Maine is one of the numerous states that has implemented a Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) system for young drivers to follow. The system allows drivers in Maine to obtain a driver’s license while they are 16, although the license will carry restrictions until they turn 18.

Getting behind the wheel for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but as long as you pay attention while learning you’ll have nothing to worry about. When and how you can get your hands on a driver’s license varies by state, so you must know exactly what's required of you where you live.

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What is the driving age in Maine?

The earliest you can obtain a driver’s license in Maine is 16 years old. You can get your learner’s permit at 15 but will have to wait six months before taking your road test, and the minimum age to apply for a license is 16. You cannot have an unrestricted license in Maine until you turn 18.

What is the Graduated Drivers Licensing system in Maine?

Graduated Drivers Licensing began being implemented by states in the 1990s and Maine is one of the many states that utilize the system. GDL was created as a response to the alarming accident rates seen by teenage drivers. In Maine, traffic

accidents

are the

leading cause of death

for teenagers.

What GDL aims to do is encourage more rigorous driver’s education so that, by the time teenagers are driving unsupervised, they have plenty of experience. GDL also limits the privileges that teen drivers have before turning 18.

The best way to understand Maine’s GDL system is to break it down into three phases:

Learners permit: You can drive while accompanied by a licensed adult.

Restricted license: You can drive unsupervised but only with certain passengers and during certain hours.

Unrestricted license: You can drive unsupervised without any restrictions.

Everyone under the age of 21 has to fulfill the same requirements to get their driver's license in Maine, but only individuals younger than 18 will go through the restricted license phase.

MORE:

Maine minimum car insurance laws

How to get your learner’s permit in Maine

You can apply for a learner’s permit at the

Maine BMV

starting when you are 15 years old. When you go to the BMV you should be sure to bring:

Two forms that

prove your identity

Proof of residency

A certificate confirming that you completed driver's ed

Your birth certificate

You’ll need to pass both a written test and a vision test to get your license. The application fee for a learner’s permit is $35.

Learner’s permit restrictions

Having a learner’s permit is an important step toward getting your license, but it does come with some pretty important restrictions. While driving with just a learner’s permit, you must always be accompanied by an individual who is aged 20 or older and has had their driver's license for two or more years.

How to get a driver's license in Maine

You can get a driver's license in Main once you:

Are 16 years or older

Have had your permit for over 6 months

Have completed 70 hours of supervised driving, with 10 happening at night

Pass a road test

If you’ve fulfilled all of the requirements above, you should be able to get your license from the Maine BMV. Be sure to bring the same documents that were required when you applied for a learner’s permit.

Intermediate driver’s license restrictions

Once you’ve passed your road test, you’d probably expect to be given a regular driver's license without restrictions. If you’re under 18, I’ve got bad news for you.

Until drivers in Maine reach the age of 18, their driver's license will have three significant restrictions. The first has to do with driving hours—you aren’t allowed to drive between the hours of 12 am and 5 pm.

The second rule has to do with passengers. Young drivers are only allowed to transport family members unless they have a licensed adult with them. Finally, young drivers cannot use their phones while driving under any circumstance.

MORE:

Car Loan in Maine 2022

What if I’m over 18?

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 20 years old, you’ll still need to have your permit for six months and complete the necessary driving experience before you get your hands on a driver’s license. Once you get that license, however, you don’t need to worry about the restrictions listed above.

If you’re over 21, you’ll be able to take your road test whenever you’d like.

MORE: Car inspection in Maine

How to save on car insurance in Maine

Once you are well on your way toward getting your license in Maine, you should start thinking about car insurance. Maine is one of the many states that require you to have car insurance to drive, and Jerry makes

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FAQ

Can you drive in Maine at 16?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a license and drive in Maine while you are 16. However, your license will have several restrictions, such as when you can drive and who can ride in the car with you, until you turn 18.

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