Minimum age for a car driving licence in Maryland (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Maryland issues a learner's instructional permit from 15 years 9 months and a provisional licence from 16 years 6 months. A full licence is not issued before 18.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16.5 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15.75 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A provisional licence can be issued from 16 years 6 months. A full licence is not issued to anyone under 18, except a noncommercial Class B, C or M licence for a person under 18 who otherwise qualifies under § 16-103(b). [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15.75 years [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A provisional licence holder under 18 may drive unsupervised only between 5 a.m. and 12 midnight; between midnight and 5 a.m. only with a licensed driver aged 21 or over, or for work, school classes or activities, organised volunteer programmes or athletic events. The restriction ends at 18. [2] |
Notes
- 15.75 years is 15 years and 9 months; 16.5 years is 16 years and 6 months. The provisional licence is a restricted stage.
- 15.75 years is 15 years and 9 months; 16.5 years is 16 years and 6 months.
- No official page on age conditions for visitors holding an out-of-state licence was read.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly: Laws - Statute Text (Transportation § 16-103) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly: Maryland Code, Transportation § 16-113 (Restricted and provisional licences) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Maryland and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) | 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit) | Provisional from 16 yrs 6 mths; full licence 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| District of Columbia | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16 (learner permit) | GRAD: permit at 16, provisional, full from 17 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Delaware | 17 (Class D after 12 months on a permit) | 16 (Level 1 learner's permit) | Permit at 16; licence at 17 after 12 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Pennsylvania | 16 yrs 6 mths (junior licence) | 16 (learner's permit) | Permit at 16; junior licence after 6 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | 16 yrs 3 mths (provisional licence) | 15 yrs 6 mths (learner's permit) | Permit at 15y 6m; provisional licence at 16y 3m | Nonresident over 16y 3m with a valid home licence |
| West Virginia | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (level one permit) | Permit 15; intermediate 16; full 17 | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence (90 days a year) |
More rules in Maryland
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permit only; sparklers excepted)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" · Locking or one-handed knives: Listed weapon; sale or display is banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (no hand use) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (16+)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.