Are you looking for a complete 2024 guide on how to get your driver’s license in Maine?
Do you want a guide that gives ALL the information, so you’re not left with any questions?
Well, this is the article for you.
Here, we’re going to get into the details of the Maine driver’s license requirements. We’ll walk you through all the steps.
We’ll even include an FAQ section for more information.
So are you ready?
Let’s begin!
How to Get A Driver’s License in Maine
You can start working towards your Maine driver’s license once you turn 15 years old.
However, you will have to go through the full Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which includes:
- Learner’s permit
- Intermediate license
- Unrestricted driver’s license
This program helps young drivers be familiar with the road before taking responsibility as full, unrestricted license holders.
Now, let’s go through each GDL stage one by one.
How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Maine
First up — your learner’s permit.
This permit allows you to practice driving, but you must always be supervised by someone who is at least 20 years old and has had a driver’s license for at least 2 years.
You are also not permitted to use a cell phone while behind the wheel. Yes, even if it’s in hands-free mode.
That out of the way, let’s look at the steps on how to get your learner’s permit in Maine:
- Complete a state-approved driver’s education course (this is only required for teens below 18 years old). Click here for a list of approved providers.
- Apply for a learner’s permit by submitting the required documents:
- Printed and filled out Non-Commercial Class C Application form (MVE-64)
- Two proofs of identification (click here for acceptable IDs)
- Proof of Maine residency (click here for valid documents). If a minor can’t provide evidence for this, you need to submit a residency eligibility affidavit filled up and signed by a parent or legal guardian
- Proof of legal presence in the US (click here for valid documents)
- Driver’s ed completion certificate (if applicable)
NOTE: you can submit these documents at a local BMV office or through the mail. If you decide to submit it through the mail, use this address: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Driver License Services Division, Examination Section, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029.
- Pay the fee of $35. Make sure to enclose a check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State if mailing your application.
- The BMV will process your documents and you will be notified of your written exam schedule within three weeks.
- Go to your testing center on the date of your exam.
- Pass a vision exam. Alternatively, you can take a vision exam outside the testing center, but have your doctor fill out this Eye Examination form.
- Pass the written exam. You can prepare for this test by reading the Maine Driver’s License Manual.
- Receive your learner’s permit.
And you’re finished with stage one!
You can now get a taste of driving in the Maine roadways — but don’t forget your restrictions.
How to Get an Intermediate License in Maine
The next step is to get an intermediate license.
Now, with an intermediate license, you get more freedom. However, there are still restrictions, including:
- You cannot carry a passenger(s) that is not part of your immediate family unless you are supervised by an adult (20 years old) that has held a license for 2 years.
- You cannot drive between 12 midnight to 5 am.
- You cannot use an electronic mobile device while driving, even if it’s hands-free.
NOTE: if you are caught disobeying these restrictions, your intermediate license can be suspended OR you will be delayed in getting an unrestricted driver’s license.
Now that we understand more about the intermediate license, let’s see how to get it:
- Hold your learner’s permit for 6 months. If you need more time, you can hold it longer; just remember that permits expire in 2 years.
- Be at least 16 years old but below 21 years old
- Log 70 hours of driving practice, 10 hours must be done at night. You must submit a Driving Log form (MVE-21) filled out and certified by a parent or legal guardian.
- Schedule a road test by mailing the Driving Log Form to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
- Wait for the BMV to give you an exam appointment notice for the date, time, and location of the road test.
- Go to the testing center and bring:
- Your learner’s permit
- Your exam appointment notice
- Your vehicle or a borrowed one (if borrowed, show proof of owner agreement)
- Vehicle registration and auto insurance policy
- Vehicle inspection card/sticker
- Pass the driving test.
- Surrender your learner’s permit.
- Receive your intermediate license.
You’re doing great!
Now you are almost a fully licensed driver in Maine.
How to Get an Unrestricted License in Maine
If you don’t commit any violation of your intermediate license restrictions, then, after 270 days the restrictions will be lifted.
Keep in mind, though, that this is not yet the unrestricted license. Instead, it is considered a juvenile provisional license. With this, any moving violation will mean instant license suspension.
Once you turn 21 years old, simply renew your juvenile provisional license to a full, unrestricted one.
Congrats! You made it!
However, what if you’re getting your first license at the age of 21+ years old?
Well, let’s go over the steps for you:
- Get a learner’s permit (see the steps above)
NOTE: for adults above 21+ years old, you don’t have to hold your permit for 6 months. You can choose to take the road test right away if you’re ready for it. They are also not required to fulfill the 70-hour driving practice.
- Schedule a road test by mailing the road test request card (found on the reverse side of your learner’s permit) to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
- When you receive your appointment notice, go to the testing center and bring:
- Your learner’s permit
- Your exam appointment notice
- Your own vehicle or a borrowed one (if borrowed, show proof of owner agreement)
- Vehicle registration and auto insurance policy
- Vehicle inspection card/sticker
- Pass the road test
- Get a provisional license. If you commit any moving violation with this license, it will be suspended right away.
- Renew your provisional license to a full, unrestricted license after 1 year
And there you have it.
The steps are similar to if you start as a teen, but the process is a lot faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about the license application process in Maine? Here are some FAQs that can help you.
How long does it take to get a Maine driver’s license?
If you start at age 15, you need to wait until you’re 21 years old before you get a full, unrestricted driver’s license. This already includes the 6-month holding period for your learner’s permit, the 270 days wait for your intermediate license restrictions to be lifted, and the 2-year juvenile provisional license.
But if you apply when you’re at least 21 years old, the process becomes a lot shorter. You just need a learner’s permit, which you can hold however long you want, and go straight to a provisional license, and then an unrestricted license.
How many times can you fail your driver’s test in Maine?
You can take the road test as many times as you can. There are no limits. However, failing each time will bring delays to getting a driver’s license. Plus, you will have to request another road test request card from the main BMV office.
Is the Maine road test hard?
This depends on whether you have practiced well before the test. The road test examiner will ask you to show basic driving and parking skills, as well as your understanding of the rules of the road. So make sure you practice.
Is parallel parking required in Maine?
You’re not asked to parallel park in the Maine road test, but it’s better to know how to do so.
How many questions are on the written test in Maine?
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. To pass it, you need to get 24 items correct.
Conclusion
That’s your full guide to the Maine driver’s license requirements.
Sure, the process can take a while. However, with this guide, you will know what you can expect ahead of time.
Just take it slowly but surely — in no time, you’ll be a fully licensed driver in Maine.
So what are you waiting for?
If you are at least 15 years old, you can get started today!
Good luck!