In Maine, all drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license. One crucial requirement to obtain a learner’s permit is to pass two official tests: a vision test and an official written (permit) test on driving theory. You must take the permit test at a DMV branch office or an approved driving school, not online. If you’re under 18, you must complete a driver’s education course before taking the written test. You must also provide written consent from your parent or guardian and proof that you are either enrolled in or have graduated from high school or GED. (If you’re at least 18 years old, a driver’s education course is recommended if you lack driving experience.)
The written test likely includes questions on Maine traffic laws (with a special emphasis on laws against drinking and driving), the rules of the road, road signs and signals, and safe driving practices. All questions on the written test are based on information in the official Maine DMV driver’s 2025 handbook (Maine DMV Handbook (ME Driver's Manual) 2025). The DMV currently publishes versions of this manual in six languages, of which we currently offer two for your convenience: English and Spanish. These versions of the manual can be easily downloaded from this webpage in PDF format.
You should study this manual, but consider doing even more to be sure of passing the written test. (In 2020 – 2023, 32.6% – nearly one-third – of applicants failed the Maine written test on their first attempt.) Our permit test preparation program goes beyond studying the official driver’s handbook by providing a graduated series of practice tests accompanied by our AI assistant. It can give you hints and explanations and answer your questions to help you learn.
We have also created an audiobook of the English version of the official driver’s manual. It’s formatted as a downloadable series of five MP3 files: the Maine driver’s license, owning and maintaining a motor vehicle, keeping fit to drive, and so on. The longest file is Part IV: Operating a Motor Vehicle, whose running time is 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 59 seconds. The total running time of this audiobook is approximately 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 13 seconds, so it may take several days to go through it once.
In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide (available elsewhere on this website) to help you get ready for the day of your Maine written test. It covers what documents to take to the DMV, frequently missed written test questions, and other last-minute written test tips.