First of all, a 16-year-old in Maryland cannot get a license until they are 16 and a half. They must finish a driver education course, ace a written test, and complete a supervised driving time in order to become licensed to drive. For a provisional license, a 16-year-old must have held a learner’s permit for at least nine months and have accrued 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
Second, if a 16-year-old is buying an automobile, they must have a co-signer who will be legally responsible for the vehicle’s ownership and insurance. This co-signer is typically a parent or guardian. The co-signer is also required to sign the title and registration papers for the vehicle.
In regards to whether an 18-year-old can drive in Maryland after midnight, the answer is no. The GDL program in Maryland limits the number of hours that those with provisional licenses—including those under 18—can drive. With some exceptions, such as job, school, or medical crises, provisional license holders are not permitted to drive between the hours of midnight and five in the morning.
The bottom line is that a 16-year-old is able to legally own an automobile in Maryland, but they must meet specific standards in order to get a driver’s license and have a co-signer for the car’s ownership and insurance. In addition, anyone under 18 must adhere to the driving hour restrictions if they are a young driver with a provisional license. To ensure safe and legal driving on Maryland’s highways, heed these recommendations.