Maine

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If you have a Maine learner's permit, you may only drive with a licensed supervising driver at least 20 years, who has been licensed themselves for at least 2 years, seated next to you. You may NOT use any sort of handheld communication device while driving. If you're under 21 years old, you must hold your permit for at least 6 months before applying for a license.

If you have a provisional license, there are age-based restrictions and requirements that you must adhere to:

• Under 18 years old:
  • You may NOT:
    • Carry any passengers other than immediate family members unless you're accompanied by your parent, guardian, or a licensed driver at least 20 years old who has held their license for at least 2 years.
    • Drive between 12 AM or 5 AM
    • Use your cell phone while driving
  • You MUST hold your license for at least 270 days with no traffic violations before the above restrictions fall off. If you incur any violations during the 2-year provisional period, your license will be suspended.
• 18 to 20 years old:
  • There are no driving restrictions; however, you must remain violation-free for the full 2-year provisional period or risk suspension.
• 21 years old and up:
  • There are no driving restrictions; however, you must remain violation-free for the full 1-year provisional period or risk suspension.

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive either your official driver's license or a temporary license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

You may drive only when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 20 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, who has held their own license for at least 2 years.

No, your photo will be taken at the licensing office where you apply.

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Once you pass your road test, the licensing agent will give you either your official license or a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your local licensing office for specifics.

The BMV will schedule your license appointment at your nearest licensing office with open availability.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To apply for your Maine driver's license when you're at least 18 years old, you'll need:

• Your learner's permit and appointment notice.
• A completed:
  • Non-Commercial Class C Application (form MVE-64).
  • Certification of Driving Time, if you're under 21 years old.
• Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Maine residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The ME BMV provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well as a checklist of REAL ID documents.
• Payment for the applicable license fee:
  • REAL ID license:
    • Under 65 years old: $55
    • 65 years old and up: $40
  • Non-REAL ID license:
    • Under 65 years old: $30
    • 65 years old and up: $20

You'll need:

• Your learner's permit and appointment notice.
• A completed:
  • Non-Commercial Class C Application (form MVE-64) with your parent/guardian's signature to provide consent.
  • Certification of Driving Time.
• Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence one of these MUST be your birth certificate or passport.
  • Maine residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The ME BMV provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well as a checklist of REAL ID documents.
• Payment for the applicable license fee:
  • REAL ID license:
    • Under 65 years old: $55
    • 65 years old and up: $40
  • Non-REAL ID license:
    • Under 65 years old: $30
    • 65 years old and up: $20

To apply for a ME intermediate license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your learner license and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete at least 70 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a license as an adult in Maine, you must:

• Have earned your learner license and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete at least 70 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you turn at least 16 and you have:

• Earned your learner's permit.
  • If you're under 21 years old, you must also hold it for at least 6 months.
• Completed your behind-the-wheel practice hours, if you're under 21 years old.

You may be able to apply for a work-restricted license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. All applicants will have to first petition the BMV to receive a judgment approving you for a hardship license.

You can request a hardship license by petitioning the BMV via the Work-Restricted Driver's License Petition (form DI-28) and paying the $50 reinstatement fee.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the Maine Driver's Handbook! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver at least 20 years old may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with ME laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at driver licensing offices throughout the state.

• Permit/written exam: $35
• REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $55
  • 65 years old and up: $40
• Non-REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $30
  • 65 years old and up: $20

The Maine Driver Handbook is available online and at your local driver licensing office.

You can get an intermediate driver's license once you're at least 16 years old. If you're under 21 years old, you must also have held a learner's permit for at least 6 months and have completed your required practice hours. If you're 21 or older, you must have first earned a permit, but there are no required holding periods or practice hours before applying for your license.

• Permit/written exam: $35
• REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $55
  • 65 years old and up: $40
• Non-REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $30
  • 65 years old and up: $20

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are at least 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

You will need to provide:

• A completed Non-Commercial Class C Application (form MVE-64) with your parent/guardian's signature to provide their consent.
• Proofs of your:
  • Identification one of these MUST be your birth certificate or passport.
  • Citizenship or legal presence.
  • Maine residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The ME BMV provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well as a checklist of REAL ID documents.
• Your Social Security number.
  • If it's not currently on file with the BMV and you're submitting your documents by mail, you'll need proof of your SSN.
• Your driver education completion certificate.

You may apply for your learner's permit once you're at least 15 years old.

To get your learner's permit, either mail in the following documents to the address listed on the application form or submit them to your local driver license office:

• A completed Non-Commercial Class C Application (form MVE-64).
  • If you're under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your form to provide their consent.
• Proofs of your:
  • Identification for minors, one of these MUST be your birth certificate or passport.
  • Citizenship or legal presence.
  • Maine residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The ME BMV provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well as a checklist of REAL ID documents.
• Your Social Security number.
  • If it's not currently on file with the BMV and you're submitting your documents by mail, you'll need proof of your SSN.
• Your driver education completion certificate, if you're under 18 years old.
• Payment for the $35 permit application/exam fee.

