Applying for a New License

First Steps for First-Time Drivers

The requirements for getting your first Class C driver's license in Maine are typical for most states. To start with, you need to get a Maine learner's permit from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. To be eligible for a learner's permit, you need to be at least 15 years old and have completed an approved driver's education course. (If you're 18 or older, you don't need to meet the driver's education requirement.)

The next step toward obtaining a learner's permit is to take a written exam and an eye test. Scheduled exams are offered regularly at your nearest BMV office. It would be smart to first obtain a Maine Motorist Handbook and Study Guide to study for the written exam. To schedule your test, call the Examination Section at (207) 624-9000, ext. 52119.

When you go in to take the exam, make sure to bring two forms of ID with you―your birth certificate and Social Security card are recommended. You MUST bring your birth certificate if you are under 23. You don't want to skimp on the ID. There's nothing worse than being in line for hours at the registry and then being sent back because you didn't have the proper ID. The exam itself costs $10.

Driving With a Permit

If you pass the written exam and eye test, you'll be the proud holder of a Maine instruction permit. This permit will allow you to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and who has held a license for at least two consecutive years.

The permit is valid for up to 18 months or until you obtain a driver's license, whichever comes first. Use this time to practice driving and get ready for the next step: passing the road test to obtain a license.

Permit-holders under 21 need to wait at least six months before scheduling a road test. In that time, they must drive for at least 35 hours, including five hours of night driving. A parent, stepparent, guardian, or employer must certify the driving time on the driving log the practicing driver should use to keep track of the hours driven.

Applying for Your First Driver's License

To be eligible for a Maine driver's license, you have to be at least 16 with a certificate from an approved driver's education course, or 18 without the certificate. Once you pass your permit test, you'll be given or mailed a form for requesting a road test.

When you're ready to take the road test, mail the form and a $10 testing fee to the address listed on the form. The BMV will schedule a test at the nearest BMV office and notify you by mail of the date and time.

To pass the driving test, you need to supply your own registered and inspected vehicle and be accompanied by a licensed driver. Bring your permit and appointment notice with you.

This being Maine, it's very possible the weather might be bad on the day of your test, especially in winter months. If the test is canceled because of weather conditions that might make it dangerous to drive, you may reschedule for no fee.

On the test, you'll be accompanied by a BMV inspector who will ask you to drive on a variety of roads and in different traffic conditions. The examiner will assess your ability to stay in your lane, turn left and right, and observe and react to other drivers, pedestrians, traffic signals, and weather conditions.

If you pass, you'll receive your license upon returning to the BMV office and paying a $30 licensing fee. This photo license will be valid for six years. If you're over 65, you'll instead pay $21 for a license that is valid for four years.

Any new driver under 18 will have an initial six-month period during which they are not allowed to do any of the following:

• Transport any passengers other than immediate family members unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 20 who has been licensed for two consecutive years.

• Drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.

• Drive while speaking on a cell phone.

Also, any license issued to anyone under 21 is considered provisional for two years. A new licensee over 21 is considered provisionally licensed for one year. If you're convicted of a moving violation while under provisional status, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for 30 days without a hearing.

Transferring an Out-of-State License

If you have an out-of-state license and want to swap it for a Maine noncommercial driver's license, you can do so with a single visit to a BMV office. You do not need to take a written or road test. You will need to take an eye exam and pay a $10 application fee, pay $30 for a Maine license, surrender your old license, and sit for a new photo.

If you're under 18, be prepared to show proof of completing a driver's education course in your state as well as have a parent or guardian available to sign the license application.

Other Types of Licenses

The process to apply for a license is different for those who wish to drive commercial vehicles and for those who want to ride motorcycles.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're a currently licensed driver from another country and are visiting Maine, you may drive for up to one year within the state. You should also have an International Driver Permit, issued by your home country. The permit basically translates your foreign-issued license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

Be sure to carry your license and permit with you whenever you're driving.

If you become a resident of the state, you'll need to obtain a Maine driver's license within 30 days of your residency in order to retain your driving privileges. For information on how to apply for a license in your specific situation, contact a motor vehicle branch office or call (207) 624-9000.