Free Maine Permit Practice Tests 2026

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a permit in Maine. This applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Maine you will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Maine residency (showing you live in Maine)
• Social Security number (card or verification document)
• Parental consent form (if under 18)
• Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license additional documentation may be required. Check the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Give consent for you to get a permit
• If your parents or guardians have joint custody, either parent with legal custody may sign the application

The process in Maine is as follows:

1. Fill out a permit application
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the application fee
4. Pass the written test
5. Pass the vision test

If you’re under 18 you must also:

• Have a parent or guardian sign to approve your application
• Provide proof of school enrollment or completion

Maine allows you to download the application form online but you must visit a BMV office or testing location in person to complete the application, submit your documents, take your vision test and complete your written test.

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges a non-refundable application fee for a permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test and issuing your permit. Check the Maine BMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Maine you must pass:

• A vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices

The Maine permit written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80%) to pass the test.

The Maine permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Maine permit test:

• Study the Maine Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Maine Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to make sure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Maine permit test:

• You can retake the test after waiting at least one day
• You may need to pay a retest fee for each additional attempt
• If you fail multiple times it’s recommended to study more thoroughly before attempting again

With a Maine learner’s permit you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a valid license for at least two years
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test and driver’s license

When driving with a learner’s permit in Maine you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 20 years old with at least two years of driving experience in the front passenger seat
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, including hands-free mode
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed driver at least 20 years old who has held a valid license for at least two years)

In Maine, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test
• You must complete at least 70 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours of night driving
• You must complete a driver education course

If you are 18 or older:

• No minimum holding period for your permit
• Practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

Maine requires different driver education based on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Yes, you must complete a driver education course before you can take your road test for a driver’s license
• You can get your permit before completing driver education

If you are 18 or older:

• No, driver education is not required, but recommended to become a better driver

In Maine, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• A state-approved driver education course (30 hours of classroom instruction)
• 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor
• 10 hours of behind-the-wheel observation
• 70 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night) with a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a valid license for at least 2 years

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, but recommended

You can find Maine-approved driver education programs by:

• Visiting the Maine BMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Looking for instructors who are certified by the Maine BMV
• Checking with your high school for driver education offerings

The Maine road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the examiner will check your vehicle to make sure it’s safe, registered and insured.

You can schedule your road test in Maine by:

• Going to the Maine BMV website
• Using the BMV’s online scheduling system
• Calling your local BMV office

On the day of your road test in Maine, bring:

• Your valid learner’s permit
• A licensed driver who can legally drive with you
• A properly registered, insured, and inspected vehicle for your test
• Proof of completed driver education (if under 18)
• Completed driving log showing your practice hours (if under 18)
• Your appointment confirmation

Common reasons for failing the Maine road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to parallel park

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Maine:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete driver education
• Complete 70 hours of practice driving (10 hours at night)
• Pass the road test
• Pay the fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the fees

Maine’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 15 years old and pass the written test.
• Intermediate License: Must be at least 16 years old, hold your permit for at least 6 months, complete driver education, complete 70 hours of practice driving, and pass the road test.
• Full License: Intermediate restrictions end when you turn 18 or after holding the intermediate license for 270 days (approximately 9 months) without any violations.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in Maine with an intermediate license, you cannot:

• Drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first 270 days (except for work, school, or emergency purposes)
• Carry passengers except for immediate family members for the first 270 days, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a valid license for at least two years
• Use cell phones or other handheld electronic devices while driving

These restrictions apply for 270 days or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

Maine does not recognize out-of-state learner’s permits for driving privileges. If you are moving to Maine with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Maine learner’s permit
• If you’re under 18, you must meet all Maine requirements, including driver education and minimum permit holding periods

Maine offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local BMV office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, Maine issues driver’s licenses and permits to legal residents regardless of citizenship status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
• Proof of Maine residency
• Other required documents
• Visit the Maine BMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the Maine Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any BMV office.

Yes! We have free Maine practice tests that mirror the actual permit test. Our practice tests will help you study the material and get used to the test format before your actual test.

For more information about the Maine permit process:

• Visit the Maine BMV website at maine.gov/sos/bmv
• Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 during business hours
• Visit your local BMV office
• For hearing impaired assistance, call Maine Relay 711

If you lose your Maine learner’s permit:

• Go to your local BMV office
• Bring proof of identity
• Pay the replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can request the cancellation of their teen’s permit or license by writing to the Maine BMV.