Motorcycle License in Maine
With everything from pine-scented forests to rocky coastline on offer, and lightly-traveled highways—including the start of legendary Route 1—connecting it all, Maine was practically made for motorcycle riding.
Check out how you can get into all the fun by earning your motorcycle license through the ME Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
New Maine Residents
You have 30 days after moving to Maine to transfer your current motorcycle license. Don't worry, the process is simple.
To transfer your motorcycle license, visit your local ME BMV office and:
- Provide the following:
- Your out-of-state driver's license.
- Proof of legal presence in the U.S. Examples include:
- Birth certificate.
- Valid passport.
- Valid permanent resident card.
- A full list of acceptable documents is available through the BMV.
- Proof of Maine residency. Examples include:
- A utility bill.
- A tax bill.
- Your paycheck stub.
- See the BMV's entire list of usable documents.
- Proof of your name change, if necessary.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pay the proper motorcycle license fees.
The Maine BMV typically waives written and road tests for license transfers, but you may still be asked to take either exam. Call the BMV at (207) 624-9000 and ask for the examination section for more information on test waivers.
How to Get a Maine Motorcycle License
To earn a Maine motorcycle license, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Candidates under 18 years old must pass a driver's education course.
- Driver's Ed must be completed BEFORE taking a basic motorcycle rider course.
- Complete a basic rider course.
- Includes 15 hours of instruction.
- Average course cost is $325; however, this varies by school.
The BMV provides a list of approved driver and rider education course providers.
Maine Motorcycle Exams
At the end of your educational course(s), you will have the chance to take the written exam to earn your motorcycle permit and license.
If you pass the written test, you will:
- Be eligible for a motorcycle permit.
- Get the chance to take the course skills exam.
If you also pass your course's skills test, you are allowed to waive the typical road exam* you normally have to take at the BMV. Instead, you can go directly to the BMV to apply for your motorcycle license with your course completion certificate.
You are not allowed to take passengers on your bike for 60 days after receiving your motorcycle endorsement.
If you don't pass the road test, it's okay! You'll still be eligible for a permit as long as you pass your written test.
* NOTE: You must already have a Maine driver's license in order to be eligible for the road test waiver—i.e., you are NOT applying for your very first driver's license.
Getting Your Motorcycle Permit
You must at least pass your written test to earn a motorcycle permit in Maine. If you don't, ask your course instructor for information on retesting.
After passing the exam, head to your closest BMV office and:
- Bring your rider course completion certificate.
- Submit a completed Motorcycle or Moped Application (Form MVE-64M).
- Provide proof of:
- Identification (2 documents).
- Applicants under 23 years old must bring their birth certificate.
- Maine residency.
- Citizenship or legal presence.
- Consult the motorcycle application above for a full list of acceptable paperwork.
- Identification (2 documents).
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pass the BMV written knowledge test.
- Pay the $35 permit and exam fee.
You should then be issued your permit, along with a postcard containing scheduling information for your road test, which you will then mail back to schedule your exam. In the meantime, enjoy practicing with your new Maine motorcycle permit!
Permit Limitations
Getting your permit is a big step—but the designation comes with its own set of rules.
Once you hold a Maine motorcycle permit, you:
- Must wear a helmet at all times.
- Are prohibited from riding with passengers.
If you travel to another state with your permit, check with that area's highway enforcement agency to see if you're allowed to ride with your permit.
Your ME motorcycle permit is valid for 2 years.
BMV Motorcycle Road Test
If you don't pass your ME motorcycle course's skills exam, you can take the motorcycle road test with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Send back the postcard that the BMV gave to you when you applied for your permit. You will then have your exam place and date scheduled.
When you're ready to test, make sure to bring your ME motorcycle permit.
The fee you paid for your permit also covers your 1st road test. Any retests after your initial test cost $35 each. If you don't pass the road exam and complete the licensing process within 2 years, you must re-take the basic rider course.
Obtaining a ME Motorcycle License
If you passed both your written and skills tests during your basic rider course, you can head directly to the BMV to apply for your Maine motorcycle license.
Visit your local BMV office and submit:
- Your rider course completion certificate and any proof of skills exam testing.
- A completed Motorcycle or Moped Application (Form MVE-64M).
- Applicants under 18 years old must have application signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of:
- Identity (2 documents).
- If you're under 23 years old, you MUST have your birth certificate. Refer to the license application for a full list of acceptable paperwork.
- Maine residency.
- Legal presence in the United States.
- Identity (2 documents).
- Payment for the $35 fee.
After also passing the vision and written knowledge exams, you should be able to hop on your hog and hit the road!
Motorcycle License Fees in ME
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:
- Basic rider training class: Average of $325.
- Cost varies by school. Consult the BMV website for more details.
- Permit and written exam fee: $35.
- This also covers your 1st road test, if applicable.
- Subsequent retests: $35 each.
You may have to pay additional fees to get a motorcycle endorsement placed on your license. Contact your local BMV office for more information.