Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration

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Driving Skills Tests

The specific driving skills on which you will be tested vary by the class of driver's license that you request. See the chart at the end for a summary of test content by license class. Please note that if you test in a commercial motor vehicle with an automatic transmission, an "E" restriction for a vehicle that is not equipped with a manual transmission, will be placed on your commercial driver's license.

If you are converting or transferring a valid driver's license that has not been expired for more than one year from the following places, you do not have to take the knowledge and skills test. The license must have been issued by a U.S. Territory; American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Northern Mariana. If you were born before September 30, 1979 in the Panama Canal Zone, or the license is from Canada, Yukon Territory, or France you do not have to take the tests. However, if your license is from the Republic of Korea (South), the Federal Republic of Germany, Taiwan (Republic of China) or Japan and it is expired, you will have to take all tests.

The Maryland MVA has reciprocity agreements with the following countries. Identity and residency documentation (sources of proof) and the vision screening are required.​​

1. France: License must be valid or expired less than one (1) year or all tests are required.

• Can transfer Category "B" license (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license) from France, to a Maryland noncommercial Class "C" only.
• This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses.
• The driver's license from France must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in France to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.
• Provide certification of the 3-hour drug & alcohol education program.
• You must pay the required fee.
• Effective: December 16, 2010

2. Republic of Korea (South): License must be valid, not expired or all tests are required.

• Can transfer Republic of Korea noncommercial license equivalent to a Maryland noncommercial class A. B, or C license.
• This agreement does not apply to learner's permits or commercial driver's licenses.
• Provide certification of the 3-hour drug & alcohol education program.
• The Republic of Korea (South) license will be returned to the license holder.
• You must pay the required fee.
• Effective: December 16, 2010.

3. Federal Republic of Germany: License must be valid, not expired or all tests are required.

• Can transfer Federal Republic of Germany noncommercial class "B" which is the equivalent of a Maryland noncommercial class "C" license.
• The customer must be 18 years of age or older, and be eligible for a Maryland provisional or noncommercial class "C" license only.
• This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses.
• The driver's license from the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.
• Provide certification of the 3-hour drug & alcohol education program.
• You must pay the required fee.
• Effective: May 10, 2011.

4. Taiwan (Republic of China): Taiwan License must be valid, not expired or all tests are required.

• Can transfer Taiwan (Republic of China) noncommercial class "B" which is the equivalent of a Maryland noncommercial class "C" license.
• The customer must be 18 years of age or older, and be eligible for a Maryland provisional or noncommercial class "C" license only.
• Provide certification of the 3-hour drug & alcohol education program.
• This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses.
• The Taiwanese license will be returned to the license holder. Note: This reciprocity agreement does not include any driver's license issued by the People's Republic of China (Mainland China).
• You must pay the required fee.
• Effective: June 17, 2013.

5. Japan: Licenses must be valid or expired less than one (1) year or all tests are required.

• Can transfer a class one (1) ordinary license which is the equivalent of a Maryland non-commercial (class C) license.
• The agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle or commercial driver's licenses.
• The customer must be 18 years of age or older.
• The Japanese license will be returned to the license holder.
• Provide certification of the 3-hour drug & alcohol education program.
• Please pay the required fee.
• Effective: January 4, 2016.

If you fail the skills test, you may retake the test:

• First failure - one (1) day later, (depending on test appointment availability); or
• Second or subsequent failure - One (1) week (7 days minimum) later, (depending on test appointment availability)
• Commercial driver's license customers must pay any retest or no show fees before they can schedule the next test.

Customers are permitted to use an audio back-up warning device or a back-up camera during both noncommercial and commercial skills tests. Using them does not substitute for a driver's responsibility and skill, however. Automatic parking features, that are equipped in some vehicles, are not permitted during the skills test. Even though the MVA will permit the use of a back-up camera or an audio back-up warning device during testing, the driver must continue to observe traffic and use the vehicle's mirrors, properly. You will be scored on the requirements and criteria of the skills test and backing a motor vehicle requires skill and good judgment. Therefore, an individual should not rely solely on the use of back-up equipment. Using mirrors, observing traffic, and looking over your shoulders are some of the proper precautions to safely back up your vehicle.

School buses that are equipped with inside cameras are permitted for commercial skills testing, without turning off the camera.

All electronic devices must be turned off and put away before you begin your skills test(s). This includes but is not limited to cell phones (with or without an external bluetooth device), MP3 players, etc. Failure to do so may result in a test disqualification.

If your learner's permit expires or you are not able to complete/pass the required skills tests before it expires, you will be required to reapply for a new permit, pass the vision and knowledge tests and pay the required fees. If you are a minor you will need to have your parent/guardian co-sign the application.