The BMV will process your documents and schedule you for your written exam. Once the BMV has scheduled your appointment, visit your driver license office to take and pass the appropriate exams:

• Vision test: All applicants.
  • You can alternatively have your doctor complete an Eye Examination Form (MD-FR-103/MVE-103) and mail that in with your documents listed above.
• Written knowledge exam: Applicants who have NOT taken a driver education course.
  • This means applicants under 18 years old should not have to retest, while applicants 18 and older will need to take the written exam.

What kind of questions should I expect on the ME permit test?

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between sundown and sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit in residential or built-up areas is:

1. 50 MPH
2. 45 MPH
3. 40 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Maine practice test.

All drivers under 18 years old must have completed a driver's education program before applying for a learner's permit or driver's license.

The Maine Driver's Handbook has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a Maine permit.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide their consent. If you are 18 or older, no one needs to accompany you other than the supervising driver who drove you to the licensing office.

You can contact your local driver licensing office by phone. You can contact the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles online or by phone.

You may apply for your learner's permit once you're 15 years old.

If you hold a learner's permit, you may only drive with a licensed supervising driver at least 20 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, who has held their license for at least 2 years.

If you have a provisional license, there are age-based restrictions and requirements that you must adhere to:

• Under 18 years old:
  • You may NOT:
    • Carry any passengers other than immediate family members unless you're accompanied by your parent, guardian, or a licensed driver at least 20 years old who has held their license for at least 2 years.
    • Drive between 12 AM or 5 AM
    • Use your cell phone while driving
  • You MUST hold your license for at least 270 days with no traffic violations before the above restrictions fall off. If you incur any violations during the 2-year provisional period, your license will be suspended.
• 18 to 20 years old:
  • There are no driving restrictions; however, you must remain violation-free for the full 2-year provisional period or risk suspension.
• 21 years old and up:
  • There are no driving restrictions; however, you must remain violation-free for the full 1-year provisional period or risk suspension.

You may only drive with your Maine instruction permit when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 20 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, who has held their license for at least 2 years.

You'll need to complete a Non-Commercial Class C Application (form MVE-64).

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

All first-time driver's license applicants in Maine under 18 years old must complete a driver's education course that consists of 30 classroom hours and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

Before earning your learner's permit in Maine, you must first be at least 15 years old and have completed your driver's education course if you're under 18 years old. Otherwise, there are no prerequisites.

To apply for your ME learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Have completed your required driver's education program, if you're under 18 years old.
• Complete the Non-Commercial Class C Application (form MVE-64).
  • If you're under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your form to provide their consent.
• Submit your proofs of:
  • Identification for minors, one of these MUST be your birth certificate or passport.
  • Citizenship or legal presence.
  • Maine residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The ME BMV provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well as a checklist of REAL ID documents.
• Pass a:
  • Vision screening.
  • Written knowledge exam.
• Pay the $35 permit application/exam fee.

You may need to pass a vision exam if your renewal notice states so. This applies particularly to drivers over 40 years old you must retest your vision at your first renewal after turning 40, and every second renewal thereafter.

Typically no; you can renew your license online or in person.

Many drivers can renew online, and the BMV highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal. If you're transitioning from a non-compliant license to a REAL ID license, you'll need to do your renewal in person (this is a one-time requirement so you can submit your additional identity documents).

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the applicable renewal fees:

• REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $55
  • 65 years old and up: $40
• Non-REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $30
  • 65 years old and up: $20

To renew in person, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your ME driver's license online or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Maine expire every 6 years if you're under 65 years old, or every 4 years if you're 65 or older. You should receive a notice up to 45 days prior to its expiration.

License renewals in Maine are as follows:

• REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $55
  • 65 years old and up: $40
• Non-REAL ID license:
  • Under 65 years old: $30
  • 65 years old and up: $20

No, there is no one else permitted to be in the vehicle during your road exam except for your examiner.

No, you must take your knowledge test in person at a driver licensing office or during your driver's education program.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your application.

The Maine permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Maine Driver's Handbook, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, the BMV will schedule your testing appointment after you have submitted your application and requirement documents and the agency has processed them.

Contact your local driver licensing office to see if they offer Saturday appointments. The BMV will schedule your appointment time for you at their discretion.

Yes, all drivers in Maine must obtain a learner's permit prior to applying for a driver's license.

Mail in your road test appointment request card you received when you applied for your permit. The BMV will notify you of your scheduled road test date and location.

After passing your ME permit exam, applicants under 21 years old will need to:

• Hold their permit for at least 6 months with no traffic violations.
• Complete the 70 required practice hours of driving.

Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your intermediate license as long as you're at least 16 years old.

If you're at least 21 years old when earning your permit, there are no required driving hours or holding periods before taking your road test.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

Your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again.

If you fail your exam, your examiner will let you know what the waiting period is before you can retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Maine, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Maine driver's license within 30 days.

Yes, as long as you are a non-resident who is at least 16 years old. If you establish residency in the state, you must convert your out-of-state permit to a ME permit.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired. If it has expired, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

If you hold a provisional/intermediate license, you may need to pass the driving test if you cannot provide proof that you passed an out-of-state driver education course.

You must obtain a Maine license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must answer at least 24 questions correctly on the knowledge exam to pass.

There are 30 total questions on the Maine BMV written knowledge exam.

You can miss up to 6 questions on the Maine permit test.