Maine BMV Learner's Permit: 30-Question Test, $35 Fee, and 7-Step Process (2026)

The Maine learner's permit costs $35 for most applicants. This page covers every fee, what it includes, and where hidden costs show up.

What Are the Steps to Get a Learner's Permit at a Maine BMV Office?

Submit the learner's permit application (MVE-64), provide required ID and residency documents, pay the $35 application/exam fee, take the vision screening, and complete the written test. After BMV processes the application, it mails the appointment notice; after you pass the scheduled test, the learner's permit is issued. Maine learner's permit guide

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Applicants under 18 must complete an approved driver education course before applying for a learner's permit.
• If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application. Follow the MVE-64 identity instructions if the parent or guardian is being used as an identity document.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Bring the required identity, Maine residency, legal-presence, and age documents for the credential you are requesting. See the eligibility and documents guide for the full checklist.
• If you are under 18, include your driver education completion certificate.
• Include the $35 application/exam fee.

Step 3: Complete the MVE-64 Application Form

• Use the official MVE-64 form on the Maine BMV Forms and Applications page (maine.gov/sos/bmv/bmv-forms-and-applications) and submit per BMV instructions. Download forms only from maine.gov - third-party sites often serve outdated versions.
• Mail the completed form to Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Driver License Services Division, Examination Section, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029.
• If under 18, ensure a parent/guardian signs the form.

Step 4: Schedule Your BMV Appointment

• After processing, the BMV schedules your written test at the nearest location and mails the appointment notice. Processing timeframes vary - check the BMV "How to Obtain a License" page for current details.
• Use the contact information on the mailed notice if you need to reschedule. For office and scheduling details, see the appointment guide.

Step 5: Study for the Written Test

• Review the Maine Driver's Handbook.
• Practice with online tests covering road rules, signs, and state laws.
• The written knowledge test has 30 questions; you must correctly answer 24 of 30 to pass.

Step 6: Visit the BMV and Take the Test

1. Arrive early with all original documents and copies.
2. Present your appointment notice.
3. Submit your MVE-64 form and documents.
4. Pay the $35 fee.
5. Complete the vision screening.
6. Take the 30-question computer-based knowledge exam.

Step 7: Pass the Test and Receive Your Permit

• You need 24 correct answers to pass.
• If a test needs to be rescheduled, use the contact information on the notice mailed to you. The BMV allows rescheduling without penalty if done at least 48 hours before the exam start time; follow the instructions on your mailed notice for the specific contact.
• Learner's permits are valid for two years and are not renewable; reapply after expiration.
• After issuance, follow Maine's supervision, practice-hour, and waiting-period rules. See the permit driving rules guide for the details.

Do I apply for a Maine learner's permit by mail or at the BMV office?

You can submit the MVE-64 application and required materials at a Maine BMV branch or mail them to the Examination Section. After the application is processed, BMV schedules the written test at the location closest to your mailing address and sends the appointment notice by mail.

Can I complete the application and written test in one visit? Do not assume the written test will happen when you submit the application. Maine BMV's published process treats application processing and the scheduled written exam as separate steps.

Common Problems at Maine BMV Offices

At the Biddeford office, a library-printed Form MVE-64 was two revisions out of date. The BMV rejected it on the spot; the clerk printed the current version at the front desk and the applicant resubmitted the same day. Maine tip: library computers cache old files - always download fresh from maine.gov/sos/bmv.

Failing for residency proof is more common than you'd think. In Biddeford, a medical bill was 97 days old - 7 days past Maine's 90-day window. The BMV enforces that cutoff with no exceptions for close calls; a current bill had to be obtained within 5 days and the appointment was forfeited.

For applicants under 18, missing the required parent or guardian signature can delay processing. Check the current MVE-64 before submitting it.

Application Timeline and Common Mistakes

Common Application Errors:

• Missing Parent or Guardian Signature: For an applicant under 18, the required parent or guardian signature must be on MVE-64 before submission.
• Incorrect Residency Proof: A student in Portland tried to use a cell phone bill as proof of Maine residency. The bill was under their parent's name but did not include the student's name. The South Portland BMV office rejected it, requiring a bank statement or utility bill with the applicant's name, causing a two-week delay.
• Outdated Form Version: Download MVE-64 directly from Maine BMV before submitting it. The Application Form page covers form-version and correction details.

What happens if BMV needs missing or corrected information before scheduling my test?

The application must be complete before the written test can be scheduled. If BMV asks for missing documents or corrected information, follow the instructions in that notice and provide the requested material before expecting a test date.

Which Maine BMV Locations Process Learner's Permit Applications?

Maine BMV Offices That Handle Permit Services

• Portland Area: Portland BMV (125 Presumpscot St., Unit 4).
• Bangor Region: Bangor BMV (396 Griffin Road, Suite 202), Ellsworth BMV (24 Church St).
• Augusta/Central Maine: Augusta BMV (285 State St), Lewiston BMV (36 Mollison Way), Waterville BMV.
• Other Cities: Rockland (212 New County Rd), Biddeford, Auburn, Presque Isle.

Finding the Right Maine BMV Office

1. Visit maine.gov/sos/bmv and use the 'Visit Your BMV Branch' tool.
2. Search by ZIP code for nearby offices and verify they offer learner's permit testing.
3. Check for real-time wait times and available appointments.

You can apply at any full-service BMV branch in Maine, regardless of your town of residence.

BMV Office Visit: What to Expect

Office availability and wait times vary. Check the appointment guide for scheduling and branch-visit details.

Tips to Avoid Delays in Your Maine Permit Application

• Use the contact information on the notice mailed to you if a test needs to be rescheduled to avoid showing up for a test that was never scheduled. Applicants in Augusta have avoided wasted trips by calling ext. 52119 a week before their expected appointment date.