Maine Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 30
- Passing score
- 80% (24 of 30 correct)
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Maine Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam every new driver must pass to earn a learner's permit in the state. It's administered by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, part of the Department of the Secretary of State, and is typically taken by teens and adults applying for their first Maine license.
Overview
The knowledge test covers rules of the road, the meaning of various signs, pedestrian and bicycle safety, awareness of Maine's operating-under-the-influence laws, and the dangers of distracted driving. Maine does not run a separate signs-only test — sign recognition questions are mixed in with the rest of the 30-question exam, so strong sign identification is one part of passing the whole knowledge test.
- Rules of the road
- Meaning of various signs
- Pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Operating under the influence (OUI) laws
- Distracted driving
Cost and registration
Applying for a Maine learner's permit carries a $35 fee. Check the Maine BMV's current fee schedule for any additional charges tied to license issuance or testing, since those aren't part of the permit application fee itself.
Exam format
The knowledge test has 30 questions, and you need at least 24 correct — 80% — to pass. Maine's exam guidance does not publish a fixed time limit for the test, so consult the official Maine Driver's Manual for the most current administration details.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Maine permit knowledge test, and what's the passing score?
The Maine knowledge exam consists of 30 questions, and you need at least 24 correct (80%) to pass.
What is the minimum age to get a learner's permit in Maine?
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Maine learner's permit, which also requires passing the driver knowledge exam.
How much does a Maine learner's permit cost?
The learner's permit application carries a $35 fee, payable to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles when you submit your paperwork.
How long is a Maine driver's permit valid?
A Maine permit is not renewable and is valid for two years; if it expires, you must file a new application and retake both the vision screening and the written exam.
How many supervised driving hours does Maine require before the road test?
Permit holders must log 70 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours after dark, before applying for the road test.
Can I reschedule my Maine driving exam without paying a penalty?
Yes, you can reschedule your test up to 48 hours before its scheduled start with no penalty fee.
Sources
- 1.How to Obtain a License | SOS — Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Drivers License Exam | SOS — Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Graduated Drivers License | SOS — Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Drivers License Exam | SOSMaine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State)maine.gov
- How to Obtain a License | SOSMaine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State)maine.gov
- Graduated Drivers License | SOSMaine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State)maine.gov
- Driver Licenses and IDs Overview | SOSMaine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State)maine.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: