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MarylandDrivers License Guide

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Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance.When out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

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Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.

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Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

Congratulations!Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you will need to start your 60 days Road Assistance.

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Table Of

Contents

Getting Your First Maryland License

Starting the Journey

Updating Your License

Getting a Maryland ID Card

Reinstating Your License

Official Forms

Renewing Your License

Replacing Your License

Vehicle Safety Tips

MVA Hours and Locations

13

6

20

28

26

34

16

23

31

35

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However, before you start getting behind the wheel on your own, you have to go through a process. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get through it with as little stress and as few complications as possible.

Getting your driver’s license in Maryland requires you to prepare before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in. We are here to help you know exactly what you need. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to start this journey. So, let’s get rolling!

Starting

the Journey

Welcome to the world of driving in Maryland. Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life, and driving independently is an exciting experience.

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The Rookie DriverIf you are a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood or an adult who has never held a license, chances are that you are currently dreaming of obtaining your driver’s license. As you move toward obtaining your license, we will help you to better understand each procedure you must complete.

Did you know that vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for people between 15 and 20 years of age? To help new drivers avoid harm, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has implemented the Rookie Driver program, the state’s own Graduated Licensing System (GLS). The Rookie Driver program aims to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities not only among teenagers, but among all new drivers. Therefore, regardless of age, first-time drivers must complete a three-stage process to obtain their driving privileges. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This will allow you to avoid any complications and prepare you to take on your responsibilities on the road. Let’s begin the journey!

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Pass the vision and knowledge tests.

Visit a full-service MVA office with all the documents and fees.

Present documents from the sources of proof list to prove age and identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Maryland residence. This Online Document Guide can help you to gather the correct documents.

With this permit, you will be able to practice driving while supervised by a licensed driver. A learner’s permit is your first step toward obtaining your independent driving privileges, and you must hold it for a specified amount of time before continuing to the next phase.

To apply, you have to:

1 - Learner’s Permit

Be at least 15 years and nine months of age.

Provide a Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance form (#DL-300) if you are younger than 16 years of age.

Have your parent or guardian sign your application if you are younger than 18 years of age.

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Be at least 16 years and six months of age.

Pass the driver skills test.

Visit a full service MVA office.

Have completed a Maryland MVA-approved driver education course.

Have completed all other learner’s permit requirements without any convictions.

Have completed the required supervised driving for the learner’s permit and have a signed certificate of completion.

The provisional license is the next step in the Rookie Driver process. With a provisional license, you will have more driving freedom and responsibilities while you prepare to earn the full privilege license. If you have held a license for less than 18 months in another state before moving to Maryland, this will be your first step of a two-stage process.

To get a provisional license, you must:

2 - Provisional License

With a learner’s permit, you:

If you are younger than 25 years of age, you must hold the learner’s permit for nine months, keep a conviction-free driving record and complete the standard MVA-approved driver education course before you may apply for the provisional license. If you are 25 years of age or older and you do not have any moving violation convictions, you may take the driving skills test after holding your permit for only 45 days. However, you must first complete:

Restrictions

Must drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and who has held the license for at least three years. This person must sit next to you at all times.

An MVA-approved driver education program (at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction training).

Your parent, guardian or mentor must complete a practice skills log.

A practice skills log certification page.

A practice skills log with a minimum of 14 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving (three hours must be at night)

If you are younger than 18 years of age, you are not allowed to use any wireless communication device except to call 911 in an emergency.

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If you are a parent, this brief teen driving guide is a great resource to help your teenager get ready to hit the road!

Tip

If you are younger than 18 years of age, then while holding your provisional license:

Restrictions

You are allowed to drive alone only from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.

You and your passengers must use a safety belt at all times.

You may drive anytime if you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and has a minimum of three years driving experience.

You may drive any time from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. without supervision if you are driving to or from your job, a school activity, an organized volunteer program or an athletic event.

