What minimum age must one be to apply for a provisional license in Maryland?

Answer: D — 16 years and 6 months

To apply for a provisional license in Maryland, an individual must be at least 16 years and 6 months old. This requirement is part of Maryland's Graduated Licensing System, which is designed to ensure that young drivers gain sufficient experience under safer conditions before obtaining a full license. The provisional license allows teens to gain driving experience while still having certain restrictions in place, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents among inexperienced drivers. While options like 16 years and 17 years might seem plausible, they do not meet the specific age requirement set by Maryland law. The emphasis on a minimum age of 16 years and 6 months ensures that applicants have completed adequate driver education and behind-the-wheel training before becoming provisional drivers.