test. Practice free questions below before you go.
Direct answer
Maryland permit-test facts: Questions: 25; To pass: 88% minimum (22 out of 25 correct); Minimum age: 15 years 9 months for a Maryland learner's permit; Fee: $65 GLS Type I permit; $45 GLS Type II permit; Re-takes: A passing knowledge-test score is valid for six months; after expiration, the applicant must retake the test. After a failure, the next attempt is allowed the following day; no attempt cap stated.; Official handbook: Maryland Driver's Manual.
Each field links to the primary official source used for its review. A field marked not stated means the reviewed source did not publish that requested fact; confirm current application details with the authority.
| Fact | Answer | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 25 | Verified against cited official source |
| To pass | 88% minimum (22 out of 25 correct) | Verified against cited official source |
| Minimum age | 15 years 9 months for a Maryland learner's permit | Verified against cited official source |
| Fee | $65 GLS Type I permit; $45 GLS Type II permit | Verified against cited official source |
| Re-takes | A passing knowledge-test score is valid for six months; after expiration, the applicant must retake the test. After a failure, the next attempt is allowed the following day; no attempt cap stated. | Verified against cited official source |
| Official handbook | Maryland Driver's Manual | Verified against cited official source |
Official source
Field evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14 (retrieved)
Steps to get your permit
- 1
Check eligibility
Minimum-age information: 15 years 9 months for a Maryland learner's permit. Confirm all age and eligibility conditions with the official authority.
- 2
Review documents and application instructions
Use the Maryland Driver's Manual and the authority’s current application instructions to identify the documents required for your situation.
- 3
Prepare for the knowledge test
Study the official handbook before booking or taking a test. Passing information: 88% minimum (22 out of 25 correct). Retake information: A passing knowledge-test score is valid for six months; after expiration, the applicant must retake the test. After a failure, the next attempt is allowed the following day; no attempt cap stated..
- 4
Confirm fees and next steps
Fee information: $65 GLS Type I permit; $45 GLS Type II permit. Confirm the current amount, appointment rules, and post-permit requirements directly with the official authority.
Sample questions for Maryland
Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.
Question 1 · Speed limits
What is the default speed limit in a Maryland business or residential district unless otherwise posted?
- 25 mph
- 30 mph
- 35 mph
- 40 mph
See the explanation
Correct answer: 30 mph
Maryland business/residential areas default to 30 mph.
Question 2 · Permit requirements
In Maryland, how long must you wait between retakes if you fail the knowledge test?
- 1 day
- 3 days
- 7 days
- 14 days
See the explanation
Correct answer: 7 days
Failed the MD knowledge test? You must wait 7 days before retaking.
Question 3 · Right of way
According to the Maryland Driver's Manual, when must you yield to pedestrians?
- Only at painted crosswalks with traffic signals
- Only when a pedestrian signal is active
- In any crosswalk, marked or unmarked
- Only in school zones
See the explanation
Correct answer: In any crosswalk, marked or unmarked
Yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks — marked or not.
Your first full mock exam is free.
Documents you need for your Maryland permit
What to expect on the Maryland knowledge test
Tips to pass the Maryland knowledge test on your first try
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Maryland learner's permit?
If you pass the knowledge test and have your documents ready, you can receive your permit the same day. Plan for 1–3 hours at the DMV depending on wait times.
Do I need an appointment to get a Maryland learner's permit?
Appointments are optional at most Maryland DMV offices but strongly recommended — walk-ins can wait 1–4 hours. Book online before you go.
What happens if I fail the Maryland knowledge test?
A passing knowledge-test score is valid for six months; after expiration, the applicant must retake the test. After a failure, the next attempt is allowed the following day; no attempt cap stated.. Practice with handbook-style questions and read the AI explanation for every wrong answer before retesting.
Can I take the Maryland permit test in Spanish?
Yes — Maryland offers the knowledge test in Spanish at most DMV offices. Ask the staff when you arrive or select your language at the testing kiosk.
How long do I have to hold a Maryland learner's permit before getting a license?
Requirements vary by age. Check the Maryland Driver's Manual or our requirements page for the specific holding period that applies to you.
Ready to pass your Maryland DMV test?
Start with a free practice exam. No card, no commitment.
More Maryland resources
Driver Handbook
Maryland Driver Handbook
Key points from the Maryland driver handbook — safe driving, traffic controls, speed limits, DUI laws, and road sharing, organized by chapter.
Study Guide
Maryland Permit Test Study Guide
Free Maryland DMV study guide for the 2026 permit test — road signs, right of way, speed limits, and alcohol laws explained topic by topic.
Permit Test Guide
Maryland Permit Test: The Complete Guide
The complete Maryland permit test guide: 25 questions, 88% minimum (22 out of 25 correct) to pass, who qualifies, the mistakes that fail most people, free practice questions, and an AI tutor in 5 languages.
Practice Test
Free Maryland DMV Practice Test
Free Maryland DMV practice test. 25 real handbook-style questions per round, instant scoring, and AI explanations for every wrong answer.
Permit Test Answers
Maryland Permit Test Answers & Explanations
Maryland permit test answers explained. Every practice question comes with an AI explanation that breaks down the rule, not just the answer.
Cheat Sheet
Maryland DMV Cheat Sheet
Maryland DMV cheat sheet for. Quick-reference key facts, signs, and rules from the Maryland Driver's Manual, plus free practice questions.
Permit Requirements
Maryland Driver's Permit Requirements
Maryland learner's permit requirements for. Minimum age, required documents, knowledge test details, fees, and holding period — all in one place.
Road Signs Test
Maryland Permit Signs Test
Free Maryland road signs practice test for. Learn every sign shape, color, and meaning from the Maryland Driver's Manual, then drill sign questions with AI explanations.
Right-of-Way Practice
Maryland Right-of-Way Practice Test
Master right-of-way for the Maryland permit test. Intersections, 4-way stops, left turns, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles — with free practice questions.
Written Test Questions
Maryland DMV Written Test Questions
Free Maryland DMV written test questions for, written from the Maryland Driver's Manual. Practice real exam-style questions with AI explanations in 5 languages.
DMV Test in Spanish
Maryland DMV Permit Test in Spanish
Study for the Maryland DMV permit test in Spanish. Native-quality Spanish practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Chinese
Maryland DMV Permit Test in Chinese
Study for the Maryland DMV permit test in Chinese. Native-quality Chinese practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Korean
Maryland DMV Permit Test in Korean
Study for the Maryland DMV permit test in Korean. Native-quality Korean practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Russian
Maryland DMV Permit Test in Russian
Study for the Maryland DMV permit test in Russian. Native-quality Russian practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
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