What age can you obtain a full driver's license in Maryland?

In Maryland, the correct age to obtain a full driver's license is 18 years old. At 18, an individual is eligible to graduate from the provisional licensing phase and receive a full, unrestricted driver's license. Full licensing denotes that the driver has completed the necessary stages of the Graduated Licensing System, which includes holding a learner's permit and then a provisional license for a specified period.

Before turning 18, individuals proceed through the learner's permit and provisional license stages, which have certain restrictions in place, such as limited nighttime driving and passenger limitations. This graduated approach is designed to ensure that young drivers gain the experience needed to drive safely and responsibly before receiving a full license.

The other age options reflect earlier stages in the licensing process. For instance, while you can obtain a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months and may receive a provisional license at 16 years old, a full driver’s license is reserved for those who are at least 18.