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Maine driving lesson · Your Driver's License

Getting your learner's permit

A 3-minute lesson from the Maine course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Your Driver's License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
7

A learner's permit is your first step. In Maine you can get one at 15 by passing a written knowledge test, and it lets you practice only with a qualified licensed driver sitting right beside you.

Know the rule

Any Maine resident who wants to drive a motor vehicle in Maine needs a Maine license. New residents with a valid license from another state must surrender it and apply for a Maine license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Handbook p. 7 ↗

You may drive in Maine without a Maine driver's license if you are:

  • A resident with a valid learner's permit, accompanied by a qualified licensed driver
  • A non-resident at least 16 with a valid license or learner's permit from your home state
  • Military personnel with a valid military license, operating a military vehicle
Handbook p. 7 ↗
15

Minimum age to get a Maine learner's permit

Handbook p. 7 ↗

Know the rule

If you are under 18 you must complete an approved driver education course, and every permit applicant must pass the driver knowledge written examination.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
2 years

How long a learner's permit is generally valid

Handbook p. 7 ↗

Your supervising driver must:

  • Be at least 20 years of age
  • Have held a valid license for a minimum of 2 years
  • Sit in the seat next to you (adjacent to the driver)
  • Be licensed to drive the class of vehicle you are operating
Handbook p. 7 ↗

Know the rule

Using a mobile telephone or handheld electronic device is prohibited by law when driving in Maine.

Handbook p. 7 ↗

Applying at a branch office:

  • Written exams and vision screenings are offered on a scheduled basis at all Motor Vehicle branch offices
  • Bring two forms of identification, for example a birth certificate and a social security card
  • Your social security number must be provided, though it is not displayed on the license
  • A birth certificate or passport is required from applicants up to and including age 22
  • Photocopied birth certificates need an embossed seal or issuing-agency stamp; notarized copies are refused
Handbook p. 7 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 15 with a new permit. Your 19-year-old sister, licensed for 3 years, offers to ride along. She can't supervise you: she's under 20. Your uncle, 40 and licensed for 20 years, can, as long as he sits in the front passenger seat.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What is the minimum age to apply for a Maine learner's permit?
  1. 16
  2. 17
  3. 15
  4. 14

Answer: 15

Maine requires applicants to be at least 15 years old to obtain a learner's permit.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
How long is a Maine learner's permit generally valid?
  1. 6 months
  2. 2 years
  3. 1 year
  4. 4 years

Answer: 2 years

A learner's permit is generally valid for 2 years from issuance.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
A permit holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least what age and has held a license for at least 2 years?
  1. 18
  2. 19
  3. 20
  4. 21

Answer: 20

The accompanying licensed driver must be at least 20 years old with at least 2 years of licensed driving experience.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
Which requirement applies to the licensed driver accompanying a Maine permit holder?
  1. They must own the vehicle
  2. They must be over 25
  3. They must be licensed for the class of vehicle being driven
  4. They must be a parent or guardian

Answer: They must be licensed for the class of vehicle being driven

The accompanying operator must be licensed to drive the class of vehicle being operated, not just hold any license.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
Two forms of identification are required to apply for a permit. Which example does the handbook give?
  1. A library card and utility bill
  2. A birth certificate and social security card
  3. A school ID and report card
  4. A lease and pay stub

Answer: A birth certificate and social security card

The handbook gives a birth certificate and social security card as an example of the two required forms of ID.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
A resident who holds a valid learner's permit may drive alone as long as they stay on local roads.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

A permit holder must always be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 20 years old with 2 years of experience.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
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