Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Maryland has a "graduated" 2-step process to obtain your drivers license, which includes obtaining the traditional "learner's permit" and a new component called a "provisional license." Once you meet the requirements of the learners permit and provisional license, you can obtain your permanent driver's license. Here's the 3 steps --

LEARNER'S PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:

* Minimum age for applicants is 15 years and 9 months.

* If under 16, you must provide a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form (DL-300) to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process.

* You must pass a vision test and knowledge test.

* If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application or, if the applicant has no parent or guardian or is married, an adult employer of the applicant or any other responsible adult may cosign the application.

* You must be 18 to obtain a Learner's Permit for a CDL Intrastate, 21 years of age for Interstate. In addition, you must also have a full driver's license (does not include a motorcycle license).

* A valid U.S. Department of Transportation physical card (if applying for a Learner�s Permit to drive a commercial motor vehicle).

* Out-of-State learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit.

* You must also complete the Maryland Graduated Licensing System requirements.

PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

* Must hold the learner's permit for at least nine (9) months before being eligible for a provisional license. The nine (9) month period will be restarted should the person be convicted or granted probation before judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation. *

* Must be at least age sixteen (16) years and six (6) months before being eligible for a provisional license after holding the learner's permit for the mandatory nine (9) months.

* Must still complete the Maryland Graduated Licensing System requirements and have at least sixty (60) hours of driving practice with someone at least age twenty-one (21) who has held a driver's license for at least three (3) years to be eligible for a provisional license. At least ten (10) of the practice hours must occur during the period beginning thirty (30) minutes before sunset and ending thirty (30) minutes after sunrise. A practice driving skills log must be signed by an individual certifying the practice driving requirements were fulfilled.

* Under the age of 16 must submit a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form. This form must be validated by a school official or authorized home school coordinator prior to applying for your permit.

* Under age eighteen (18) are still prohibited from using a wireless communication device (including a cell phone) while operating a motor vehicle, except when contacting 911 for an emergency. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.

PERMANENT DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

* Must hold the provisional license for a minimum of eighteen (18) consecutive months without violation before conversion to a full license. The eighteen (18) month period will be restarted for any convictions or PBJ's for moving violations or violations of license restrictions.

* Cannot obtain a full license until they reach the age of eighteen (18).

* Who are under age eighteen (18) are still prohibited from using a wireless communication device (including a cell phone) while operating a motor vehicle, except when contacting 911 for an emergency. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.

* Under age eighteen (18) are still prohibited from transporting any passenger under age eighteen (18) for 151 days after the provisional license is issued. There is an exception for family members (spouse, daughter, son, stepdaughter, stepson, sister, brother, stepsister, or stepbrother) and relatives living at the driver�s address. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.

* Will be ineligible for a "Probation Before Judgment" (PBJ) ruling from the court if the defendant has previously received a PBJ for a moving violation or criminal offense.

* Can have their license canceled if, while they are still a minor, the cosigner of the license application requests in writing that the MVA cancel the product.

* Under age eighteen (18) face serious penalties for repeated violations and offenses. Penalties for repeated violations can include:

o Mandatory completion of a driver improvement program

o The retaking of all law and driving skills tests.

o License suspension for an accumulation of excessive points within a 12-month period, for repeated convictions or PBJ�s during the provisional period or for a conviction on an offense classified as high risk driving.

o Revocation of your driver's license.

Best of luck.*******The above is intended for informational purposes only and does not create at attorney-client privilege.*******

16 years and 3 months