You are not allowed to carry passengers younger than 18 years of age, unless you are accompanied by a supervising driver or unless the passengers are your direct family members. (This restriction only applies during the first 151 days of holding a provisional license.)

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Once you have completed the Rookie Driver program, you will be ready to get your full driver’s license! With this license, you will not be restricted to driving during certain times or with a limited amount of passengers.

To earn it, you will need to be at least 18 years of age and have held your provisional license for 18 months without receiving any convictions. Once you meet these requirements, your provisional driver’s license will be automatically converted into a full driver’s license.

3- Driver’s License

Tests and EducationRemember that the roads are not always safe. When you become a driver, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but also for the safety of your passengers, the vehicles around you and pedestrians.

In order to prepare for that huge responsibility, you must first complete a driver’s education course and pass the vision, knowledge and road skills tests before applying for a license. Let’s review these tests.

Your first test to obtain a driver’s license will be a vision screening. The test can be performed at an MVA office, or you may go to your own vision specialist. To obtain a license, you must:

Once you pass the other two tests, you will need to take a driving skills exam in order to obtain your provisional driver’s license. All new drivers are required to take the test, regardless of their age. This test will evaluate your driving safety and your ability to control a vehicle. An examiner will ask you to drive on public roads and perform certain maneuvers.

When you arrive at an MVA branch office to take your driving skills test, you must be accompanied by a licensed supervising driver. The vehicle that you use for the skills test must have a valid registration card and be in safe operating condition. You can watch a video of the Maryland driving skills test to gain a better understanding.

You must schedule an appointment to take the driving skills test. You may schedule the exam through the MVA Central Scheduling System.

For additional help, you can call 410-768-7000 or 1-800-492-4575 for the hearing impaired. In addition, if you are a new driver, you must also complete and present your completed practice skills log (including the completed certification paid) and your unexpired Maryland learner’s permit.

You will also have to take and pass a written knowledge test that will evaluate your knowledge of road traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving practices. All of the questions included in the test are taken from the Maryland Driver’s Manual. The Maryland MVA also created an online driver test tutorial to help you as a preparation for your knowledge test. You can find the tutorial here.

You can qualify to receive a restricted license if you have at least 20/70 vision in at least one eye and a continuous field of vision that is at least 110 degrees. Find additional information at the MVA website.

Vision Screening

Driving Skills Test

Knowledge Test

Have binocular vision.

Have a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each of your eyes.

Have a continuous field of vision that is at least 140 degrees.

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As a new driver in Maryland, you must complete a driver education course approved by the MVA before you can take the driving skills test and obtain your provisional driver’s license. An MVA-approved traffic school will consist of:

The driving school will electronically submit the verification of your completion to the MVA. You can find more information about certified driving schools here.

Driving Education

A minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction.

A minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction training.

Learner’s permit $50

* The total amount to pay for a license depends on the number of years for which your license will be valid. For instance, if you are given a six-year license, you will pay $54 (six years x $9= $54).

Provisional License $9 per year*

Fees

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If you are 18 years of age or older and meet other requirements, you are allowed to hold an unrestricted driver license in Maryland. If you are 17 years of age and have completed the GLS, you are part of the group too! New Maryland resident? You will also find all the information that you need to get your MD license in a special section just for you. Now it is only a matter of gathering some documents and following the steps toward officially holding that brand new license.

If you have never held a license before, you will need to complete the GLS. Please go to our Rookie Driver section to learn more. Getting a full license for the first time once you have completed the GLS is a very simple process. Once you meet all the Rookie driver requirements, the MVA will automatically convert your provisional license to a full license. You will receive a card by mail that shows the conversion. You must carry this attachment card with your provisional license at all times. When the provisional license expires, you can obtain a full license.If you prefer not to carry the conversion card with you, you may visit an MVA office and request a full driver’s license. You must pay a duplicate fee to get the new full license before the provisional expires.

New to Maryland? If you already hold an out-of-state license and just moved to Maryland, you have to obtain an MD license. It is important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver’s license within 60 days of moving to Maryland if you want to drive within the state. Applying is easy, as long as you follow some simple steps. Let’s begin, and you will have your license in no time!

