Maine Permit Test FAQ

The Maine knowledge test has 30 questions, and you need 24 right (80%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Department of the Secretary of State.

At least 15. You pass the written knowledge exam and a vision screening at a BMV branch, and if you are under 18 you also complete an approved driver education course. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-2)

A licensed driver who is at least 20 years old, has held a valid license for at least 2 years, is licensed for the class of vehicle you are driving, and sits in the seat beside you. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-2)

Generally two years. If it runs out, you take the permit exam again, but you don't have to wait again before asking for a road test. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-2)

Traffic laws, safe driving and vehicle handling, and what highway signs mean, with special weight on Maine's drinking and driving (OUI) laws. The BMV adds pedestrian and bicycle safety and the dangers of distracted driving. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

Yes. The BMV's digital testing system offers the knowledge test in several languages, and since February 1, 2026 the BMV provides a free interpreter for other languages (scheduling can take 4 weeks or more). (Maine BMV: Drivers License Exam)

Be at least 16 with an approved driver education course (or 18 without one). Under 21, hold your permit for 6 months and complete 70 hours of driving, 10 of them at night, with a parent, guardian or spouse certifying the hours. Then pass the road test in a registered, inspected car you bring. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-3 to 1-4)

For 270 days after you pass the road test: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no phone or handheld device use while driving, and no passengers except immediate family unless a licensed driver aged 20 or older with 2 years of experience sits beside you. Breaking a limit means a suspension and another 270 days of limits. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

Your first license is provisional for two years if you get it before 21, or one year if you are 21 or older. A moving violation in that time brings a 30-day suspension, with longer ones for repeat offenses. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

No. From 21 there is no 6-month wait, no driver education course and no driving log, but the ban on handheld devices and mobile phones still applies while you drive on the permit. (Maine BMV: License Age Restrictions)

No handheld phone or electronic device use for any driver. A licensed driver under 18 may not use a mobile phone at all while driving, even hands-free. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-2 to 1-4)

Convictions for many traffic offenses add demerit points. The Secretary of State warns you as your total builds up and suspends your license at 12 points. Points come off your record once they are a year old, and a Driving Dynamics course takes off 3 points (once in any 12 months). (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 1-9)

Driving in Maine means you agree to be tested. You can't be forced, but refusing brings an immediate administrative suspension by the Secretary of State of up to six years, even if a court later finds you not guilty of OUI. (Maine Driver's License Manual, p. 3-9 to 3-10)