What's the process for a new American citizen getting a driver's license in Maryland?

[Davemoody 0]

My wife just became an American citizen last month and arrived in America yesterday.

We live in the state of Maryland and we're trying to get her a driver's license. Where does she start exactly? Does she have to go to a driving school first and then get a personal driving instructor who will have her drive places before she takes the computerized questions and answers exam and then the actual driving exam?

[blk 87]

My wife just became an American citizen last month and arrived in America yesterday.

We live in the state of Maryland and we're trying to get her a driver's license. Where does she start exactly? Does she have to go to a driving school first and then get a personal driving instructor who will have her drive places before she takes the computerized questions and answers exam and then the actual driving exam?

How did your wife become an American Citizen last month & had only arrived into the USA yesterday ???????????

[yuna628 9,527]

My wife just became an American citizen last month and arrived in America yesterday.

We live in the state of Maryland and we're trying to get her a driver's license. Where does she start exactly? Does she have to go to a driving school first and then get a personal driving instructor who will have her drive places before she takes the computerized questions and answers exam and then the actual driving exam?

Has she never driven anywhere or been licensed in any country before or have a current valid license from another country?

If yes, it's a fairly straightforward process of converting her old license. Apply, take the written test, take a 3hr course on drugs/alcohol, and take a brief (and now easier) road test.

If not though, you've got to go through everything as a first time student driver. The place to start is going to be looking on the MVA website, or going into your local DMV branch and discussing it with them. http://www.mva.maryland.gov/drivers/rookie-driver/general-learners.htm

You'll want to pick up the drivers manual and have her study that (it's way nicer now than when I learned back in the day). When she feels she's ready and has applied for everything, she'll go in a room and take the ''written test'' which is multiple choice Q/A on a computer. If she passes then she'll get her permit. Once you have a permit there's certain restrictions on it, and a driver's log must be completed. It's usually *a lot* of driving time hours to be done while in a vehicle with a friend or family member that is licensed to drive at all times. I think it's up to 60 or 70 hours now. For drivers under 25 there's more to do after that, such as maintain the permit for 9 months incident free, attend a standard classroom course of about 30 hours and 6hrs of driving at an approved driving school. I am not sure the regulation regarding if she is over 25. If she has never driven stateside or is familiar with driving anywhere, I'd highly recommend a classroom program anyway even if they should not require it. Once the permit is held for whatever period, then she will be allowed to take the road test. Its easier than it used to be - no more parallel parking or 3pt turn. You are then given a provisional license, of which the requirements must be met before a full license is issued.

Edited October 12, 2016 by yuna628

[Boiler 43,392]

How did your wife become an American Citizen last month & had only arrived into the USA yesterday ???????????

Wondering the same.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

No mystery - Go to the Maryland DMV site and follow the instructions. You can d/l the driver's manual in Pdf format usually. Study, take the written test, practice driving, take the driving test - voila!

[NikLR 13,220]

Op... Uhm..... are you sure?

Edited October 21, 2016 by NikLR

[yuna628 9,527]

No mystery - Go to the Maryland DMV site and follow the instructions. You can d/l the driver's manual in Pdf format usually. Study, take the written test, practice driving, take the driving test - voila!

This does not apply if the individual is a 'student driver'. There are numerous regulations and requirements to follow if that is the case. The OP has not returned to clarify, so we can only guess.

[NikLR 13,220]

Last Active Oct 11 2016 10:01 PM