There are many exciting things to look forward to as part of high school. One of those things is the independence and freedom that comes with learning to drive!
At 15 year and 9 months students can apply to get their learner’s permit to drive. Maryland though has one of the most rigorous processes though for new drivers to go through to get the full freedom of their license. At any point after turning 15 and 9 months students can begin the process of the following steps:
– Schedule an appointment at the MVA in which you must bring your original birth certificate and proof of residency
– Take the learner’s permit test
– When you pass you will have to pay to get your permit in the mail
– Drive time with your permit and a parent with you for 60+ hours
– Complete a Driver’s Ed course (typically three hours a day for 2 weeks)
– After passing the driver’s course, schedule 3 two hour appointments with a driver instructor
– Pass the drive time with the driving instructor in which you will receive a certificate
– Nine months after getting your learner’s permit and having completed the required driver’s ed course and drive time you can take your Provisional Maryland License
-At that time provisional drivers must maintain a clean driving record for 18 months before they are eligible for a full Maryland driver’s license which is typically at 18 years of age
According to a study by Zane’s Law Maryland, along with Virginia, the toughest states in the county to obtain a driver’s license due to needing an 88% to pass the knowledge test when it comes to driving and not being able to obtain a full license until 18 years of age (Salamy).
It’s a quite a task to require that driving permit and provisional license. It won’t be easy but is worth all the effort. Kenwood senior Alyssa B, advises, “Get it now and don’t wait. Though it’s a tedious process you’ll be glad to get it out of the way.” Some don’t think realize how much work and steps it is to actually obtain a driver’s license in Maryland but hopefully now future drivers can feel better prepared.
To prepare for the learner’s permit knowledge test there are apps like the DMV Practice Test which helps show you what different road signs mean and provide practice tests to practice. Another app is the MD Practice Driving Test. Study, have confidence, and make those appointments to apply for your permit and drivers ed course and you’ll be driving in no time.
