1. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration requires that all new driving instructors go through
a six month apprenticeship programs to become a certified driving instructor in the State of
Maryland. There are several steps in this process. To start you must be associated with a driving
school. If you are interested in starting the process with ADA, please complete the application
above or contact the school directly. The Instructor Eligibility requirements are:
 Be at least 21 years of age or older;
 Possess a high school certificate of graduation or its equivalent – You may not use a transcript as a proof of your degree,
unless it states that a degree was awarded; and,
 Have a valid driver’s license issued by Maryland, or another state, to drive the class of vehicle you will be using in the
program.
 If you have not lived in Maryland for at least one (1) year, you must also provide a certified copy of your driving record
for at least the last three (3) years, and the results of a criminal background check from your previous home state/country.
Once you are hired by a driving school, you will need to complete a certification application
package for the Apprentice License, begin to study the Code of Maryland Regulation (COMAR),
observe and practice teaching both classroom and Behind the Wheel instruction. This package
can be obtained from the MVA, Driver Education Services Department or from the driving
school. This package includes:
 An Application and Fee
 Copy of Driving record for three (3) years
 Criminal Background Check
 Copy of High School Diploma or Equivalent
 Letter stating there is no medical reason that would restrict teaching ability
The Division will review your application materials to verify that everything complete. Then you
will be scheduled to come into the Driver Instructional Services Division office located in the
Glen Burnie MVA office to complete a 3 part evaluation.
 Written Exam covering information in the COMAR document
 Teaching Skills evaluation to demonstrate competency and proficiency in teaching

2.  Behind the Wheel Skills evaluation to demonstrate driving ability and teaching proficiency in the car
After successfully completing the evaluation you will be given an Apprentice License and can
begin driving instruction. Before this point an applicant is not allowed to teach courses.If you
have five (5) or more points on your Maryland driver record, or if you were convicted of a
violation in another state that would have resulted in five points in Maryland, you will be
disqualified. Also, if you have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude you will be
disqualified.
For more detailed information, please refer to Code of Maryland Regulations.