Before a driver is granted a driver’s license in Maryland, there is the provisional license phase, where the driver gains experience by driving without supervision but with restrictions. The restrictions include the use of a cellphone, transporting passengers, driving at night or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
All provisional drivers must maintain a clean driving record for 18 months before they are eligible for a full Maryland driver’s license, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. With a provisional license, you may drive without a supervising driver.
Restrictions:
Provisional drivers under the age of 21 may not drive with any measurable alcohol in their systems.
For provisional license holders under the age of 18 may not drive with passengers under the age of 18, other than immediate family members, for the first 151 days without a qualified supervising driver, and may not drive between midnight at 5 am unless:
-a supervised, licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has three years of driving is with them,
-you are driving to or from a job, official school activity, organized volunteer program or are participating in an athletic event or related training session.
Provisional drivers may not use any wireless communication device, including a hands-free device and must use a safety belt for every trip as well as passengers.
Any conviction or probation before judgment with a provisional license will restart the 18-month time period one must hold the provisional license.
