Maine’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

Maine's licensing laws use a graduated system for teens seeking to become licensed drivers. Teen drivers are subject to various restrictions depending on their age and driving experience.

How Do I Get a Leaner's Permit to Start Driving in Maine?

Applying for a learner's permit. A 15-year-old who has completed an authorized driver's education course is eligible for a learner's permit. To obtain the permit, the teen must submit an application to the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office with proof of residency, citizenship, and written parental consent. The applicant must also complete the vision and written examinations. Written tests and licenses can also be issued by authorized driver's education facilities.

What you're allowed to do with a learner's permit. Learner's permit holders are authorized to drive only while supervised. Maine requires the supervisor to sit in the front seat, be at least 20 years old, and have held a driver's license for at least two years. Anyone driving with a learner's permit is prohibited from using wireless devices while operating a vehicle.

Restricted learner's permits. A teen who's enrolled in but has not completed driver's education can obtain a restricted learner's permit. The applicant must pass all the same tests but is only allowed to be supervised by a licensed driver's education instructor.

(Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 1304 (2024).)

Who Qualifies for a Maine Intermediate Driver's License?

Requirements for getting an intermediate license. After holding a learner's permit for six months, a teen can take the driving test and apply for a driver's license. The applicant's parent must certify that the applicant has completed 70 hours of supervised driving (at least ten of which must have been done at night).

Intermediate license restrictions. While considered a valid driver's license, a license issued to a minor holds certain restrictions for the first 270 days. The holder is not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. and cannot transport any non-family member passengers unless accompanied by an authorized supervisor.

Penalties for intermediate license restriction violations. Violations of any license restrictions will result in an additional 270 days of restrictions and a fine of $250 to $500.

(Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 1311 (2024).)

What's Required to Get a Provisional Driver's License in Maine?

Provisional licenses. Intermediate license restrictions will be in place for 270 days. Subsequently, the driver's license is considered "provisional." The provisional-license period is two years or until the driver turns 21, whichever occurs last.

Moving violations during the provisional license period. During the provisional-license period, moving violations will result in license suspension for 30 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense, and one year for a third offense. Violators must also complete a four-hour driver improvement program prior to license reinstatement.

(Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 2472 (2024).)

What Are Maine's Underage Drinking and Driving Laws?

All drivers under 21 years of age are also prohibited from having any bodily alcohol content. A violation can result in a one-to-two-year license suspension and refusing testing can result in 18 to 30 months of suspension. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 2472 (2024).)

Who's Eligible for Maine's "Special Restricted License"?

Maine has a special restricted permit for 15-year-olds with a verified educational-, medical-, or employment-related hardship. The applicant must still complete all other license requirements, including 70 hours of driving time, driver's education, and the driving test, but are exempt from the six-month waiting period. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 1256 (2024).)

What Are Maine's Car Insurance Requirements?

In Maine, the mandatory insurance requirements are:

• Liability coverage. Must include at least $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident.
• Driver and passenger coverage. Must include at least $2,000 for medical expenses of the driver and his or her passengers.
• Towing and storage. Must include at least $500 for towing and storage.

Failure to provide and display valid insurance is a traffic infraction and carries a $100 to $500 fine. The driver's license and vehicle registration will also be suspended until proof of valid insurance is obtained. Violators are required to maintain evidence of vehicle insurance for three years after reinstatement. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 1605 (2024); Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 1603 (2024); Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 1601 (2024).)