About the Maine BMV written test
The Maine knowledge test (often searched as the Maine permit test or Maine DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Maine driver handbook published by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Maine applicants take a 30-question knowledge test at the BMV and must answer at least 24 correctly. The Maine Driver License Manual covers the rules, and applicants under 18 must complete an approved driver education course before getting a permit.
Maine permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can apply for a learner's permit at age 15; applicants under 18 must complete an approved driver education course.
- Questions on the real test
- 30
- Passing score
- You must answer at least 24 of the 30 questions correctly to pass the written test.
- Vision screening
- A free vision screening is given at the written exam, or you can bring a doctor's eye examination form.
- Permit fee
- $35 for the Class C permit written test; a 6-year license for under 65 is $30 ($55 with REAL ID).
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08 for drivers 21+; any amount of alcohol is a violation for drivers under 21.
- Seat belt law
- Maine law requires belts for drivers and passengers; children 12 and under should ride in the back seat.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you test.
What Maine drivers should know
- School zones: 15 mph during recess and around school start and end times.
- Pass bicyclists and pedestrians with at least 3 feet of space.
- Under-18 provisional drivers may not drive from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- Texting while driving carries a minimum $250 fine for a first offense.
- Under-21 permit holders log 70 supervised hours, including 10 at night.
Topics covered in our Maine practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Maine permit test
- Read the official Maine driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the BMV.