All commercial driver's license skills and knowledge tests as well as the class A & B noncommercial skills tests are only given in English and Spanish​. Foreign language interpreters may not assist with any commercial or noncommercial class A or B skills test or knowledge test.

If you have a learner's permit, your licensed supervising driver must remain seated next to you in your vehicle until the MVA examiner arrives to administer your skills test. If you have an expired driver's license your accompanying licensed driver must remain seated behind the wheel until the examiner arrives. You will not be permitted to take the driving test if the driver is not with you and you will have to return another day.

If you have a valid learner's permit you are required to schedule a skills test appointment. Applicants must schedule a test appointment through the myMVA eServices.

If you have an expired, revoked or canceled noncommercial class C or M driver's license or an out-of-country license and you are required to take a skills test, please make an appointment for testing.

Class "M" motorcycle applicants can have their accompanying driver with them on another motorcycle or standing next to them. You may bring the test motorcycle to the MVA test site in a truck, van or on a trailer but it must be unloaded in the presence of the examiner. If you test on a three (3)-wheeled mo​torcycle, you will be restricted to operating a "three (3)-wheeled motorcycle only."

For details about how to arrange a test and what to bring, click on one of the following:

• Class C (noncommercial) license or class M (motorcycle) license
• Class A or B (noncommercial or commercial) or class C (commercial) license

How do I arrange a skills test for a class C (noncommercial) or a class M (motorcycle) license?

• Please click here to schedule your test.
• Please verify that your appointment has been confirmed. You will recieve and email confirmation and/or text with details of the appointment.
• If you have an out-of-country license or a U.S. license that has been expired for one (1) year or more, or if you are having difficulty making a test appointment, Contact Us for assistance in making an appointment.

On the day of your scheduled test, be sure to bring with you the applicable items listed below:

Required Items

Comments

• Must be in the proper class.
• If you are driving a rental vehicle, your name must appear on the rental contract as an authorized driver and you must have the rental contract with you.
• Must be in safe operating condition. A list of the items checked by the MVA is available in the chart. Additional information is available in the Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002A).

• If you have a learner's permit or an expired driver's license, your licensed supervising driver MUST remain seated next to you in your vehicle until the MVA examiner arrives to administer your driving skills test.
• If the Class C learner's permit has been lost, stolen or mutilated, you must obtain a duplicate permit to take the on-road driving test.
• If the Class M motorcycle permit has been lost, stolen or mutilated, the applicant may take one (1) driving test without getting a duplicate permit as this test is not administered on the public roadway.

• Proof of insurance on the vehicle in which you are testing with.
• Additional forms, information or items may be required under certain circumstances:
  • Glasses or contact lenses if you need them (see Vision Screening and Requirements for more information);
  • If you have a learner's permit:
    • A licensed driver who meets the definition of a supervising driver.
    • If this is your first license (GLS), the certificate showing your successful completion of a Maryland approved driver's education course (30 + 6 hours) unless it was submitted electronically.
    • Out-of-State Driver's Education certification(s) are not typically accepted by the MVA. Currently, the MVA has only approved certain specific certificates issued by the DelawareBoard of Education, that physically state that the certificate has been Approvedby the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No other out-of-state certificates are currently accepted.
    • Your Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide and your completed and signed Certification Page signed by the supervising driver (first time license (GLS) holders ONLY) included in the logbook and;
    • A 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) certificate (if required).
    • Proof of insurance and vehicle registration is required for the public road test.

    An individual who is at least 25 years old and holds a Rookie Driver Graduated Licensing System learner's permit and has not been convicted of, or granted Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation, is eligible to take a skills driving test after holding this permit for a minimum of 45 days if they:

    1. Have completed a Maryland MVA approved standardized driver education program consisting of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction training and;
    2. Have completed an additional minimum of at least 14 hours of supervised behind the wheel driving (3 hours of which must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise) and
    3. Have an eligible supervising driver complete a Practice Skills log and certification page.

    If the applicant has been convicted of or given a PBJ for a moving violation, they are required to hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months following the most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted a PBJ for a moving violation, and meet the rest of the GLS requirements listed in the paragraph above before they are eligible to take a skills driving test.

