How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Maine?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Maine. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Maine?

Maine intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Maine?

In Maine, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 16.75.

Maine Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Maine uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

16.75

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 70 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 20 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: Family members only for first 270 days (9 months); no non-family passengers
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

16.75

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations result in license suspension for 30 days for first offense; 90 days for subsequent offenses

Maine-Specific Information

Maine requires 70 supervised hours, the highest in the nation. Supervisor must be at least 20 years old and licensed for at least 2 years. Passenger restriction (family only) lasts for 270 days. Full license available at approximately 16 years 9 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Maine gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Maine at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Maine restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 16.75.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Maine at age 16.75. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.