Maine BMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Vehicle control forward and backward
• Lane position
• Left and right turns
• Observing and reacting to other road users, pedestrians, signs, signals and conditions
• Parallel parking
• Straight-line backing

How it's scored

The examiner makes an impartial decision on all phases of the test.

Your car

• Must pass Maine inspection criteria (current sticker)
• Front seats available and secured to the floor
• Equipped for climate conditions (e.g. snow tires or chains)
• Glove compartment secured closed
• Pets removed
• All doors operative

After you pass

Drivers under Intermediate restrictions end 270 days after the license is issued; the license is provisional for 2 years if first issued under 21 (1 year if 21+) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• Under 18 (intermediate license, 270 days): no passengers other than immediate family unless accompanied by a licensed driver 20+ with 2 years' experience in the seat beside the driver
• No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• No mobile telephone or handheld electronic device use
• Violating an intermediate restriction extends the restrictions by 270 days (may run past age 18) and brings a suspension: 60 days (1st), 180 days (2nd), one year (3rd or later)
• Provisional license (2 years if first licensed under 21, 1 year if 21+): a moving-violation conviction brings a suspension of 30 days (1st), 180 days (2nd), one year (3rd or later)

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.