Frequently Asked Questions
IS IT REQUIRED TO TAKE DRIVER’S EDUCATION?
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), anyone who has never held a driver’s license is required to complete the 36-hour Driver’s Education program. This includes 30 hours of classroom instruction (online or in person) and 6 hours of in-car training, and it applies to all ages.
HOW LONG DOES THE COURSE TAKE?
Course length varies depending on the student’s attendance.
- The 30-hour classroom portion is designed to be completed in 10 days (3 hours per day).
- The 6-hour in-car training is completed over 3 days, with 2 hours per appointment.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE IT?
You have up to 18 months to complete the course. If you do not finish the program within this time frame your enrollment remains active if the tuition is paid in full. Failure to do so leads to the deletion of your records and you will be required to register for the program all over again.
DO I NEED A LEARNER’S PERMIT?
A learner’s permit is required for the in-car training, but you may begin the 30-hour classroom instruction without one.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO HOLD MY LEARNER’S PERMIT?
The length of time you must hold your learner’s permit depends on your age and educational status. A Maryland learner’s permit is valid for two years, but before taking the road test for a provisional license, you must meet the following requirements:
- If you are under 18, or 18 without a high school diploma or GED, you must hold your learner’s permit for 9 months, and complete 60 hours of supervised driving practice (in addition to the 6 hours included in Driver’s Ed).
- If you are 18 with a diploma or GED, or between 19 and 24 years old, you must hold your permit for 3 months, and complete 60 hours of supervised practice.
- If you are 25 or older, you must hold your learner’s permit for 45 days, and complete 14 hours of supervised practice.
HOW DO I GET A LEARNER’S PERMIT?
To obtain a learner’s permit in Maryland, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening at the MVA. Applicable fees must also be paid at the time of your application.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY TUITION?
A minimum of one-third of the tuition is due upon registration, the second one-third at the end of the first week, and the final one-third before the final exam. Payments can be made online, by phone, in person, or by check to be dropped off at the main office.
ARE PARENTS REQUIRED TO COME IN ON THE FIRST DAY?
Yes. We strongly advise that parents, guardians, or coaches attend the orientation class (Unit one) to understand the shared responsibilities involved in the Graduated Licensing System (GLS).
WHAT IF I HAVE TO MISS A DAY?
You must attend make-up classes for any missed sessions other than Unit 1. There is a $10 fee per make-up class.
- If you miss Unit 1 or more than 12 hours of the 30 required classroom hours, you will need to restart the course from the beginning.
CAN I CONVERT MY FOREIGN DRIVER’S LICENSE TO A MARYLAND ONE?
Yes. Holders of a valid out-of-country license are required to:
- Complete a 3-hour Roadway Safety Education (Alcohol and Drug Program), and
- Pass the knowledge, vision screening and skill tests at the MVA.
WHAT IS THE DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM?
The Driver Improvement Program is for individuals who:
- Have received a moving violation and accumulated 5–7 points within two years, or
- Needs to reinstate their license.
The MVA or Maryland courts require participation in this program within 30 days of receiving the notice, before the license is suspended.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN CLASS?
The course consists of 10 units, each lasting 3 hours and typically completed in one day. The MVA provides a standardized Driver’s Education curriculum that must be covered in its entirety. The program includes traffic laws and regulations, avoiding impairment and promoting safe driving habits, basic driving skills and safe practices, vehicle knowledge, road conditions and types, driving in different environments settings such as urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The Rookie Driver’s Guide and Maryland Driver’s Manual are available on the MVA website. We also provide copies upon registration.
WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THE ROAD?
During the in-car sessions, students put their classroom learning into practice. All lessons and requirements follow the official MVA curriculum. Our school provides MVA-approved, modern training vehicles and certified instructors who evaluate each student and offer adaptive timelines to ensure safe and effective learning.
Our priority is to help students become skilled, knowledgeable, and safe drivers for life!
MAY I USE ONE OF YOUR CARS FOR MY MVA TEST?
Yes, we provide transportation to your chosen MVA test center, accompanied by a licensed and experienced instructor using an MVA-approved vehicle.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE MVA FOR MY TEST?
Students are advised to make a good checklist of the following items.
- Instructional learner’s permit and skills log signed by parent/ guardian/ coach
- Supervising drivers of 21 years or older
- Present a valid driver’s license
- Operationally sound, safe, clean, insured and registered vehicle
The driving school will also electronically submit the classroom and in-car session activity reports and the passing grade (80%) to the MVA.
WHAT IS THE GRADUATED LICENSING SYSTEM (GLS)?
The Graduated Licensing System (GLS) is a step-by-step process for obtaining a driver’s license based on Maryland law. It ensures that drivers acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and driving experience before advancing to the next licensing level or obtaining a provisional license.
During the required practice and waiting period, drivers must meet the following timelines:
Age 15 –17: 9 months; Age 18: 3 months if a high school graduate; otherwise, 9 months; Age 19 – 24: 3 months; Age 25 and older: 45 days
Note: If a driver receives a speeding ticket or commits other moving violations during this period, the waiting period resets.
Have any Questions? Call us Today
301-836-5113
