Maine teen driving 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. A 15-year-old who has completed an authorized driver's education course is eligible for a learner's permit. If you are under 21 years of age, you are required to complete 70 hours of practice driving (PDF), which must include 10 hours of night driving, and have held your learner's permit for at least six months. The first license issued to a new applicant who is between the ages of 16-20 is a juvenile provisional license for a period of two years. The provisional license is in effect for a full 2-year period as long as the first license that was issued occurred prior to the 21st birthday.
Contents
Overview
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. A 15-year-old who has completed an authorized driver's education course is eligible for a learner's permit. If you are under 21 years of age, you are required to complete 70 hours of practice driving (PDF), which must include 10 hours of night driving, and have held your learner's permit for at least six months. The first license issued to a new applicant who is between the ages of 16-20 is a juvenile provisional license for a period of two years. The provisional license is in effect for a full 2-year period as long as the first license that was issued occurred prior to the 21st birthday.
Key finding
Maine uses a graduated licensing system that requires teens to progress through structured stages before earning full driving privileges. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce crash risk among new drivers.
Licensing timeline
In Maine, a teenager can begin the process with a learner's permit at the age of 15 years and 6 months. The permit authorizes supervised driving, typically with a licensed adult in the vehicle. Once you turn 16 years old and have held your Maine learner's permit for at least 6 months, you can apply for your intermediate driver's license. Before scheduling your driving test, make sure you have completed 70 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, including 10 hours at night.
| Stage | Minimum Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 years old | Must pass written test and vision screening |
| Graduated/provisional license | 16 years old | GDL restrictions apply |
| Restrictions end | After 9 months | Intermediate license restrictions end after 270 days without violations |
Juvenile provisional license continues for 2 years from license issuance for drivers under 21
Practice paths
Driver education course required for under 18
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervised hours | 70 hours total |
| Night hours | 10 hours required |
| Driver education | Required |
| Road test | Required |
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements
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. Carrying passengers other than immediate family members or a foreign exchange student living with the family unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age, has held a valid driver's license for two years and is sitting beside the driver. Those under age 18 may not operate a motor vehicle while using a cellphone or handheld electronic device.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit holding period | 6 months |
| Nighttime restriction | No driving midnight to 5:00 AM for intermediate license holders |
| Passenger restriction | No non-family passengers unless accompanied by licensed driver 20+ with 2+ years experience |
| Cell phone restriction | Prohibited for all drivers under 18 |
| Supervisor requirement | Licensed driver age 20+ with 2+ years experience |
Nighttime restriction exceptions:
- employment
- school activities
- emergencies
Passenger restriction exceptions:
- immediate family
- foreign exchange students living with family
- licensed driver 20+ present
Important caveat
GDL restrictions vary by state and can change when new legislation is enacted. The restrictions listed above were last verified on 2026-04-03. Always confirm current requirements with the Maine official DMV website.
Minimum insurance requirements
The minimum required limits are $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. A Combined Single Limit of $125,000 will also satisfy the minimum limit requirement. The law requires uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage at a minimum of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. This coverage protects you and your passengers if the other driver responsible for the accident has no insurance, or if the other driver's limits are less than your UM limit. MedPay is required by law in Maine with a minimum coverage amount of $2,000.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $50,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $100,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
| UM/UIM coverage | Required at $50,000/$100,000 minimum; MedPay required at $2,000 minimum |
Insurance considerations for teen drivers
Teen drivers in Maine typically face higher insurance premiums due to their inexperience and elevated risk profile. Maine's higher minimum coverage requirements, while providing better protection than many states, result in higher baseline premiums. However, Maine consistently ranks among the lowest-cost states for car insurance, which helps offset teen-specific increases. families typically compare quotes across multiple insurers as pricing for teen drivers varies significantly between companies.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit | $35 |
| Driver's license | $35 |
License renewal $35 for 6 years under 65
Official resources
See also
Sources and verification
- Maine Secretary of State - Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Maine Professional and Financial Regulation - Insurance
Last verified: 2026-04-03. This page contains 2 cited sources.