The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Maine BMV knowledge test consists of 30 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — answer at least 24 correct and you can miss up to 6. The exam is not timed.
If you fail, you can reschedule another written exam at any Motor Vehicle branch office; written exams and visual screenings are offered on a scheduled basis. The Class C / motorcycle permit examination fee is $35.
Bring two forms of identification (for example, a birth certificate plus your social security card). Birth certificates or passports are required from applicants up to age 22. A vision screening is given alongside the written test.
Applicants under 18 must complete an approved driver education course before being licensed in Maine. Holders of a valid out-of-state license applying for a passenger car license may have the written and road tests waived.
Maine's per se BAC limit is 0.08 for adults. Drivers under 21 face zero tolerance — any measurable alcohol means OUI. Driving in Maine implies automatic consent to a chemical test (Implied Consent law).
1st conviction: minimum $500 fine ($600 with refusal), at least 150-day license loss, plus an alcohol & drug program. Aggravated OUI (BAC 0.15+, 30+ over the limit, eluding police, refusal, or passenger under 21) adds at least 48 hours of jail (96 with refusal). Refusing the test alone can suspend your license up to 6 years.
Permit at 15+. The supervising driver must be 20+ and have held a license at least 2 years. Under 21 must hold the permit 6 months and log 70 hours of practice (10 at night). Drivers under 18 can't drive 12 a.m.–5 a.m. or use a phone, and may carry only immediate family — restrictions stay in force 270 days after the road test.
Maine's manual recommends a minimum 4-second gap behind the vehicle ahead. Add 1 second at night, and 2 seconds on unfamiliar roads at night.
When not posted: 15 mph in school zones (during recess or when children are present), 25 mph in business or residential districts, and 45 mph outside business or residential areas. Fines are doubled for speeding in school and work zones.
Always signal at least 100 feet before any turn or lane change. Turn from the lane closest to your destination — leftmost for left turns, rightmost for right turns. When passing a bicyclist, leave at least 3 feet of space.
You must stop for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on any undivided road, in both directions. On a multi-lane divided highway with a solid median, opposing traffic is not required to stop. Penalty: 30-day license suspension for a first offense.
By Maine law, headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is below 1,000 feet. Dim high beams to low within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet when following.
Park within 18 inches of the curb. Don't park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, 15 feet of a crosswalk, or 15 feet of a fire-station driveway. After a breakdown, place flares 200–300 feet behind the vehicle.
Children under 55 lbs must ride in a federally approved safety seat; 55–79 lbs and under 8 in an approved restraint; children under 12 and under 100 lbs should ride in the back seat whenever possible. Safety belts are required for everyone in the vehicle.
Maine's passing score is 80% — 24 of 30 correct. Aim for 90%+ in practice so you have a comfortable buffer on test day if a question stumps you.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Maine test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the BMV office.
Download the Maine Driver's License Manual (Rev. 4/24) at https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
The Maine default outside built-up areas (45 mph) is lower than many drivers expect — and the Maine Turnpike's 70 mph zones don't change that default. School zones drop to 15 mph during recess or when children are present.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual