Maine Driver Education

The state of Maine recognizes the need for driver's education for greenhorn drivers. Many of these teenage drivers lack the knowledge and responsibility needed to make sound decisions where driving is concerned, due to peer pressure, road conditions, or weather problems. While most states have in place similar laws regarding the necessity of driver's education, but more need to adopt similar laws. In addition, teens should also be required to pass state approved courses that show the consequences of drinking while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs.

You cannot get a learner's permit in the state of Maine without first taking an approved driver's education course. This class must consist of 30 hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. In addition, the state of Maine has the added requirement that a parent must ride in the backseat for at least 30 minutes of the required 10 hours of driving time. Drivers must be at least 15 years old before they can apply for a learner's permit.

Those driving with a learner's permit in Maine should only drive while accompanied by a front seat passenger 20 or older who has held a valid driver's license for at least 2 years. You must hold this learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a regular driver's license, and it is also against the law for those under age 21 to use a cell phone while driving.

You must be at least 16 years of age and have completed an approved driver education course. If you are 18 years of age or older you are not required to complete driver education.

You must successfully complete a road test. If you are under 21 years of age, you are required to complete 35 hours of practice driving, which must include 5 hours of night driving, and have held your instruction permit for at least six months. The 35 hours of practice driving must begin after you have been issued an instruction permit. You must be accompanied by a supervising driver who is a least 20 years old and holds a license that has not been suspended or revoked over the past two years.

Note: The first license issued to a new applicant under 21 years of age is provisional for a period of two years. If a license is issued to a person under the age of 18 after September 13, 2003 that person receives an intermediate license which prohibits the licensee from the following:

1. Carrying passengers, except immediate family (grandparent; stepgrandparent; parent; stepparent; spouse; child; stepchildren; brother; sister; stepbrother; stepsister) unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age and has held a valid license for the past 2 years and is occupying the seat beside the driver.

2. Operating a motor vehicle from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.

3. Operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular phone.

A person must hold an intermediate license for 180 days from the date the license was originally issued before they can receive an unrestricted license. If someone is convicted of violating one of the three restrictions listed above, the license restrictions will be extended for an additional period of 180 days from the date of the infraction.

If you are at least 21 years of age, your first license will be provisional for a period of one year. If a person is convicted of a moving violation that occurred while operating with a provisional license, the license will be suspended for 30 days. Second and third offenses involve more severe penalties.