Maine · Permit testOfficial study materials and courses
| Option | Price | Free to use | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official sources | |||
Maine Driver’s License ManualOfficial · PDFThe BMV’s study guide for the written knowledge test, in 12 sections. Section 12 is a short self-test with an answer key. | Free | The whole manual, with practice questions after each section | |
| Guides | |||
BMV information for parents of teensOfficial · web pageFor parents guiding the supervised practice: the intermediate and provisional license rules, the zero tolerance alcohol law and tips for the family car. | Free | A driving contract for families, plus the teen license rules | |
| In person | |||
Approved driver education coursesIn person · schools and licensed driving schoolsRequired under 18 before the learner’s permit. The BMV posts a list of driver education schools and its approved textbooks. | Set by each school | Nothing free | |
Motorcycle rider education coursesIn person · licensed rider schoolsClassroom and hands-on riding courses approved by the Secretary of State. The motorcycle permit page explains when you need one. | Set by each school | Nothing free | |
Prices and ratings checked November 2026.
Who needs Maine driver’s ed?
Everyone under 18 needs an approved course and its exam, both before the permit and before any license, except one to ride only a moped. At 18 or older, you don’t. If you’re under 18 with a valid license from another state, the course may be waived.
Who gives approved courses
State law names four kinds of provider:
- Public high schools
- Private high schools approved by the Commissioner of Education
- Career and technical education centers and regions
- Driving schools licensed by the Secretary of State
The BMV’s student resources page also has a complaint form for driver education. By law, each approved course teaches how to drive safely when a motorcycle or another vulnerable road user shares the road with you.
What the course certificate does
Pass the course and its exam, and you get a completion certificate. It goes in with your permit application, and until it runs out it also works as a temporary learner’s permit for a car. Carry it whenever you drive, with a supervising driver who meets the permit rules.
A study plan for the written test
Six steps, built on the manual and on what the BMV says the test covers:
- Read section 1 for the permit, license and suspension rules.
- Give section 3 extra time. The manual says the written test puts special emphasis on Maine’s drinking and driving laws.
- Learn the sign groups in section 6 by color and shape, then the signs one by one.
- Read section 10 on pedestrians and bicyclists, which the test also covers.
- Write down the numbers: speed limits, following distance, parking distances and the alcohol limits.
- Answer the questions at the end of each section, then try the short test in section 12 and check your answers.
Maine Driving Dynamics, after the license
The Maine Driving Dynamics Course is an approved five-hour program on driving hazards, avoiding collisions and the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Anyone can take it, even with a clean record, and finishing it can take points off your driving record. For details, call the Bureau of Highway Safety at 207-626-3840.
Sources: Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles and 4 more. Checked November 2026.
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 29-A §1351, Driver education ↗
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 29-A §1304, Learner’s permits ↗
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Student resources ↗
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Family resources ↗
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Maine Driver’s License Manual (PDF, Rev 4/24) ↗
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Driver’s license exam ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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