Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Maine road test checks that you can control your car forward and backward, keep your lane, turn and react to traffic. It includes parallel parking and straight-line backing. An examiner can also refuse to start the test if your car fails basic checks. This guide covers who can book, how to book, what to bring, what is tested and the refusal reasons listed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Before you can book the Maine road test
- You have passed the written test and vision screening. The road test is given only after all other tests and permit requirements are done.
- You are at least 16 and have finished approved driver education, or you are 18 or older.
- Under 21: you have held your learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
- Under 21: you have logged 70 hours of practice, including 10 after dark, starting after your permit was issued.
- 21 and older: no waiting period and no log.
How to schedule the road test in Maine
- Under 21: mail your completed, certified driving log (MVE-21) to the BMV Examination Section, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029. The log replaces the request card. Do not send money or your permit with it. See the Maine 70 hour driving log guide.
- 21 and older: mail the road test request card from the back of your learner’s permit to the same address.
- The BMV schedules you at the testing location nearest to you and mails an appointment notice.
What to bring on test day
- Your learner’s permit
- Your exam appointment notice
- Your own vehicle, registered (bring the registration) and inspected
- A licensed driver with a valid license to come with you
A car with an antique auto registration cannot be used for the test.
Typical reasons the Maine road test is refused
Appendix A of the Maine Driver’s License Manual lists these reasons the examiner may refuse the road test:
| Refusal reason | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Vehicle does not meet Maine inspection criteria (inspection sticker expired) | Check the sticker date well before your test. |
| Front seats not available for the examiner, or not properly secured to the floor | Clear the passenger seat and make sure both front seats are firmly fixed. |
| Vehicle not equipped for the weather, for example snow treads or chains | In winter, test on suitable tires. |
| Glove compartment not properly secured | Make sure the glove box door latches shut. |
| Applicant refuses to remove pets from the vehicle | Leave pets at home. |
Section 2 of the manual adds that the driver exam includes a vehicle safety check. The test will not be given if any doors do not work, or if the vehicle fails the regular exam criteria.
Quick pre-test vehicle check
- Inspection sticker current
- Registration in the car
- All doors open and close from inside and out
- Front seats secure, passenger seat empty
- Glove box closes and stays shut
- Lights, turn signals, brake lights, horn and wipers working
- Windshield clear of cracks that block the view
- No pets in the car
What the examiner looks for
The BMV and the manual say the examiner assesses whether you:
- keep control of the vehicle at all times, driving forward and backward
- keep proper lane position
- turn left and right and drive straight ahead correctly
- observe and react to other drivers, pedestrians, signs, signals and conditions
- can parallel park and back up in a straight line
You will not be asked to do anything extraordinary or illegal. Why a test is failed can depend on road conditions, traffic and how you cope with what happens on the drive.
Practice these Maine manual maneuvers
Parallel parking
The manual’s method ends with you about 6 inches from the curb and not more than 18 inches away. Stop before touching the bumper of the car behind you. When pulling out, check traffic, signal and look over your shoulder.
Two-point turnaround
The manual describes using a driveway or alley to turn around when you cannot drive around the block. You can back into a driveway on your right, or pull forward into one on your left and then back out to the right.
Three-point turnaround
Use this only when the road is too narrow for a U-turn, and only on a two-lane road. Going around the block is better if you can.
- Check mirrors, signal right and stop on the right side.
- Signal left, check traffic and your left shoulder, turn hard left and stop at the other side.
- Shift to reverse, check traffic and both blind spots, turn hard right and back to the other side.
- Shift to drive, signal left, check traffic and drive forward into the right lane.
For general backing, the manual says back slowly and do as little backing as possible.
After the test
- Pass: BMV staff issue a temporary license and explain how to get your photo license. Under 18, a parent or guardian signs for the license.
- Fail: the examiner explains why and what to practice. You get a receipt to send in to request your next test.
Snow, ice and cancellations
If you are booked on a day with snow or icy conditions, you can choose to reschedule at no fee by calling 207-624-9000, ext. 52119. If state offices close for weather, exams are rescheduled automatically at no fee.
Common questions
Is parallel parking on the Maine road test?
Yes. The BMV says the test includes parallel parking and straight-line backing.
Can I use my parent’s car?
Yes, as long as it is registered, inspected and passes the examiner’s checks. You must provide your own vehicle.
Can I take the road test at 15 in Maine?
No. You must be at least 16 with driver education, and under 21 you must have held your permit for 6 months.
How much does the Maine road test cost?
The BMV fee page does not list a separate road test fee. Ask the Examination Section before booking.
How long until I can retake it?
Ask the BMV how long the wait is. You send in the receipt you are given to request your next test.
Can I use a backup camera?
Ask the BMV before test day. Practice backing with mirrors and over-the-shoulder checks.
Why do people fail road tests?
See common US road test fails and road tests by state.
Main guide: learning to drive in Maine. Related: Maine permit test and Maine intermediate license rules.
Sources
- Maine Department of the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Maine Driver’s License Manual” Rev 11/23, Appendix A and Sections 1, 2, 5 and 7 (www1.maine.gov)
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Drivers License Exam” (maine.gov)
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “License Age Restrictions” (maine.gov)
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Permittee Driving Log MVE-21” Rev 5/22 (www1.maine.gov)