Maine Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Maine learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official BMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Maine BMV — How to Obtain a License ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Maine
- At 15+, submit the learner's permit application with identification, Maine residency, citizenship or legal-presence proof, and the $35 fee
- If you are under 18, complete an approved driver education course before applying for the permit
- Pass the vision screening and the 30-question written knowledge test
- Drive only with a supervising driver age 20+ who has held a license at least 2 years, and log 70 practice hours including 10 at night
- Hold the permit at least 6 months, then pass the road test and apply for the Class C license at 16+
Maine GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: You must be accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a license for at least 2 years
- Permit device rule: If a permit is issued to a person under 21 years of age, that person is prohibited from using a cellular phone, handheld electronic device, or mobile telephone while operating with a permit
- Intermediate passenger rule: Intermediate license holders under 18 may not carry passengers other than immediate family members unless accompanied by a licensed operator who meets the supervising-driver requirements
- Intermediate curfew: Intermediate license holders under 18 may not drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- Intermediate cell phone: Intermediate license holders under 18 may not operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone
Documents you'll need
- Learner's Permit application form
- $35 permit examination fee
- Two forms of identification
- Proof of Maine residency
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence
- Driver education completion certificate if under 18
- Birth certificate if younger than 23
The details
- Permit eligibility: Maine learner's permit applicants must be at least 15 years old
- Permit fee details: Class C and Motorcycle Permit Examination (written test) fee
- License fee: $30 — Class C initial license fee for drivers under age 65; REAL ID Class C is $55
- Permit validity: 24 months — Learner's permits are not renewable and last for 2 years
- Practice hour details: Applicants under 21 must log 70 practice hours, including 10 after dark, beginning after permit issuance
- Knowledge test: 30 questions; 80% to pass; You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass the written test
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Maine?
You can get a learner's permit in Maine at 15. Maine learner's permit applicants must be at least 15 years old.
How much does a Maine permit cost?
The Maine permit fee is $35. Class C and Motorcycle Permit Examination (written test) fee.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Maine?
You must hold your Maine permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Maine require?
Maine requires 70 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Maine permit test?
Right here — take a free Maine practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full BMV-format experience with a readiness score.
