i have not had a driver license since i was 19 yrs old. i am 49 now and live in maryland. i origonally had a delaware license. how can i check to see if and how to get a maryland drivers license?

It’s great that you’re looking to get a Maryland driver’s license! Since you haven’t had a license in a long time and your previous one was from Delaware, you will likely need to go through the process for new Maryland residents. Here’s how you can check the requirements and steps:

1. Visit the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Website:

• The official website is the best place to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can find it by searching “Maryland MVA” on any search engine.
• Look for sections related to “Driver’s Licensing,” “New to Maryland,” or “Obtaining a Driver’s License.”

2. Check the Requirements for New Maryland Residents:

• Surrendering Your Out-of-State License: You will likely need to surrender your old Delaware license. If you don’t have it, you may need to provide a certified driving record from Delaware.
• Vision Screening: You will need to pass a vision test. This can be done at an MVA branch or by submitting a completed vision screening form from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Knowledge Test: Since your Delaware license has been expired for a significant period (30 years), you will likely need to pass the Maryland knowledge test (written test). You can prepare for this by studying the Maryland Driver’s Manual, which is usually available on the MVA website. Some online practice tests are also available.
• Skills Test (Driving Test): It’s also highly probable that you will need to pass the driving skills test to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle. You will need to provide a vehicle for this test that has valid registration and insurance.
• Proof of Identity, Age, and Residency: You will need to provide documentation to prove your identity, age, and that you are a resident of Maryland. The MVA website will have a detailed list of acceptable documents. This typically includes:
  • Proof of Identity and Age: Original or certified copy of your birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or a valid permanent resident card.
  • Proof of Social Security Number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a Social Security Administration document.
  • Proof of Maryland Residency (two documents): Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or official mail from government agencies with your Maryland address.
• Driver Education: Maryland law requires all new drivers to complete a driver’s education course. Since you haven’t held a license in many years, you might be required to take a 30-hour classroom course and 6 hours of in-car driving instruction from a certified driving school. Check the MVA’s requirements based on your situation.
• Fees: There will be fees associated with the knowledge test, skills test, and the issuance of your driver’s license. The current fee schedule should be available on the MVA website.

3. Steps to Getting Your Maryland Driver’s License:

Based on the likelihood that you’ll be treated as a new resident due to the long period without a license, here are the general steps you’ll need to take:

• Study for the Knowledge Test: Obtain the Maryland Driver’s Manual and study it thoroughly. Consider using online practice tests.
• Schedule a Learner’s Permit Appointment (Potentially): Depending on Maryland’s specific rules for reinstating a long-expired out-of-state license, you might need to apply for a learner’s permit first, pass the knowledge and vision tests, and hold the permit for a certain period while practicing driving.
• Complete Driver Education (If Required): Enroll in and complete a Maryland-approved driver education course.
• Practice Driving: If you obtain a learner’s permit, ensure you get the required supervised driving practice. The amount of required practice time can vary based on age. For those 25 and older, it’s typically 14 hours (3 at night).
• Schedule Your Skills Test: Once you feel prepared and have met any learner’s permit holding requirements, schedule your driving skills test at an MVA branch. You’ll need to bring a legally operating vehicle with you.
• Pass the Skills Test: Successfully complete the driving test.
• Obtain Your Provisional License (Potentially): Maryland uses a graduated licensing system for new drivers. You might initially receive a provisional license with certain restrictions.
• Receive Your Full Driver’s License: After holding the provisional license for a specific period (if applicable) without any violations, it will automatically convert to a full Maryland driver’s license. You will likely receive an attachment card in the mail.

How to Check Your Specific Requirements:

• Use the Online Document Guide: The Maryland MVA website has an online document guide that can help you determine exactly what documents you will need to bring based on your situation (e.g., transferring from out-of-state, never licensed before, etc.).
• Contact the MVA Directly: If you have specific questions or want to confirm the exact process for your situation, you can contact the Maryland MVA customer service by phone or email. You may also consider visiting a local MVA branch for personalized guidance.

Given your situation, it’s important to start by checking the “New to Maryland” or “Driver’s Licensing” sections of the Maryland MVA website. This will provide you with the most accurate steps and requirements you need to follow to obtain your Maryland driver’s license.