What to bring to the Maine BMV permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• Learner's permit application form
• $35 fee
• Two forms of identification (one with date of birth, one with signature)
• Proof of Maine residency
• Driver education completion certificate (under 18)
• Birth certificate (applicants younger than 23; photocopy with embossed seal acceptable, notarized copy not)

Fees

• Class C permit examination (written test): $35

The vision test

Visual acuity at least 20/40 in the better seeing eye (and 20/100 in the fellow eye under exceptional-case criteria) and at least 110 degrees of continuous horizontal field. Corrective lenses required if uncorrected acuity is worse than 20/40 in both eyes; daylight-only driving for 20/50 to 20/100 in the better eye. Screening is free at the written exam or by an eye care specialist on form MVE-103.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Learner's permit and appointment notice
• Your own registered and inspected vehicle (bring registration); antique-registered vehicles not accepted
• A licensed operator with a valid license to accompany you
• Under 21: completed driving log (70 hours, 10 at night) mailed instead of the road test request card

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least 6 months if under 21 (no wait at 21+) before the road test.
• Log 70 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 20 years old who has held a valid license for at least 2 years and is licensed for the vehicle class, in the seat beside the driver
• No mobile telephone or handheld electronic device use while driving (all drivers in Maine; permit holders of any age)
• Permit valid 2 years and not renewable; a new application, vision screening and written exam are needed after expiration (logged hours carry over)
• Under 18: parent or legal guardian (or spouse 18+) must sign the application

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the BMV says copies are accepted.