How to Get Your Maine Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Maine license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Maine learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Maine residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Maine residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Maine permit knowledge test
The Maine knowledge test has 30 questions; you must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Maine-specific rules. Retake policy: You have 90 days and up to 3 attempts from your application date to pass the written test. You must wait at least one day between attempts and a reexamination fee may apply. If you fail three times or 90 days pass, you must reapply.
The best prep path is to read the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free ME practice test and the full 30-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Maine learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $35).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Maine's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Maine license
Schedule your Maine road test through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $30 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Maine steps in order
As listed by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles:
- Turn 15 and gather proof of identity, Social Security number, and Maine residency.
- Study the Maine Motorist Handbook from the BMV website.
- Visit any Maine BMV branch office and pay the $35 permit fee.
- Pass the vision screening and the 30-question knowledge test (80% to pass).
- Hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months while practicing with a licensed adult age 20 or older.
- Complete an approved Maine driver education course (required if you're under 18).
- Log at least 70 hours of supervised practice driving (including 10 at night) if you're under 18.
- Schedule and pass the road skills test at a BMV office.
- Pay your license fee and receive your Maine driver's license.
FAQ: Getting Your Maine License
How old do I need to be to get a Maine learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Maine learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Maine permit test?
The Maine permit knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Maine permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Maine residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Maine?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver manual lists Maine's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Maine driver license?
Yes — Maine issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free ME practice tests mirror the real Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Maine-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.