Maine BMV Test Preparation

Address: 14 Access Hwy Ste 2, Caribou, ME 04736

 

EXAMS: Obtaining a Driver's License in Maine

To earn a driver's license in Maine, new drivers must successfully complete a written exam, a vision screening, and a road test. Proper preparation, including using the study guide and practicing with an experienced driver, is essential to building confidence and meeting these requirements.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants obtaining a first license or changing license classifications must take the required exams. However, the written and road tests may be waived if you hold a valid out-of-state license. Maine law mandates obtaining a state license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Visit the "New Resident" page for detailed information or contact the Examination Section at (207) 624-9000 ext. 52119 or Examinations.BMV@maine.gov.

Severe Weather Policies

If state offices close or delay operations due to severe weather, exams scheduled during the closure will be rescheduled at no additional cost, with a new appointment notice mailed out. If you cannot travel due to weather but state offices remain open, you may cancel your exam without a rescheduling fee by calling (207) 624-9000 ext. 52119 for non-commercial exams or ext. 52122 for commercial exams.

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Vision Test

A vision test is required for all applicants. It may be taken for free during the written exam or completed by a personal doctor, with the exam form submitted during the driver's license test.

Written Test

The written knowledge test includes 30 questions, and a passing score requires at least 24 correct answers. Topics include traffic laws, signs, pedestrian and bicycle safety, distracted driving, and Maine's operating under the influence laws. Practice questions in the study guide help prepare for the test.

Road Test

What to Expect

The road test assesses your ability to control your vehicle, including forward and backward driving, proper lane positioning, turns, and reactions to traffic and pedestrians. The test includes parallel parking and straight-line backing requirements. All prior tests and permit requirements must be completed before taking the road test.

Scheduling the Test

To schedule, submit the road test request card from the back of your learner's permit to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Augusta. Applicants under 21 must provide a completed driving log instead of the request card. Bring your learner's permit and appointment notice to the testing site.

After Testing

Upon passing the road test, you will receive a temporary license and instructions for obtaining a photo license. If you do not pass, you will receive feedback and guidance for scheduling your next test.

 

For further information, visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or contact them at (207) 624-9000 ext. 52119 or Examinations.BMV@maine.gov. Detailed examination rules are available online or by request.

 

Here’s a summary of the road test sequence as detailed in the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuNcdIx6kL4&ab_channel=MaineDepartmentoftheSecretaryofState

 

• Pre-Test Preparation:
  • Ensure you have your learner’s permit and the appointment notice with you.
  • Bring a safe and registered vehicle that meets state requirements for the test.
• Vehicle Inspection:
  • Examiners perform a basic safety check of the vehicle.
  • Ensure functional lights, signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors.
• Start of Test:
  • Begin by adjusting the seat, mirrors, and seatbelt.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle controls (e.g., emergency brake, horn).
• Driving Skills Assessment:
  1. Starting and Stopping:
     • Show smooth starts and controlled stops.
  2. Turning:
     • Perform proper left and right turns, using turn signals and checking blind spots.
  3. Lane Usage:
     • Maintain correct lane position and use proper techniques for merging and lane changes.
  4. Backing Up:
     • Perform a straight-line backing maneuver.
  5. Parallel Parking:
     • Park correctly within a designated space without hitting curbs or obstacles.
• Traffic Situations:
  • Navigate through intersections, yield appropriately, and follow traffic signs and signals.
  • Show awareness of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
• End of Test:
  • Return to the testing site safely.
  • Receive immediate feedback from the examiner on performance.
• Outcome:
  • If you pass, you are issued a temporary license and informed about obtaining your photo license.
  • If you fail, you receive specific feedback on areas needing improvement and instructions for rescheduling.

This sequence highlights the key steps and expectations for successfully completing the Maine Class C road test.

 

 

Here are 35 example questions for the Maine BMV driver's license written test, along with answers and explanations based on the Maine Driver Manual:

1. When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, you must:
   A) Slow down and proceed with caution
   B) Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing
   C) Honk your horn and pass carefully
   D) Change lanes and continue driving

Correct Answer: B) Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, you must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing before proceeding. This is to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus.

1. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older in Maine is:
   A) 0.05%
   B) 0.08%
   C) 0.10%
   D) 0.12%

Correct Answer: B) 0.08%

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08%. Driving with a BAC at or above this level is considered Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Maine.

1. In Maine, the default speed limit in a residential area is:
   A) 15 mph
   B) 20 mph
   C) 25 mph
   D) 30 mph

Correct Answer: C) 25 mph

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, the default speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

1. When making a right turn on a red light, you must:
   A) Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, then turn
   B) Slow down and turn if no traffic is coming
   C) Wait for a green light before turning
   D) Honk your horn to alert other drivers

Correct Answer: A) Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, then turn

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that when making a right turn on a red light, you must first come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and then proceed with the turn if it is safe to do so.

