Maine Drivers Education
The State of Maine requires that you be age 16 and have completed a driver education course before you receive your driver’s license, though the requirement for a driver education course is waived if you are over the age of 18. If you are under the age of 21, you are however required to complete a minimum of thirty five hours of driving practice an at least five of those hours must be night-time driving. Any new applicant under the age if twenty one will be issued a provisional license for two years. If you were under the age of 18 after September 13, 2003 you will have to have an intermediate4 license which carries the following restrictions:
- you may not carry passengers, except immediate family (grandparent; step-grandparent; parent; stepparent; spouse; child; stepchildren; brother; sister; stepbrother; stepsister) unless you are accompanied by a licensed driver at least 20 years of age and has held a valid license for the past 2 years is occupies the seat beside you.
- you may not operate a motor vehicle from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- you may not operate a motor vehicle while using a cellular phone.
If you are convicted of a moving violation that occurs while operating with a provisional license, your license will be suspended for 30 days. Second and third offenses involve more severe penalties.
Important Information:
Learner's Permit - Under 21 years old:
- If you were issued a permit and were under 21 years of age on or after September 13, 2003, you must hold the permit for 6 months before applying for a road test (previous law was 3 months) and you are prohibited from using a cellular phone while operating with a permit.
- If your permit was issued prior to September 13, 2003 and expires, you must take an exam for a new permit but will not be required to wait before applying for a road test. The restriction from using a cellular phone still applies.
Learner's Permit - Age 21 and Over:
- If you were 21 years of age on or after September 13, 2003, you do not have to wait 6 months before applying for a road test, however, you are still prohibited from using a cellular phone while operating with a permit.
You must hold an intermediate license for 180 days from the date your license was originally issued before you can receive an unrestricted license. If you convicted of violating any restrictions they will be extended for an additional period of 180 days from the date of the infraction.
Useful Links:
Exam Manual (.pdf)
Exam Manual (.doc) Eye Form (MVE-103) (.pdf)
Eye Form (MVE-103) (.doc) Permittee's Driving Log (.pdf)
Permittee's Driving Log (.xls) Restricted License Application (15 year olds) (.pdf)
