Maine DMV written test
Maine DMV Cheat Sheet
The Maine knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Maine DMV test numbers to memorize
The Maine knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 6. The test is given by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
30
Questions on the test
24
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
6
Questions you can miss
15 for learner's permit
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $35. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at BMV branch office
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted. Arrive at least 1 hour before closing to allow time for testing.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Maine
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of Maine residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Maine retake rules
Maine's BMV does not publish a retake waiting period, an attempt limit, a driver-education requirement, or a retest fee. If you do not qualify, the examiner explains why and gives you a receipt to mail in, and the BMV Examinations Section schedules your next test. The only reexamination trigger in Maine law is permit expiry, not failure count: if you do not complete the driving test within the term of your learner's permit, you must be reexamined.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
Some retake details for Maine are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee, wait period), so confirm them with BMV before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Maine
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15. Parental consent required. Must complete approved driver education course. Must hold permit for 6 months. Must complete 70 hours supervised driving (10 at night).
- Permit versus license
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 20+ in the front seat. Must hold for 6 months. Intermediate license at 16 with restrictions. Full license at 21 (restrictions lift gradually).
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Maine: English, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Portuguese, Arabic, Somali, and Swahili.
The study source is the Maine Motorist Handbook and Study Guide (2025 edition).
From learner data
Most missed Maine practice questions
These free Maine questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
- 6
When you park facing uphill next to a curb, turn your front wheels:
Away from the curb
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free Maine study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Maine questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1