    1. If an applicant is under 25 years old when they obtain their first GLS learner’s permit and then turns 25 afterwards, the MVA will permit the applicant to take a skills driving test if they have held the permit at least 45 days (the 45 days may include the days the applicant held the permit before they turned 25), they have completed at least 14 hours of supervised driving as described in the paragraph above as well as the required driver’s education program and have an eligible supervising driver complete a Practice Skills Log and certification page.
    2. If the applicant has been convicted of or given a PBJ for a moving violation, they are required to hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months following the most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted a PBJ for a moving violation, and meet the rest of the GLS requirements in the note above before they are eligible to take a skills driving test.
    • Class M (motorcycle) license ONLY
      • Proper helmet and eye protection;
      • If you are less than 18 years, 0 months, a certificate of completion for a Motorcycle Safety Course;
      • An additional driving test is not required if a valid Maryland MVA or MVA approved course certificate is presented.
      • If this is your first license (GLS), the certificate showing your successful completion of a Maryland approved driver's education course (30 + 6 hours) unless it was submitted electronically and your Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide and signed Certification Page signed by the supervising driver (first time license (GLS) holders ONLY) included in the logbook and;

      Note: Class "M" motorcycle applicants can have their accompanying driver with them on another motorcycle or standing next to the test applicant and their test motorcycle. Motorcycles may be brought to the MVA test site in a truck or van or on a trailer and must be unloaded in the presence of the examiner.

      • All noncommercial test applicants should come prepared with a test vehicle that is in safe operating condition and has at least 1/2 tank of gas. The test applicant and the supervising driver/vehicle owner must complete and sign an MVA "​
        

      How do I arrange a skills test for a class A or B (noncommercial or commercial) or a class C (commercial) license?

      The first step in taking a skills test for a class A or B (noncommercial or commercial) or a class C commercial license is to make an appointment. You can s​et up a skills test appointment by visiting myMVA eServices or Contact Us ​ or 1-800-492-4575 TTY for the Hearing Impaired for assistance in scheduling an appointment. Please listen to the whole message to hear the prompt to press # 7 then # 2 to speak to a Customer Service Representative so you can schedule an appointment.

      CDL and class A & B noncommercial skills tests are not given at the Baltimore City, Beltsville, Essex, Westminster or White Oak offices.

      On the day of your scheduled test, be sure to bring with you the applicable items listed below:

      Required Items

      Comments

      • Must be in the proper class
      • Must be in safe operating condition (pre-trip inspection guidelines).
      • If you are driving a rental vehicle, your name must appear on the rental contract as an authorized driver and you must have the rental contract with you.
      • The vehicle(s) vehicle identification number (VIN plate) is required to be in place and in good readable condition or the examiner may disqualify the vehicle for the skills tests.
      • Be sure that a proper supervising driver with a valid license of the proper class and required endorsements drives the test vehicle or accompanies you in the seat next to you in the test vehicle to the test site. The accompanying driver must wait in the vehicle with you until the MVA examiner arrives to administer your driving skills test. If the learner's permit has been lost, stolen or mutilated you will be required to obtain a duplicate permit to take the skills tests.
      • Proof of insurance for the vehicle in which you are testing with.
      • Additional forms, information or items may be required under certain circumstances:
        • Glasses or contact lenses if you need them;
        • If you are taking a commercial skills test, a valid DOT card and a valid statement of exemption/waiver if required. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information.
        • If you have a learner's permit:
          • A licensed driver who meets the definition of a supervising driver.
          • If this is your first driver's license, the certificate showing your successful completion of a Maryland approved driver's education course (30 + 6 hours) unless it was submitted electronically.
          • Out-of-State Driver's Education certification(s) are not typically accepted by the MVA. Currently, the MVA has only approved certain specific certificates issued by the DelawareBoard of Education, that physically state that the certificate has been Approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No other out-of-state certificates are currently accepted.
          • Your Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide and your completed and signed Certification Page signed by the supervising driver (first time license (GLS) holders ONLY) included in the logbook and;
          • A 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) certificate (if required).
          • An individual who is at least 25 years old and holds a Rookie Driver Graduated Licensing System learner’s permit and has not been convicted of, or granted Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation, is eligible to take a skills driving test after holding this permit for a minimum of 45 days if they:
          1. If the applicant has been convicted of or given a PBJ for a moving violation, they are required to hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months following the most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted a PBJ for a moving violation, and meet the rest of the GLS requirements listed in the paragraph above before they are eligible to take a skills driving test.
          2. If an applicant is under 25 years old when they obtain their first GLS learner’s permit and then turns 25 afterwards, the MVA will permit the applicant to take a skills driving test if they have held the permit at least 45 days (the 45 days may include the days the applicant held the permit before they turned 25), they have completed at least 14 hours of supervised driving as described in the paragraph above as well as the required driver’s education program and have an eligible supervising driver complete a Practice Skills Log and certification page.
          3. If the applicant has been convicted of or given a PBJ for a moving violation, they are required to hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months following the most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted a PBJ for a moving violation, and meet the rest of the GLS requirements in the paragraph above before they are eligible to take a skills driving test.
          • If this is your first driver's license, the certificate showing your successful completion of a Maryland approved driver's education course (30 + 6 hours) unless it was submitted electronically.
          • Out-of-State Driver's Education certification(s) are not typically accepted by the MVA. Currently, the MVA has only approved certain specific certificates issued by the Delaware Board of Education, that physically state that the certificate has been Approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No other out-of-state certificates are currently accepted.
          • Your Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide and your completed and signed Certification Page signed by the supervising driver (first time license (GLS) holders ONLY) included in the logbook and
          • A 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) certificate (if required).
          • Your Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide and your completed and signed Certification Page signed by the supervising driver (first time license (GLS) holders ONLY) included in the logbook and;
          • A 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) certificate (if required).

