Understanding Maryland’s Graduated Driver Licensing Laws: A Breakdown of Provisional Licensing, Curfews, and Penalties

Learning to drive is a huge milestone. For many teens, it’s a rite of passage—another step toward independence. For parents, it’s equal parts pride and panic. But before anyone hits the road solo, there’s a system in place to make sure new drivers are ready: Maryland’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

The GDL is designed to ease young drivers into the responsibilities of the road through a step-by-step process. It’s not meant to be a hassle—it’s actually there to protect everyone, especially new drivers. So if you’re a teen, a parent of one, or just someone trying to understand the rules better, here’s a friendly breakdown of how Maryland’s GDL works—especially the provisional license, curfews, and penalties.

What Is the Graduated Licensing System?

Maryland’s GDL system is a three-stage program that helps teens build up their driving skills over time:

  1. Learner’s Permit
  2. Provisional License
  3. Full (Unrestricted) License

Each stage has specific rules to follow, and you’ve got to complete one before moving to the next. Let’s start where most teen drivers begin.

Stage 1: Learner’s Permit

To get your learner’s permit in Maryland, you must:

  • Be at least 15 years and 9 months old
  • Pass a written knowledge test at the MVA (Maryland Vehicle Administration)
  • Get a guardian’s consent if you’re under 18

Once you’ve got your learner’s permit, you can’t drive solo. You must have a supervising driver with you who is at least 21 years old, has held a driver’s license for at least 3 years, and is seated beside you.

You’ll also need to log at least 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before you can move on to the next stage.

Stage 2: The Provisional License

Here’s where things get exciting—and a little more complex. The provisional license is what most teen drivers are working toward. It allows them to drive alone, but with a few important restrictions.

Eligibility for a Provisional License

To apply, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years and 6 months old
  • Have held a learner’s permit for at least 9 months with no violations
  • Completed the required driver education course
  • Submit a practice driving log with your 60 supervised hours
  • Pass a driving skills test at the MVA

Once that’s all done—congrats! You’re ready for your provisional license. But don’t toss the rulebook just yet.

Provisional License Rules and Restrictions

Now you can drive solo, but there are still guardrails in place. The goal is to let you build experience while avoiding risky situations.

🕒 Nighttime Driving Curfew

If you’re under 18, you can’t drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless:

  • You’re accompanied by a qualified supervising driver
  • You’re going to or from work, school, an athletic event, or a volunteer opportunity
  • You’re driving an agricultural vehicle on a farm

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Passenger Restrictions

For the first 151 days (roughly 5 months), you can’t have any passengers under 18 unless they’re:

  • Immediate family members, OR
  • You’re driving with a qualified adult (21+ with 3 years’ driving experience)

📵 No Cell Phones or Electronics

Maryland has zero tolerance for distracted driving for new drivers.

  • You can’t use a phone at all—not even hands-free
  • GPS navigation must be set before you start driving
  • No texting. No checking social media. No snapping selfies at a red light

And yes, that includes when you’re stopped in traffic or at a light.

Stage 3: Full Driver’s License

After holding a provisional license for 18 months with no moving violations, you’ll graduate to a full, unrestricted license. You don’t need to take another test—the MVA will upgrade your license automatically if you’ve met all the conditions.

To qualify:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a clean driving record
  • Complied with all GDL restrictions during the provisional period

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

Violating any of the provisional license rules can result in penalties, and they’re no joke.

🛑 First Offense

  • Mandatory Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
  • Possible license suspension up to 90 days
  • Higher insurance rates

🛑 Second Offense

  • Longer suspension period
  • Points added to your driving record
  • Possible court hearing

🛑 Serious Violations (like DUI)

  • Zero tolerance for alcohol under 21—limit is 0.00%
  • License revocation, fines, community service, even jail time
  • Possible ignition interlock device requirement

Parents, This Part’s for You

The GDL system works best when parents are involved. Here’s how you can help:

  • Ride along even after your teen has a provisional license
  • Create family rules that go beyond state minimums
  • Set the example with your own driving habits
  • Review driving logs and talk through tough situations
  • Use apps or tools that encourage safer driving

FAQs: Quick Answers

Q: Can I drive to work during curfew?
Yes, but bring proof of employment.

Q: What’s a “moving violation”?
Speeding, running red lights, unsafe lane changes—anything that adds points to your license.

Q: What happens if I get into a crash?
The MVA might extend your provisional period or impose extra penalties.

Q: Can I use my phone at a red light?
No. No handheld use at all, even when stopped.

Final Thoughts

Maryland’s Graduated Driver Licensing program isn’t here to make your life harder—it’s here to help keep you and everyone else safe.

Yes, there are rules and restrictions, but they exist to help you build confidence and skill before you’re totally on your own.

If you’re a teen driver—respect the rules and earn your freedom. If you’re a parent—support your teen while giving them the tools to succeed.

Everyone starts somewhere. Just make sure it’s not at midnight without a good reason.

For more info, visit https://mva.maryland.gov or talk to a local driving instructor.