MARYLAND MVA TO REQUIRE FOREIGN DRIVER’S LICENSE HOLDERS TO PASS WRITTEN TEST
In a move aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring consistency among all drivers on Maryland roads, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has announced a new requirement for foreign driver’s license holders. Starting January 1st, 2023, all individuals with foreign driver’s licenses seeking to drive in the state of Maryland will be required to pass a written test to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.
The decision comes as a response to a growing number of foreign-born residents in Maryland, many of whom have been driving on foreign licenses that may not meet the same standards as those required in the United States. According to the MVA, the new requirement is designed to ensure that all drivers on Maryland roads have a basic understanding of the state’s traffic laws and regulations, ultimately leading to safer roads for all residents.
“We want to ensure that all drivers on our roads are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely,” said MVA spokesperson, Sarah Johnson. “By requiring foreign driver’s license holders to pass a written test, we are taking a proactive step towards improving road safety and reducing the number of accidents caused by drivers who may not be familiar with Maryland’s traffic laws.”
The written test will cover a range of topics including road signs, traffic signals, right of way, and other essential driving information. Foreign driver’s license holders will be required to pass the test with a score of at least 80% in order to obtain a Maryland driver’s license. The test will be available in multiple languages to accommodate non-native English speakers, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent individuals from obtaining a license.
While some may see the new requirement as an additional hurdle for foreign-born residents, many support the MVA’s decision as a necessary step towards improving road safety. “I think it’s important for everyone who drives in Maryland to have a basic understanding of the rules of the road,” said Maryland resident, Emily Chang. “If this helps reduce the number of accidents and makes our roads safer, then it’s definitely worth it.”
In addition to passing the written test, foreign driver’s license holders will still be required to meet other standard requirements for obtaining a Maryland driver’s license, including a vision test, road skills test, and providing proof of identity and residency. The MVA has also clarified that individuals with valid international driver’s permits issued by the driver’s home country will still be able to drive in Maryland for up to one year without the need for a Maryland driver’s license.
Overall, the new requirement for foreign driver’s license holders to pass a written test reflects the MVA’s commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that all drivers on Maryland roads are qualified and knowledgeable. By equipping drivers with the necessary skills and information, the MVA hopes to reduce the number of accidents and enhance the overall driving experience for all residents. The new requirement will go into effect on January 1st, 2023, giving foreign driver’s license holders ample time to prepare and study for the written test.
