Maine Driver License

To obtain a driver’s license in Maine, you should apply to the state of Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Steps to get a Maine learner’s permit

If you are between the ages of 15 and 18, then you can apply for a Maine learner’s permit and practice supervised driving legally in the state.

Requirements

• To begin with, you should select an approved driving education program and complete it. It will provide you with necessary knowledge, which you will use in the future.
• Secondly, you should visit any local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch and complete the application form
• After that, you must schedule a written driving test sitting, take the test and successfully complete it
• In similar fashion, you will need to take a vision test and see the level of your eyesight
• At the same time, you should gather together all required documents, which are to support the licensing process
• The last requirement is paying the required fee of $35

Required documents to present

• Two forms of current identification (primary and secondary ID)
• Evidence of residency (documents that show you address, street, city)
• Certificate of birth
• Transcripts of having completed appropriate driver education
• Social Security Number (Social Security Card)

You should pay attention to the fact that the Bureau will not accept notarized copies. As an alternative, you can present or submit copies of the identity documents. Nonetheless, you will need to show the original documents when you are to take the test.

Steps to get an intermediate driver’s license in Maine

If you are between the ages of 16 and 18, then you can apply for an intermediate driver’s license. The latter will provide you with the legal right to practice driving in the state, of course, with some restrictions.

Requirements

• To start with, you should hold your learner’s permit (for at least six months)
• Secondly, you should have completed supervised driving for at least 70 hours (10 hours of nighttime driving)
• Thirdly, you should request a road test and successfully complete it while demonstrating your driving skills
• You should also have completed proper driver education and maintain your Certificate of course completion
• The last requirement is to pay the license fee of $30

Driving restrictions

As it was mentioned above, there are some driving restrictions for intermediate driver’s license holders and you can check them below:

• Not driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. (unless there is an emergency purpose)
• Only carrying family member passengers
• Not using a mobile or other types of communication devices while driving

How to get an adult driver’s license in Maine

Step 1: Hold the learner’s permit

Applicants should have their learner’s (instruction) permit to apply for an adult driver’s license. In addition to this, applicants under the age of 21 must have had the permit for at least six months.

Step 2: Road test

Applicants must also take and pass the road test to be eligible for a license. To put it differently, you will need to bring your own registered vehicle to take the test.

Step 3: Documents and payment

It is very important to submit only valid/current and appropriate documents, including legit identification and residential address. You should also pay the required fees to obtain the license. Otherwise, there might be some problems or delays connected with license issuance.

How to renew a Maine driver’s license

In the state of Maine, you can start the license renewal process up to six months before it is due to expire. There are different ways of renewal based on your current conditions and other important factors. You can select the most suitable method for you, according to the eligibility requirements.

In person

You can easily renew your Maine driver’s license in person providing that you visit a local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch or any mobile unit.

For renewal, you will need to present documents of Maine residency and identity. Those documents should bear your full legal name, as well as your address. Not to forget about the Social Security Number, which you can replace with an immigration document (in case you are not eligible for a SSN).

You will also need to take and pass a vision test. Below you may find more information on the vision test and its requirements.

Note that you will need to retake the written test again, in case you do not manage to renew it on time and it expires.

Online

If you want to renew the license online, then you must not have changed your name and your license should not have been suspended or revoked.

To renew online, you will need to use your Social Security Number and credit or debit card to make the required payment.

Vision requirements for a driver’s license

A vision test is one of the most important parts of obtaining a driver’s license as it ensures safer driving. You should take a vision test when applying for a driver’s license, as well as for license renewal.

A qualified doctor will conduct the testing and assess how well you can see. The average standard is to get at least 20/40 both eyes tested together.

If you have bad eyesight, or are planning to have an upcoming eye surgery, then you may not be eligible for licensure. Accordingly, you will need to correct your vision and correspond with the state standards and requirements.

Costs associated with a Maine driver’s license

• Learner’s Permit Fee: $35
• Driver’s License Fee: $30
• Renewal Fee: $30 and $21 for persons above the age of 65
• Endorsement Fee: $20
• Class C Exam Fee: $35
• Class A, B and C Commercial License Exam Fee: $70

Maine driver’s license classifications

The state of Maine has different classes (types) of driver’s licenses for various types of vehicles.

Class C

To clarify, this is a standard license, which gives the licensee permission to operate most types of motor vehicles.

Class A (Commercial)

This one, in short, is for operating any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds.

Class B (Commercial)

This one is actually for operating any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001.

Class M

To clarify, this license is for operating a motorcycle, motorbike, moped or other two or three-wheeled motor-driven vehicle on the road.