Getting Your

First Maryland License

Current Maryland Residents

New Maryland Residents

The Maryland MVA created a tool that will build a personal checklist of documents that you need to take when applying for your license. Give it a try!

Tip

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If you hold an out-of-state license that is valid or expired for less than one year, are at least 18 years of age and have held the license for 18 months or more, follow the instructions below (otherwise, you will receive a learner’s permit or a provisional license first):

If you hold a current out-of-country license, are at least 18 years of age and have held the license for 18 months or longer, you may apply for an MD license. Otherwise, you must hold a learner’s permit or a provisional license first. Here’s what you need to do:

You may learn more about out-of-country licenses and agreements of the MVA with other countries at the MVA website.

Visit an MVA office. Visit an MVA office.

Surrender your current license.Present your out-of-country license.

Present proof of age, identity and Maryland residency. Use the MVA Online Document Guide to find out what you will need to bring.

Pass the knowledge exam and the driving skills test. Some applicants will be exempt from this requirement. (You can learn more about requirements for international applicants here.)

Attend and present the certification of a Three-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program.

Pass the vision screening.

Pay the fees.

Pass the vision screening.

Pay the fees.

If your out-of-state license has been expired for one year or longer, you will need to pass the knowledge exam and the driver’s skills test.

Present sources of proof for age, identity and Maryland residency. You can consult the MVA Online Document Guide to help you find the right documents.

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New License (Younger than 21) $9 per year*

* The total amount to pay for a license is the annual license fee for the number of years for which your license will be valid. For instance, if you are given a six-year license, you will pay $54 (six years x $9= $54).

New License (21 and over) $72 or $9 per year*

Fees

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Renewing

Your License

When your license is expired, it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive. This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you can. Before you renew your license, it is best to become familiar with the process so that you can avoid any issues.

In October 2012, the Maryland MVA started transitioning license terms from five years to eight years. During the transition, you may receive a license with a validity period ranging from five to eight years. The time is randomly assigned by a computer.

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The MVA will send you a renewal notice by mail and email approximately 60 days before the expiration of your license. If you are younger than 40 years of age and you meet eligibility requirements, you must renew at a self-serve kiosk, by mail or online. If you are ineligible to renew using one of these methods, you must visit an MVA office.

When you renew online, by mail or through a self-service kiosk, you will receive your new license in the mail. The MVA will deliver the renewed license through the mail within 4-7 business days. If you do not receive your license within 15 days of your renewal, you can call the MVA at 1-401-768-7000 or, for the hearing impaired, 1-800-492-4575.

Your renewal notice will indicate if you are eligible to renew your driver’s license online. To renew, go to the MVA eStore, click on “Driver’s License Services” and follow the instructions.

If you are older than 40 years of age, you must submit your vision results electronically using the Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider. Your vision certification must be no more than 12 months old. You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks, and you must destroy your old license when you have the new one.

You may only renew by mail in the event that you received a “renew by mail” notice from the MVA. However, if you find any errors in your information, you must instead visit an MVA office location to renew in person.

You must complete the application and mail it in 15 days before your license expires. If you are older than 40 years of age, you must have the “vision certification” part of the mail-in application completed by your vision specialist. You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks. You must destroy your old license as soon as you have your new license.

How to Renew

Renew Online

Renew by Mail

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You may renew in person if you are not eligible to renew online, by mail or at an MVA kiosk. To renew in person, you will:

When you renew in person, the new license will be given to you at the office.

Renew in Person

Visit an MVA office.

Present your current license and renewal notice.

Take a vision test

Have your photograph taken.

Pay the fee.If your license has been expired for longer than one year, you must have your license reissued. You will have to apply for a driver’s license as if you are a new applicant.

Tip:

You may renew your driver license by MVA self-service kiosk if you are eligible to renew your license online. To renew, find a self-service kiosk located at an MVA office and follow the instructions. You must submit your vision results electronically using an Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider and they must be current (no more than 12 months old). You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks, and you must destroy your old license.

