Supervised practice and driver education in Maine

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the driver education requirement for under-18s.
• You can say how many practice hours you need and how many must be at night.
• You can name who may supervise and who must certify your log.
• You can plan your practice so it covers the skills on the road test.

What you need to know and understand

• Under 18 you must complete an approved driver education course before getting a permit.
• Maine's approved teen curriculum includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
• Drivers under 21 must log at least 70 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
• The 70 hours only count after your permit is issued.
• Your supervisor must be at least 20, have held a valid license for 2 years, sit beside you and be licensed for the vehicle.
• A parent, stepparent, guardian or spouse certifies the log. If you have none of these, an employer may certify it.
• Drivers 21 and older do not have to log hours.

Driver education for teens

Driver education is offered by licensed driving schools and many adult education programs. The course combines classroom lessons with behind-the-wheel time with a licensed instructor, and includes parent involvement. During the course you may hold a restricted permit that is valid only with your instructor.

If you are 18 or older, driver education is not required, though it is still a good idea.

Keeping the 70-hour log

The BMV supplies a driving log form. For each drive you record the date, time, total hours, night hours, and the supervising driver's name, age and license number. When you finish, the person certifying signs to confirm 70 hours including 10 at night. If the certifier was not your main supervisor, they must give the name and address of the driver who rode with you for most of the hours.

For drivers under 21, mailing the completed log to the BMV in Augusta is how you request your road test.

Making the hours count

• Parallel parking and straight-line backing, both on the road test.
• Two-point and three-point turnarounds.
• Night driving with correct use of high and low beams, and scanning for moose and deer between dusk and dawn.
• Rain, snow and slush, with gentle braking and longer gaps.
• Rural roads, gravel and unmarked intersections, plus busy town traffic and highway merging.

Common mistakes

• Counting hours driven before the permit was issued. They do not count.
• Leaving night hours until the end. Spread them out, and practice in different seasons.
• Practicing only the same short route. Mix town, rural and highway driving.
• Having a supervisor who has been drinking or is distracted. A supervisor must be fit to drive too.

Test yourself: Supervised practice and driver education in Maine

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Maine Permit Practice Test
• Avoiding Moose and Deer Collisions in Maine
• Learning to Drive in Maine