Maine DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Maine driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Maine-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Maine driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Maine test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Maine-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Maine Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	30 questions, must score 24/30 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	15
Minimum License Age	16
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 75 mph \| Residential: 25 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
OUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: Zero Tolerance)
Point System	Maine uses a demerit point system; accumulating too many points leads to an administrative suspension.

Rules Specific to Maine

Maine uses the term OUI (Operating Under the Influence) instead of DUI
Use of a handheld phone or electronic device while driving is prohibited for all drivers
Drivers must turn on headlights whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use

Sample Maine Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Maine. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

Unless a different limit is posted, what is the maximum speed outside a business, residential, or built-up area?
- A. 35 mph
- B. 40 mph
- C. 45 mph
- D. 55 mph
Answer: 45 mph. Default maximum speeds depend on the type of area; posted signs can set a different legal limit.
When changing lanes or turning, how far ahead should you signal at a minimum?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 75 feet
- C. At least 100 feet
- D. At least 200 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet. Signaling early gives others time to adjust and helps prevent sideswipes and sudden braking.
A child weighs 60 pounds and is 7 years old. What restraint is required?
- A. A federally approved child restraint/booster system
- B. A seat belt only, regardless of seating position
- C. No restraint is required if the trip is under 5 miles
- D. A rear-facing child safety seat
Answer: A federally approved child restraint/booster system. Children in certain age and weight ranges must be secured in an approved child restraint system.
How close to a fire hydrant is parking prohibited?
- A. Within 5 feet
- B. Within 10 feet
- C. Within 15 feet
- D. Within 20 feet
Answer: Within 10 feet. Hydrants must be kept clear so emergency crews can connect hoses without delay.
In a school zone during the covered times, what speed should you not exceed when passing a school unless a different limit is posted?
- A. 10 mph
- B. 15 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. 25 mph
Answer: 15 mph. School-zone limits apply during specified periods and require extra caution for children near the roadway.
How much supervised driving must a Maine learner under 21 complete before an intermediate license?
- A. 40 hours, 5 at night
- B. 50 hours, 10 at night
- C. 70 hours, 10 at night
- D. 100 hours, 20 at night
Answer: 70 hours, 10 at night. Learners must hold the permit 6 months and complete 70 hours of driving, including 10 at night.
Who may supervise a Maine learner's permit holder?
- A. Any adult 18 or older
- B. A licensed driver at least 20 who has held a license for 2 years
- C. A licensed driver at least 25
- D. A parent only
Answer: A licensed driver at least 20 who has held a license for 2 years. The supervising driver must be at least 20, have held a valid license for 2 years, and sit in the adjacent seat.
How long must a Maine learner hold a permit before getting an intermediate license (under 21)?
- A. 3 months
- B. 6 months
- C. 9 months
- D. 12 months
Answer: 6 months. You must hold the learner's permit for 6 months from the date of issue.
A Maine intermediate license holder may not drive between which hours?
- A. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- B. 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- C. Midnight and 5 a.m.
- D. Midnight and 6 a.m.
Answer: Midnight and 5 a.m.. Intermediate drivers may not drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Who may ride with a Maine intermediate license holder without a qualifying licensed adult present?
- A. Anyone
- B. Only immediate family members
- C. One friend
- D. Up to three friends
Answer: Only immediate family members. Passengers are limited to immediate family unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 20 who has been licensed 2 years.
Can drivers in Maine use a handheld phone while driving?
- A. Yes, for calls
- B. No, handheld phones and electronic devices are prohibited for all drivers
- C. Only drivers over 21
- D. Yes, at stop signs
Answer: No, handheld phones and electronic devices are prohibited for all drivers. Use of a mobile telephone or handheld electronic device is prohibited by law when driving in Maine.
In Maine, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A. 5 feet
- B. 10 feet
- C. 15 feet
- D. 20 feet
Answer: 10 feet. Maine prohibits parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, 15 feet of a crosswalk, and 15 feet of a fire station driveway.
In Maine, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk?
- A. 10 feet
- B. 15 feet
- C. 20 feet
- D. 25 feet
Answer: 15 feet. Parking within 15 feet of a crosswalk is not allowed.
When must Maine drivers turn on headlights?
- A. Only after dark
- B. From sunset to sunrise, when you can't see 1,000 feet ahead, and when wipers are in constant use
- C. Only in snow
- D. Only on highways
Answer: From sunset to sunrise, when you can't see 1,000 feet ahead, and when wipers are in constant use. Maine requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, when visibility is under 1,000 feet, and whenever wipers are in constant use.
According to the Maine manual, headlights let you see clearly only about how far ahead?
- A. 100 feet
- B. 250 feet
- C. 500 feet
- D. 1,000 feet
Answer: 250 feet. Headlights show only about 250 feet, so driving faster than about 50 mph on a dark road is driving blind.
How much space must you leave when passing a bicyclist in Maine?
- A. At least 2 feet
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 5 feet
- D. One lane
Answer: At least 3 feet. Maine law requires at least three feet between the right side of your vehicle and the bicycle.
When must a Maine crash be reported to police?
- A. Only if someone dies
- B. If there are injuries or property damage of $2,000 or more
- C. Only if damage exceeds $5,000
- D. Never
Answer: If there are injuries or property damage of $2,000 or more. Crashes involving injury or property damage of $2,000 or more must be reported to police or the sheriff.
What happens if you refuse an alcohol test in Maine?
- A. Nothing if you're not convicted
- B. Your license is immediately suspended, for up to six years
- C. A $50 fine
- D. A 30-day suspension
Answer: Your license is immediately suspended, for up to six years. Refusal brings an immediate administrative suspension of up to six years.
If you're convicted of OUI in Maine with a passenger under 21 in the vehicle, what extra penalty applies?
- A. None
- B. An additional 180-day license suspension
- C. A $50 fine
- D. Community service only
Answer: An additional 180-day license suspension. Having a passenger under 21 adds 180 days to your OUI suspension.

Maine Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Maine permit test?

The Maine knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 24 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Maine?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Maine is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Maine?

Maine calls impaired driving OUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and zero tolerance (any detectable alcohol) for drivers under 21.

How does the Maine driver point system work?

Maine uses a demerit point system; accumulating too many points leads to an administrative suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Maine?

Typical limits in Maine are up to 75 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Maine government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the Maine Motorist Handbook and Study Guide on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Maine driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Maine government agency.