Renew by MVA Self-Service Kiosk

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If you are temporarily out-of-state when your license is scheduled to expire and you will be outside for more than 45 days, you may contact the MVA Absent from State Unit by mail, fax or email. You can explain your situation, and they will mail you a package with information and forms that you must complete and return together with the fee.

If you will be able to return before 45 days, you may request a temporary license. To do so, you must mail or fax a request to the MVA Absent from State Unit. The letter must include:

If you are eligible for a temporary license, the MVA will mail it to your out-of-state address. The MVA Absent from State Unit contact information is:

Out-of-State Renewal

Your full name.

Your signature and the date of the request.

Your date of birth.

Your driver’s license number.

Your permanent Maryland address.

Your reason for requesting a temporary license.

Your phone number (where you can be reached outside of Maryland).

Your temporary out-of-state mailing address (no P.O. box).

* The total amount to pay for a license is the annual license fee per the number of years for which the license will remain valid. For instance, if you are given a six year license, you will pay $36 (six years x $6= $36).

Renew License $6 per year*

Fees:

MVA Absent from State Unit

Driver Services Division 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE Glen Burnie, MD 21062 Fax: 410-787-2988Email: mvacs@mdot.state.md.us

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Updating Your

License Information

Your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean an event as big as changing your name or a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods.

Changing Your Name

Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver license. So, how can you update your driver license should you ever need to? To better understand the process, review the steps below.

Changing your name is not only the result of a big change in your life, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information regarding your identity. If you have officially changed your name, then you will be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver’s license. To change your name on your driver’s license, you must:

Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Visit an MVA office.

Present your current license.

Present the proofs of identity you used to obtain your current license. You may use the interactive Online Document Guide to prepare.

In Maryland, if your change your name or address, you are required by law to notify the MVA within 30 days.

Note:

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Pay the fee.

Provide proof for your name change, such as:

• A marriage license. • A divorce decree. • A court order. • A Social Security Card and birth certificate

(for a “Common Law” name change).

Changing Your AddressIf you have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you notify the MD MVA to update the address on your driver license. You may update your address online, by mail, by phone, at an MVA self-serve kiosk or in person at an MVA office. After processing your address change request, the MVA will send a correction attachment card to your address on file. The card will be sent within 4-6 business days. You are required to carry this card with your original driver’s license.

To change the address on your driver’s license, simply choose one of the following methods:

To update your address online, go to MVA eStore, click on “Change of Address” and follow the instructions.

To change your address by phone, call MVA customer service at 410-768-7000 and ask a representative to change your address.

If you prefer to change it by mail, complete the Change of Address form and mail it to:

To update your address by MVA self-serve kiosk, visit any MVA office location.

To update your address in person, visit an MVA office location.

MVA Corrections Unit

6601 Ritchie Highway, NE Glen Burnie, MD 21062 Fax: 410-424-3050

The MVA now recognizes same-sex marriage licenses to authorize a name change. The documents must be original or certified copies. After a name change, your license will be replaced with one that displays the new information.

Tip:

If you are younger than 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign the application.

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Corrected license $20

There is no fee to change your address and obtain a correction attachment card. However, you must pay a fee if you choose to obtain a corrected duplicate license instead.

Corrected learner’s permit $20

Fees

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Replacing

Your License

If something has happened to your license, you can always ask the Maryland MVA for a replacement as soon as you need it. If your license is lost, stolen, destroyed or illegible, you only have to request one and go on with your life. In any case, you will be able to effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license.

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If your license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may request a duplicate license online or at an MVA kiosk. After processing the request, the MVA will mail the replacement license to the address you have on file. To request a duplicate online or by kiosk, you must:

select “Replace (Duplicate)” and follow the instructions. To request a duplicate by MVA Kiosk, visit an MVA office.Follow the instructions below only if you are ineligible to request a duplicate online or by MVA kiosk:

To request a duplicate online, go to the MVA eStore, click on “Driver’s License Services,” enter the required information,

How to Replace

Be at least 21 years old.

