Updated for 2026

Maine BMV (Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

30

Passing Score

24

Standard Fee

$35 (Exam/Permit Application Fee) + $30 (Road Test/License Fee)

Testing System

written or computerized

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Maine is the lack of specific knowledge regarding 'OUI' (Operating Under the Influence) penalties and blood alcohol content limits, as well as underestimating the required stopping distances for heavy vehicles and moose avoidance.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Maine traffic laws are enforced under Title 29-A of the Maine Revised Statutes, with a particular focus on impaired driving and young driver safety. Unlike many states that use the term DUI, Maine uses 'OUI' (Operating Under the Influence). The legal limit is 0.08% BAC for adults, but Maine enforces a rigid 'Zero Tolerance' policy for drivers under 21. If a driver under 21 is found with ANY detectable amount of alcohol in their system, they lose their license for at least one year. Furthermore, Maine has an 'Implied Consent' law; refusal to submit to a chemical test results in an automatic license suspension of up to six years depending on prior offenses. For new drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is strictly enforced. A learner's permit must be held for 6 months. During this time, the permittee must complete 70 hours of driving practice, 10 of which must be at night—this is one of the highest hour requirements in the nation. Once a license is obtained, the driver enters the 'Intermediate' phase for 270 days (approx. 9 months). During this period, they are prohibited from carrying passengers other than immediate family members unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a license for 2 years. They are also prohibited from driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Maine also mandates that headlights be illuminated whenever windshield wipers are in use, or when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Regarding school buses, drivers must stop for a bus with flashing red lights from EITHER direction. The only exception is if the road is divided by a physical barrier; a turn lane is NOT a barrier. Finally, Maine has a 'Move Over' law requiring drivers to vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles, or slow down to a prudent speed if changing lanes is unsafe.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Maine presents environmental hazards that are almost unique to Northern New England, making the knowledge test heavily focused on survival as much as legality. The most iconic and dangerous hazard is the Moose. Maine has a population of roughly 60,000 to 70,000 moose. Unlike deer, which are often thrown over the hood upon impact, a moose stands tall on long legs. A collision typically knocks the legs out, causing the 1,000+ pound body to crash directly through the windshield and onto the occupants, often resulting in fatalities. Drivers are taught that moose eyes do not reflect headlights as brightly as deer eyes because they are higher off the ground. The peak danger times are dusk and dawn, specifically from May to June and October to November. Another critical fact is the winter driving protocol. Maine allows the use of studded snow tires, but strictly only between October 1st and May 1st to protect road surfaces. 'Black Ice' is a constant threat on bridges and shaded roadways, and drivers are advised to increase their following distance from the standard 3 seconds to at least 6-8 seconds in winter conditions. The state also has a massive logging industry; drivers frequently encounter logging trucks on rural roads. These trucks are extremely heavy and cannot stop quickly; cutting them off or lingering in their blind spots is deadly. Regarding the test itself, it consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer 24 correctly (80%). The questions are not just about signs; they cover the physics of driving (reaction time + braking distance = stopping distance) and specific fines. Also, Maine is a 'Hands-Free' state. The use of handheld electronic devices is prohibited while driving. Interestingly, Maine is one of the few states that puts a heavy emphasis on 'Shared Lanes' for bicycles; drivers must give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Finally, be aware that your permit fee covers the written test, but if you fail, you must pay an additional fee to retake it, creating a financial incentive to study the 'Maine Motorist Handbook and Study Guide' thoroughly.