Maine DMV · Permit Test Prep
Maine DMV Practice Test 2026
Updated for 2026 · Sourced from the official Maine handbook
The Maine BMV knowledge test is a 30-question multiple-choice exam drawn from the official Maine Motorist Handbook, covering the rules of the road, traffic signs, pedestrian and bicycle safety, operating-under-the-influence laws, and distracted driving. You need 80% (24 out of 30) to pass, and Maine does not publish an official time limit for the written test. Maine also has a few rules that trip up first-timers, from its seasonal studded-tire ban to its statewide hands-free law. Work through the real, handbook-sourced practice questions below, then download DMV Ace for 1,000+ more Maine-specific questions, progress tracking, and a detailed explanation on every answer.
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Topics covered on the Maine DMV written test
The 30 questions on the real Maine test are drawn from these chapters of the official Maine Driver Handbook.
Getting Your Maine License
Graduated licensing stages, learner's permit requirements, driver education, supervised driving, and identification documents.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs; traffic lights, flashing signals, and pavement markings.
Rules of the Road
Right-of-way, intersections, turning, signaling, passing, roundabouts, and keeping to the right.
Speed Control and Following Distance
Posted and default speed limits, school-zone limits, and Maine's recommended following distance.
Sharing the Road
School buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and large trucks.
Driving Conditions and Visibility
Night driving, rain, fog, snow and ice, hydroplaning, and using headlights correctly.
Operating Under the Influence (OUI)
BAC limits, implied consent, Maine's zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, and the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol.
Emergencies, Crashes, and Parking
Crash reporting, emergency maneuvers, yielding to emergency vehicles, parking rules, and construction zones.
Practice Questions
12 free Maine DMV practice questions
Real Maine-specific questions sourced from the official Maine Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.
Question 1 · General Rules
What should you do when entering a construction zone in Maine?
- ASlow down and stay alert to workers and changed conditions✓ Correct
- BSpeed up to clear the zone faster
- CIgnore the posted signs if no workers are present
Why: Fines are doubled in construction zones, and drivers must slow down and remain alert to workers and changed road conditions.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 45 · Construction Zones
Question 2 · Speed Limits
What is the speed limit in a Maine school zone?
- A25 mph
- B15 mph✓ Correct
- C20 mph
Why: The speed limit in school zones is 15 mph, and fines for violations are doubled.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 18 · Speed Limits
Question 3 · Right of Way
At a four-way stop, who has the right of way?
- AThe vehicle on the left
- BThe vehicle that arrived first✓ Correct
- CThe larger vehicle
Why: At a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrived first has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 35 · Four-Way Stops
Question 4 · Traffic Signs & Signals
What should you do when a traffic light turns yellow?
- ASpeed up to clear the intersection
- BStop if you can do so safely before the intersection✓ Correct
- CAlways stop immediately, regardless of your position
Why: A yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. You should stop if you can do so safely before entering the intersection.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 22 · Traffic Signals
Question 5 · Highway Driving
What is the minimum following distance recommended in Maine?
- A2 seconds
- B3 seconds
- C4 seconds✓ Correct
Why: Maintain at least a 4-second following distance under normal conditions, and increase it in poor weather or heavy traffic.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 50 · Following Distance
Question 6 · Lane Changes & Passing
What is the minimum clearance you must give when passing a bicyclist?
- A1 foot
- B3 feet✓ Correct
- C5 feet
Why: When passing a bicyclist, drivers must allow at least 3 feet of clearance between the vehicle and the cyclist.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 60 · Sharing the Road
Question 7 · Accidents & Emergencies
After a traffic accident, when must you file a report in Maine?
- AOnly if someone is killed
- BWhen there are injuries or property damage exceeds $2,000✓ Correct
- CWithin 72 hours, regardless of the damage
Why: An accident report must be filed whenever there are injuries or property damage exceeding $2,000.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 52 · Accidents
Question 8 · DUI Laws
At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does Maine law prohibit driving for those under 21?
- A0.08%
- B0.04%
- CAny detectable amount✓ Correct
Why: Maine has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 — any detectable amount of alcohol in their system is illegal.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 70 · OUI Laws
Question 9 · Parking Rules
When parallel parking in Maine, how far from the curb may your vehicle be?
- ANo more than 18 inches✓ Correct
- BNo more than 12 inches
- CNo more than 24 inches
Why: When parallel parking, your vehicle must be no more than 18 inches from the curb.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 48 · Parking
Question 10 · Weather & Visibility
When must headlights be turned on in Maine?
