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Home > Driver Licenses & IDs > Graduated Driver License System

Graduated Driver License System

Effective September 13, 2003, Maine will have a new law that requires a 3-step graduated drivers licensing system for new drivers who are under 18 years of age. The law also includes some changes that will affect drivers under 21 years of age. The new law is intended to allow Maine's young people to gain valuable driving experience under lower risk conditions.

Who Does This Law Change Affect and How?

Learner's Permit - Under 21 years old:

  • If a permit is issued to a person under 21 years of age on or after September 13, 2003, that person must hold the permit for 6 months before applying for a road test (previous law was 3 months) and are prohibited from using a cellular phone while operating with a permit.
  • If a permit that was issued prior to September 13, 2003 expires, the person must take an exam for a new permit but will not be required to wait before applying for a road test. The restriction from using a cellular phone still applies.

Learner's Permit - Age 21 and Over:

  • If a permit is issued to a person 21 years of age and over on or after September 13, 2003, that person does not have to wait 6 months before applying for a road test, however, they are prohibited from using a cellular phone while operating with a permit.

License - Under 18 years of age:

If a license is issued to a person under the age of 18 on or after September 13, 2003, that person will receive an "Intermediate License" which prohibits the licensee from the following:

  • Carrying passengers, except immediate family (grandparent; step grandparent; parent; stepparent; spouse; child; stepchildren; brother; sister; stepbrother; stepsister) unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age and has held a valid license for the past 2 years and is occupying the seat beside the driver.
  • Operating a motor vehicle from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular phone.

A person must hold an intermediate license for 180 days from the date the license was originally issued before they can receive an unrestricted license. If someone is convicted of violating one of the three restrictions listed above, the license restrictions will be extended for an additional period of 180 days from the date of the infraction.

Public Law Chapter 286 - An Act to Protect Young Drivers and Passengers (requires Adobe Acrobat to view).