Visit an MVA office.

Pay the fee.

Surrender the original license if you still have it.

Not have a tax compliance flag.

Not have a suspension in another state.

Not be replacing a learner’s permit, provisional license, commercial driver’s license (CDL) or temporary license.

Not have any suspensions, cancellations or revocations.

Not have a limited-term license (a license with a restriction T).

Present the proofs of identity you used to obtain your current license.

If you have changed your address, provide two proofs of current residence.

Have your Social Security number verified on file.

Not be requesting your third or more duplicate.

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MVA Absent from State Unit

Driver Services Division 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE Glen Burnie, MD 21062 Fax: 410-787-2988Email: mvacs@mdot.state.md.us

If you are eligible for a temporary license, the MVA will mail it to your out-of-state address. Here is the MVA Absent from State Unit contact information:

Your full name.

Your reason for requesting a temporary license.

Your date of birth.

Your driver’s license number.

Your permanent Maryland address.

Your signature and the date of the request.

Your temporary out-of-state mailing address (no P.O. box).

Your phone number (where you can be reached outside of Maryland).

If you are out of state and will be outside for more than 45 days, you may contact the MVA Absent from State Unit by fax, letter or email (see contact information below) to obtain a replacement license. Explain your situation, and they will mail you a package with information and forms that you must complete and return together with the fee. After verifying your eligibility, the MVA will mail the duplicate license to your out-of-state address.

If you will be able to return within 45 days, you may request a 45-day temporary license instead. There is no fee charged for this temporary license. To obtain a temporary license, you must mail or fax a request to the MVA Absent from State Unit. The request letter must include:

Out-of-State Replacement

Duplicate license $20 Duplicate learner’s permit $20

Fees:

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Reinstating

Your Driver’s License

The suspension or revocation of your driver’s license may be the consequence of a traffic violation, accumulated points on your driving record or a DUI.

To reinstate your license after a revocation, you must wait until your waiting period ends. You may then call or visit the MVA Driver Wellness and Safety Division (DW&S) and request a reinstatement of your license.

If your license is suspended or revoked, your driving privileges are removed and you are not authorized to drive. Violating a suspension or revocation is illegal. To be able to drive again, you are required to first reinstate your license if you are eligible to do so.

There are some differences between a suspension and a revocation. A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges for a specific amount of time, while a revocation is the termination of your driving privileges for an undetermined amount of time. If your license is suspended, you must wait for the suspension period to expire or take any required steps to end the suspension, such as paying an unpaid traffic ticket. If your license is revoked, you will have to wait for a minimum amount of time before you can request reinstatement and apply for a new license.

If you don’t know the status of your license, you may obtain a certified copy of your driving record through the MVA eStore.

Tip

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In Maryland, you will face a DUI conviction if you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. If an officer suspects you are driving under the influence of a substance or impaired by alcohol, you can be requested to take any type of test.

If the test proves you are driving under the influence or if you refuse to take the test, your license will be confiscated and you will be given an order of suspension and an advice of rights form. The suspension penalties are as follows:

The DW&S will review your driving record, and if you are eligible for reinstatement, they will give you an application form that you must return to them completed. They DW&S will then mail you a final letter denying or granting your reinstatement. If you are granted the reinstatement, take the letter to an MVA office to complete the process and apply for a new license.

Driving Under the Influence

BAC 0.08 to 0.14

1st offense: 180-day suspension 1st offense involving fatality: 180-day suspension 2nd or subsequent offense: 180-day suspension2nd or subsequent offense involving fatality: One-year suspension

BAC 0.15 or more

1st offense: 180-day suspension 1st offense involving fatality: One-year suspension 2nd or subsequent offense: 180-day suspension2nd or subsequent offense involving fatality: Revocation

Refusing to Take the Test

1st offense: 270-day suspension 2nd or subsequent offense: Two-year suspension

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Getting Your

Maryland ID Card

If you are unable or unwilling to obtain a driver’s license, you may apply for a Maryland identification card instead. Having an ID card allows you to prove your identity in a number of important contexts. If you want to obtain your first Maryland ID card, you need to know the proper procedures and steps to take. In this section, we will guide you through the process of how to obtain, replace, renew and update your ID card so you will be prepared for all situations.

