A 17-year-old received a Maryland provisional license 30 days ago. There is no qualified supervising adult in the car. May the driver carry a 16-year-old friend who is not a relative?

Correct answer: No; the initial under-18 passenger restriction applies.

Why

For a provisional driver under 18, the restriction on passengers under 18 applies from original issuance until the 151st day. It does not apply under immediate supervision by a driver age 21 or older, licensed in the vehicle class for at least three years and seated beside the provisional driver. Exceptions cover the listed spouse, child, stepchild, sibling and stepsibling relationships, and a relative living at the same address. An unrelated friend does not qualify.

Verified against Maryland Driver’s Manual and current Transportation Article · Passenger during the provisional period · p. 47