After Getting a Maryland Learner’s Permit: Practice, Driver’s Ed and Road Test Steps

Maryland's Graduated Licensing System (GLS) sets a fixed compliance sequence after permit issuance: a 9-month holding period, a completed RD-006 practice log, a driver's education certificate, and a scheduled skills test.

What Is the Maryland GLS Compliance Sequence After Getting Your Permit?

Your permit triggers a conviction-free holding period before you're eligible to test. A single moving violation resets the clock to 9 months regardless of your age.

• Under 18: 9 months
• Age 18 with high school diploma: 3 months (90 days)
• Age 18 without diploma: 9 months
• Age 19-24: 3 months (90 days)
• Age 25 and older: 45 days

Drivers 16-17 years old may request an age waiver to reduce the 9-month requirement. Download the Age Certification Waiver (Form AA-015) if you meet specific hardship criteria.

Who Can Supervise My Driving in Maryland?

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid license for 3+ years, and occupy the front passenger seat at all times.

All permit holders face a complete wireless device ban while driving. Using any phone, even hands-free, triggers a 90-day permit suspension and fines starting at $83.

If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must submit parental consent (Form AA-024) before you test.

Enrollment in a state-approved Driver Education program is required for every new driver.

1. 30 hours of classroom instruction covering Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices
2. 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor on public roads

A student in Frederick finished their 30-hour classroom portion online but delayed scheduling in-car sessions until week 8 of their 9-month holding period. Every driving school within 30 miles was fully booked, pushing their test date back over a month.

Check the Maryland learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

Complete Maryland permit details are on the Maryland permit guide.

Verify your driving school appears on the MVA's approved schools list before paying any enrollment fees. Unlicensed schools won't satisfy the requirement.

What Should I Practice Before My Maryland Driving Test?

Use your Maryland permit period to practice in varied conditions: rush-hour traffic, night driving, highway merges, and parallel parking. Skills test examiners evaluate smoothness, signal use, lane discipline, and stop-line accuracy.

• Practice highway merging and speed adjustment on I-695, maintaining proper following distance at 60+ mph
• Master Maryland's Move Over Law, shift lanes or slow down for ANY stopped vehicle with hazard lights, not just emergency vehicles. A driver was ticketed in Annapolis for not slowing near a hazard-lit tow truck during rush hour.
• Navigate multi-lane roundabouts and complex intersections in downtown Baltimore or Silver Spring during moderate traffic

Maryland's closed-course skills test includes a Reverse Two-Point Turnabout instead of parallel parking. Download the Maryland Driver Manual for detailed maneuver diagrams and scoring criteria.

Test Day Required Items:

• Your learner's permit
• Fully completed and signed RD-006 logbook
• Your supervising driver and their valid license
• Safe, registered, insured vehicle, MVA fails vehicles immediately if the Check Engine Light is illuminated

Review vehicle inspection rules to confirm your test vehicle meets all safety requirements.

If you need to update your proof of residency, bring two current documents showing your Maryland address.