Northeast · Learner’s Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Maine
Maine issues learner’s permits at 15 after driver education, and requires 70 supervised practice hours — the highest standard hour requirement of any state.
Maine permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner’s Permit |
| Supervised practice | 70 hours, including 10 at night |
| Minimum holding period | 6 months |
| Issuing agency | Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Maine?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15
- Practice hours
- 70 hours
- Waiting time
- 6 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 33/100. Easiest in the Northeast: New Hampshire (#5) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? New Hampshire is the only state with no learner’s permit — teens practice at 15½ with a licensed adult, no paperwork first. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Maine permit date · ⚔️ Compare Maine with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Maine
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Maine driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Maine’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Maine residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Maine requires 70 hours, including 10 at night. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Maine, that's 6 months. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in Maine
- Maine’s 70-hour practice requirement is the highest in the country for a standard permit path.
Maine learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Maine?
The minimum age is 15. Maine calls this credential the Learner’s Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Maine require?
Maine requires 70 hours, including 10 at night. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Maine?
The minimum holding period is 6 months before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Maine?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Maine an easy state to get licensed in?
Maine ranks #35 of 50 on our Ease Score (33/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.