          Skills Tests from other States Accepted for Maryland Commercial Driver’s Licenses

          Maryland commercial driver’s license (CDL) permit holders can now complete their skills tests in another state. The permit must be valid and cannot expire before the new Maryland CDL can be issued. However, Maryland does not perform CDL skills tests for permit holders from other states. Please make certain that the state in which you wish to be tested will do so before obtaining a Maryland CDL permit.

          Hazardous Materials & Tanker Vehicles:

          Note: Vehicles placarded for hazardous materials (and those vehicles that contain hazardous materials or their residue)cannot be used to take the skills tests. A CDL learner’s permit (CLP) holder with the “N” tanker endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle, and is also prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue. All placards must be removed or completely covered up. The applicant must present valid documentation from an approved repair facility to the MVA showing that the vehicle has been cleaned and purged. Their employer must also certify in writing on company letterhead that the vehicle has been cleaned and purged and no longer carries hazardous materials and is utilized as a training vehicle ONLY.

          Applicants who test for a CDL in a commercial motor vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission are given an “E” restriction on their licenses. The driver is not permitted to operate any commercial vehicle that does not have an automatic transmission. To operate a commercial motor vehicle with a standard shift or manual transmission, the driver will be required to retest in a commercial motor vehicle that is equipped with a standard shift or manual transmission.

          To remove the “E” restriction, the CDL driver must:

          • Obtain a CDL learner’s permit
          • Retain the learner's permit for at least 14 days
          • Schedule a skills test with a proper accompanying driver and provide a representative vehicle of the correct type and class. The vehicle must have a standard shift or manual transmission.
          • Conduct an air brake check (if equipped) to make sure the brake system is working properly. This is not scored.
          • Pass an on-the-road skills test
          • Obtain a new CDL license that removes the restriction

          Applicants with class “A” commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) cannot drive with tractor trailers if they hold an "O" restriction. The “O” restriction is given to those who did not test with a tractor trailer to obtain their CDL. They tested in a heavy truck with a trailer. The trailer had a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 lbs. Combined with the truck, the combination exceeded 26,000 lbs.

          To upgrade from an “A” class CDL and or remove the “O” restriction, the CDL driver must:

          • Obtain a CDL learner’s permit
          • Retain the learner's permit for at least 14 days
          • Complete and pass a full pre-trip, on-the-course and on-the-road skills tests.
          • Obtain a new CDL license that removes the restriction

          An "L" restriction is placed on a Maryland CDL for drivers who have tested in and are qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle without an air brake system. To operate a commercial vehicle with an air brake system you will need to get a new permit and pass the pre-trip inspection and on-the-road skills test in the same class of vehicle.​

          A “Z” restriction is placed on a Maryland CDL for drivers who have tested and qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes or no full air brakes. The Z restriction states that the license is issued for a commercial motor vehicle with a system that is equipped without full air brakes.

          To remove a “Z” restriction, the applicant must get a new permit and pass a modified pre-trip and road test in the same type and class of vehicle.

          Fees:

          • Noncommercial skills test (class A, B, C or M).
            • There is no fee for the skills test as long as you have a valid learner's permit
            1. There is no fee for the initial skills test as long as you have a valid learner's permit.
            2. There is a skills retest fee that you must pay prior to scheduling another skills test if you fail any part of the skills tests and need to be retested.
            3. There is a no-show fee that you must pay prior to scheduling another driving test if you:
            • Do not appear for a scheduled test without an acceptable explanation; or
            • Do not appear for a scheduled test within 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time, with an acceptable test vehicle and accompanying driver; or
            • Fail to cancel a scheduled test at least 24 hours before the appointment and do not appear for it.

            Contact Information:

            MVA
            Driver Services Division
            6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
            Glen Burnie, MD 21062

            For telephone questions:

            MVA Customer Service Center: 1-410-768-7000
            TTY/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-492-4575

            Skills Test Information

            License Class

            Tests

            Pre-trip inspection:

            

            See Section 11 in the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual (Form #DL-151) Basic skills test (closed course):

            Must pass pre-trip inspection to take this test;

            

            See section 12 in the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual (Form# DL-151);

            Public road test (public highways): Must pass basic skills test to take this test.

            

            See Section 13 in the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual (form #DL-151).

            If weather conditions are extremely hot
            Front windows must open or air conditioner must be operable.