This is a notice to all Maryland Learner’s Permit and Provisional License holders regarding changes in Maryland law.  

Learner’s Permit Holders:

• Under age eighteen (18) are prohibited from using a wireless communication device (including a cell phone) while operating a motor vehicle, except when contacting 911 emergency.  Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.
  
• Must hold the learner’s permit for at least six (6) months before being eligible for a provisional license.
  
• Must be age sixteen (16) years and three (3) months before being eligible for a provisional license after holding the learner’s permit for the mandatory six (6) months. 
  
• Must complete 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.  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.
  
• Effective October 1, 2007, applicants 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.
  
  

Provisional License Holders:

• Under age eighteen (18) are prohibited from using a wireless communication device (including a cell phone) while operating a motor vehicle, except when contacting 911 emergency.  Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.
  
• Under age eighteen (18) are prohibited from transporting any passenger under age eighteen (18) except family members (meaning spouse, daughter, son, stepdaughter, stepson, sister, brother, stepsister, or stepbrother) and relatives living at the driver’s address.  This prohibition is in effect for 151 days after the provisional license is issued.  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.
  
• Must hold the provisional license for eighteen (18) consecutive months with no moving violations.  Even a PBJ ruling will mean the eighteen (18) month period has to be restarted.
  
• Will be ineligible for a full license until at least age seventeen (17) years and nine (9) months. 
  
  

If you have any questions, please contact the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Customer Service Center at 1-800-950-1MVA (1682).