When it comes to obtaining your ID card, the process is similar to applying for a driver’s license. However, there is no minimum age to obtain an ID card. Here are the steps to follow when applying for your ID card:

How to Apply for an ID Card

Visit an MVA office.

Have your picture taken.

Pay the fee.

Surrender your current license or ID (if applicable).

Present sources of proof for identity and Maryland residency. You can consult the MVA Online Document Guide to help you find the right documents.

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The validity term is eight years for those 18 years of age or older and five years for people younger than 18 years of age. Any ID holder who is eligible to renew online or by Kiosk will be required to renew using one of these methods.

To renew your Maryland ID card online, you must:

If you want to request a duplicate ID card online, you:

Online Renewal Requirements

Have a valid non-expired ID card.

Must be older than 18 years of age.

Cannot have a bad check flag.

Cannot have an alert on your record.

Cannot have an unpaid restoration fee.

Cannot be applying for your 3rd or more duplicate ID.

Must have a verified Social Security number on file.

Cannot have a limited term ID (indicated by a T restriction).

Be 18 years of age or older.

Have a retrievable signature on file with the MVA.

Have a verifiable Social Security Number or a current ID card with a “U” restriction.

Have an acceptable digital photo image on file with the MVA.

Have a verified Maryland residential address on record.

Have received your last ID card in person at an MVA office.

Online Duplicate Requirements

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New/Renewed ID Card (younger than 18 years of age) $15

Fees:

New/Renewed ID Card (Qualifying disability/65 years of age or older) No fee

New/Renewed ID Card (18 years of age or older) $24

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Vehicle

Safety Tips

Before you get behind the wheel, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is safe and prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Be sure to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly and your tires are inflated and not worn out. Have the steering and suspensions checked by a mechanic.

One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid items, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel and extra gloves and socks.

One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that is prone to ice and snowfall. Consider the tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Emergency Kit

Winter Driving

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Don’t Rush!

Don’t Panic if You Skid or Slip

Check Your Vehicle

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after snowfall. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while you are driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive or flying off and hitting someone while the vehicle is in motion.

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Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These unfortunate events can be prevented if drivers plan ahead of time and take certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous actions you can perform. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure to avoid texting, using the internet on your phone or receiving calls while you drive.

If you drive often, you can start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and avoiding speeding. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive. Therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is properly tuned.

Aggressive driving and drivers should both be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you engage in any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and continue moving.

Drinking and Driving

Using Your Phone

Wasting Gas

Aggressive Driving

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Official

Forms

Classroom Student Record and Completion Form Here

Change of Address Form Here

Practice Skills Log Here

Learner’s Permit School Attendance Certification Here

Vision Screening Form Here

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MVA

Hours and Locations

There are several options available in case you need to visit or contact a MVA office. You may find all the MVA offices here. You may enter your location and select an MVA office from the map or the menu. Once you click on a location, you will be redirected to a new window that displays the particular office’s contact information, address, hours and services. Have you ever visited the MVA and realized that you forgot a document? Save the trip, time and money by using the MVA’s online services. Many transactions such as renewing or replacing your license, changing your address and getting your driving record can be processed online without the need of calling or visiting the MVA. Learn more here.

To contact the MVA with any questions, use the following contact information:

MVA Mailing Address6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062

MVA TelephoneCustomer Service: 410-768-7000 (Available 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).

Call Center: 1-800-950-16821-800-492-4575 (for the hearing impaired)

MVA Customer Service Email MVACS@mdot.state.md.us

MVA Fax 410-424-3050

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