- AOnly at night, after it is fully dark
- BFrom sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet✓ Correct
- COnly in rain or fog
Why: Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet or your wipers are in constant use.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 40 · Headlights
Question 11 · Pedestrian Laws
How must you yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk?
- ASlow to 10 mph while they cross
- BStop and remain stopped until they have cleared your lane✓ Correct
- CHonk and proceed once they step aside
Why: Drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk until they have completely cleared the driver's lane.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 30 · Pedestrian Rights
Question 12 · Turns & Intersections
What is the correct way to enter a roundabout?
- AEnter without stopping; all drivers must yield to you
- BYield to vehicles already in the roundabout, then enter when there is a safe gap✓ Correct
- CCome to a complete stop at every roundabout entry
Why: When entering a roundabout, yield to vehicles already circulating inside and enter only when there is a safe gap in traffic.
Source: Maine Driver Handbook, page 38 · Roundabouts
988+ more Maine practice questions in the app
Download DMV Ace — FreeMaine-specific rules to know
A few traffic rules that are particular to Maine and frequently show up on the test.
Statewide hands-free law
Since September 2019, Maine prohibits holding a mobile phone or handheld electronic device while driving. Adults 18 and older may use a device only in hands-free mode; learner's permit and intermediate-license holders may not use any phone or device, even hands-free.
Seasonal studded-tire ban
Maine allows studded tires only from October 1 through May 1. Operating a vehicle with metal-studded tires between May 1 and October 1 is prohibited.
Daytime headlight and 'wipers-on, lights-on' rule
Headlights must be on any time your windshield wipers are in constant use. Vehicles manufactured after 2010 (hybrids excepted) must also use headlights whenever they are operated on a public way.
Move Over Law
When passing a stopped emergency or public-service vehicle displaying its lights, you must move into a non-adjacent lane when possible, or slow to a careful and prudent speed if you cannot. A violation carries a minimum fine of $275.
$2,000 crash-report threshold
In Maine you must file a crash report whenever a collision causes injury or death, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Knowing the threshold helps drivers respond correctly after a minor crash.
How to get your Maine driver's license
The knowledge test is one step in Maine's licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.
Check the age and eligibility requirements
Eligibility in Maine: 15 for a learner's permit (driver education required if under 18); 16 for an intermediate license. Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.
Study the official handbook
Read the Official Maine Motorist Handbook (maine.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.
Pass the knowledge test
The Maine written test has 30 questions, and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass. Permit/licensing fee: $35 examination fee (Class C), which includes the first road test.
Build supervised driving experience
Hold your permit for the period Maine requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.
Pass the road test and get licensed
After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Maine issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.
Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Maine DMV office.
How DMV Ace prepares you for the Maine test
1,000+ Maine-specific questions
Every question is sourced from the official Maine Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.
Explanations on every answer
Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.
Hard Questions module
A curated bank of the trickiest Maine questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.
Smart progress tracking
See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Maine DMV.
FAQ
Maine DMV permit test — common questions
How many questions are on the Maine BMV permit test?
- The Maine knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Maine does not publish an official time limit for the written test.
What's the passing score for the Maine permit test?
- 80% — meaning you can miss no more than 6 of the 30 questions. The threshold is the same for first-time testers and retakes.
How old do I have to be to get a learner's permit in Maine?
- You can apply for a learner's permit at 15. If you are under 18 you must complete an approved driver education course, and an intermediate license is available at 16.
Can I take the Maine knowledge test online?
- The Maine BMV administers the knowledge test at BMV branch offices. Check maine.gov/sos/bmv for current testing options and to find a location, as availability can change.
How many times can I retake the Maine test if I fail?
- You may retake the knowledge test if you do not pass. A reexamination carries a $35 fee, and you should confirm any waiting period and scheduling details with your local BMV branch.
How much does a Maine permit cost?
- The Class C examination fee is $35, which includes your first road test. A reexamination is also $35 under Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A.
Does Maine have a hands-free phone law?
- Yes. Since September 2019, Maine prohibits holding a phone or handheld device while driving. Adults 18 and older may use a device only hands-free, and learner's permit and intermediate-license holders may not use any device at all.
When are studded tires allowed in Maine?
- Maine permits studded tires only from October 1 through May 1. Driving with metal-studded tires between May 1 and October 1 is prohibited.
Coming Soon
Maine motorcycle permit test prep
Studying for your motorcycle endorsement instead? Dedicated Maine motorcycle practice is coming to DMV Ace soon — meanwhile, the app already includes full motorcycle question banks for every state.
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