1. On a two-lane road with a solid yellow line on your side, you:
   A) May pass if no oncoming traffic is visible
   B) Must not pass under any circumstances
   C) Can pass only if the vehicle ahead is going under 20 mph
   D) May pass only during daylight hours

Correct Answer: B) Must not pass under any circumstances

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual indicates that a solid yellow line on your side of a two-lane road means no passing is allowed in that direction.

1. A yellow diamond-shaped sign indicates:
   A) A stop ahead
   B) A warning
   C) A school zone
   D) A construction area

Correct Answer: B) A warning

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, yellow diamond-shaped signs are used to warn drivers of upcoming hazards or changing road conditions.

1. What does a flashing yellow arrow at an intersection mean?
   A) Stop and wait for a green light
   B) Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution
   C) Go, you have the right of way
   D) The signal is malfunctioning

Correct Answer: B) Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that a flashing yellow arrow means drivers may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

1. When approaching a crosswalk with pedestrians, you should:
   A) Speed up to pass before they enter your lane
   B) Stop and allow them to cross safely
   C) Honk to warn them you're approaching
   D) Swerve around them

Correct Answer: B) Stop and allow them to cross safely

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual emphasizes that drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

1. In Maine, bicyclists are required to:
   A) Always ride on the sidewalk
   B) Ride against traffic for better visibility
   C) Follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles
   D) Only ride during daylight hours

Correct Answer: C) Follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles when operating on public roads.

1. If convicted of OUI in Maine, a first offense can result in:
   A) A verbal warning
   B) A small fine only
   C) License suspension and possible jail time
   D) No penalties for first-time offenders

Correct Answer: C) License suspension and possible jail time

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that a first OUI offense can result in license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.

1. When driving in fog, you should use:
   A) High beam headlights
   B) Low beam headlights
   C) Hazard lights only
   D) No lights to avoid glare

Correct Answer: B) Low beam headlights

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises using low beam headlights in fog, as high beams can reflect off the fog and reduce visibility.

1. In a roundabout, you should:
   A) Always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
   B) Enter without stopping if no vehicles are immediately to your left
   C) Stop in the roundabout to let others enter
   D) Use your right turn signal when entering

Correct Answer: A) Always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, drivers entering a roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the roundabout.

1. What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?
   A) Pump the brake pedal rapidly
   B) Shift to a lower gear and use the emergency brake
   C) Turn off the engine immediately
   D) Open the door and drag your foot to slow down

Correct Answer: B) Shift to a lower gear and use the emergency brake

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual recommends shifting to a lower gear and gradually applying the emergency brake if your regular brakes fail while driving.

1. How often should you check your tire pressure?
   A) Once a year
   B) Every oil change
   C) At least once a month
   D) Only when the tires look low

Correct Answer: C) At least once a month

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises checking tire pressure at least once a month to ensure proper inflation and safe driving conditions.

1. When parking on a hill with no curb, you should turn your wheels:
   A) Parallel to the road
   B) Towards the center of the road
   C) Away from the center of the road
   D) It doesn't matter which way

Correct Answer: C) Away from the center of the road

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that when parking on a hill with no curb, you should turn your wheels away from the center of the road to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail.

1. What is the minimum following distance recommended for passenger vehicles under normal driving conditions?
   A) 1 second
   B) 2 seconds
   C) 3 seconds
   D) 4 seconds

Correct Answer: C) 3 seconds

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual recommends a minimum following distance of 3 seconds for passenger vehicles under normal driving conditions to maintain a safe stopping distance.

1. When is it legal to pass on the right in Maine?
   A) Never
   B) Only on multi-lane highways
   C) When the vehicle ahead is making a left turn
   D) Anytime there is enough room on the shoulder

Correct Answer: C) When the vehicle ahead is making a left turn

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, it is legal to pass on the right when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn and there is room to pass safely.

1. What should you do if you miss your exit on a highway?
   A) Stop and back up on the shoulder
   B) Make a U-turn using the median
   C) Continue to the next exit and turn around safely
   D) Stop and ask another driver for directions

Correct Answer: C) Continue to the next exit and turn around safely

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises drivers who miss their exit to continue to the next exit and turn around safely, as stopping or backing up on a highway is extremely dangerous.

1. In Maine, how long do you have to report a change of address to the BMV?
   A) 10 days
   B) 15 days
   C) 30 days
   D) 60 days

Correct Answer: C) 30 days

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that drivers must report a change of address to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 30 days.

1. What is the proper action to take when approaching a traffic signal with a steady yellow light?
   A) Speed up to get through the intersection
   B) Stop if it is safe to do so
   C) Treat it like a green light
   D) Honk your horn to alert other drivers

Correct Answer: B) Stop if it is safe to do so

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, a steady yellow light means the signal is about to change to red, and drivers should stop if it is safe to do so.

1. When driving on a multi-lane highway, slower traffic should use:
   A) The left lane
   B) The right lane
   C) Any lane
   D) The shoulder

Correct Answer: B) The right lane

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that slower traffic should keep to the right lanes on multi-lane highways to allow faster traffic to pass safely.

1. What is the purpose of a runaway truck ramp?
   A) For trucks to take rest breaks
   B) To allow trucks to pass slower vehicles
   C) To stop trucks with brake failure
   D) For truck inspections

Correct Answer: C) To stop trucks with brake failure

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual explains that runaway truck ramps are designed to help stop large trucks that have lost their brakes on steep downgrades.

1. When approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road, you should:
   A) Speed up to pass quickly
   B) Slow down and move over if possible
   C) Stop immediately
   D) Honk to alert the emergency workers

Correct Answer: B) Slow down and move over if possible

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises drivers to slow down and move over to another lane if possible when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road.

1. What does a white rectangular sign with black lettering typically indicate?
   A) A warning
   B) A regulatory or guide sign
   C) A construction zone
   D) A school zone

Correct Answer: B) A regulatory or guide sign

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, white rectangular signs with black lettering are typically used for regulatory signs (such as speed limits) or guide signs (such as destination information).

1. When is it legal to drive in the left lane of a multi-lane highway?
   A) Anytime
   B) Only when passing
   C) When driving slower than other traffic
   D) Only during rush hour

Correct Answer: B) Only when passing

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that the left lane on multi-lane highways should be used primarily for passing, and drivers should return to the right lane after completing a pass.

1. What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?
   A) Brake hard and turn the wheel in the opposite direction
   B) Accelerate to regain traction
   C) Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go
   D) Turn on your hazard lights and stop immediately

Correct Answer: C) Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises that if your vehicle starts to skid, you should ease off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

1. How long should you signal before making a turn?
   A) At least 50 feet
   B) At least 100 feet
   C) At least 200 feet
   D) Only when other vehicles are present

Correct Answer: B) At least 100 feet (300 m)

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, you should signal for at least 100 feet before making a turn.

1. What does a solid white line between lanes mean?
   A) Changing lanes is permitted
   B) Changing lanes is discouraged
   C) You must change lanes
   D) The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles

Correct Answer: B) Changing lanes is discouraged

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that a solid white line between lanes indicates that changing lanes is discouraged, although not strictly prohibited.

1. When driving through a work zone, you should:
   A) Increase your speed to get through quickly
   B) Maintain the posted speed limit
   C) Slow down and be prepared to stop
   D) Use your horn to alert workers

Correct Answer: C) Slow down and be prepared to stop

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual emphasizes the importance of slowing down and being prepared to stop when driving through work zones for the safety of workers and other drivers.

1. What is the purpose of an acceleration lane?
   A) To slow down when exiting a highway
   B) To gain speed when entering a highway
   C) To pass slower vehicles
   D) To make U-turns

Correct Answer: B) To gain speed when entering a highway

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, acceleration lanes are designed to allow drivers to increase their speed to match highway traffic when entering from an on-ramp.

1. What should you do if you encounter a flooded roadway?
   A) Drive through slowly
   B) Increase your speed to get through quickly
   C) Turn around and find another route
   D) Wait for the water to recede

Correct Answer: C) Turn around and find another route

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises drivers to turn around and find another route when encountering flooded roadways, as it's often impossible to judge the depth of the water or the condition of the road beneath it.

1. How often should you check your rearview and side mirrors while driving?
   A) Only when changing lanes
   B) Every 5 minutes
   C) Every 30 seconds
   D) Every few seconds

Correct Answer: D) Every few seconds

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual recommends checking your rearview and side mirrors every few seconds to maintain awareness of the traffic around you.

1. What is the proper technique for steering through a sharp curve?
   A) Accelerate through the curve
   B) Brake hard while in the curve
   C) Slow down before the curve and accelerate gently through it
   D) Keep a constant speed throughout the curve

Correct Answer: C) Slow down before the curve and accelerate gently through it

Explanation: According to the Maine Driver Manual, the proper technique for navigating sharp curves is to slow down before entering the curve and then accelerate gently through it.

1. When may you cross a double solid yellow line?
   A) To pass a slow-moving vehicle
   B) When no oncoming traffic is visible
   C) To make a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway
   D) Never

Correct Answer: C) To make a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual states that you may cross a double solid yellow line only to make a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.

1. What should you do if you are involved in a minor accident with no injuries?
   A) Leave the scene immediately
   B) Move vehicles off the road if possible and exchange information
   C) Wait for police to arrive before moving vehicles
   D) Argue with the other driver about who was at fault

Correct Answer: B) Move vehicles off the road if possible and exchange information

Explanation: The Maine Driver Manual advises that in case of a minor accident with no injuries, you should move the vehicles off the road if possible to avoid obstructing traffic, and then exchange information with the other driver.

 

 

 

 

 

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