Maine Permit Test cheat sheet

Maine's basic speed limit on most rural roads is 55 mph unless posted otherwise; posted limits override the statutory default, and the limit drops to 45 mph in built-up areas unless signed differently.

The general rule for right-of-way at an unmarked intersection is yield to the vehicle on your right; a vehicle already in the intersection has the right-of-way over entering traffic.

Maine requires drivers and all passengers to use seat belts or child restraints; a child under 2 years must be in a rear-facing seat and children under 8 and under 57 inches must use a child restraint system.

Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is 500 feet or less; they must also be used when wipers are on due to rain, snow, or fog.

Maine's implied consent law: refusing a chemical test after an OUI arrest triggers automatic license suspension, and refusal can be used as evidence at trial.

OUI in Maine is operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more; the threshold is 0.02% for drivers under 21 under the state's zero-tolerance law.

Passing on the right is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is turning left, when there are two or more lanes in the same direction, or on a one-way street wide enough for two lanes.

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a physical median or barrier on a divided highway.

Red octagon means stop completely before the crosswalk or stop line; red inverted triangle means yield and slow only if traffic requires it.

Yellow diamond signs are warnings about conditions ahead (curves, intersections, bumps); yellow pennant marks a no-passing zone.

Orange diamond signs indicate construction or work zones; fines are doubled for moving violations in Maine work zones when workers are present.

A flashing red signal is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow signal means slow down and proceed with caution without stopping.

A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red - stop if you can do so safely, but do not accelerate to beat it.

Solid yellow center lines mean no passing in either direction; a broken yellow line on your side permits passing when the way is clear.

Double solid white lines separate lanes moving in the same direction and crossing them is prohibited; a single broken white line separates same-direction lanes and may be crossed to change lanes.

A green arrow means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow only if the way is clear; a red arrow means stop and do not turn in that direction.

Use the three-second following rule in good conditions; increase to four or more seconds at night, in rain, or when following motorcycles or large trucks.

Maine's 'Move Over' law requires drivers to slow down and, if safe, move one lane away from stopped emergency, tow, or highway maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Passing a bicyclist requires at least three feet of clearance; if you cannot give three feet safely, wait until it is legal and safe to pass.

Large trucks have deep blind spots (No-Zones) behind, beside, and in front of the cab; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

In fog, rain, or snow use low-beam headlights, not high beams, because high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.

If your vehicle begins to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go; avoid hard braking.

Hydroplaning occurs at speeds as low as 35 mph on wet roads; ease off the gas and avoid braking hard until tires regain contact with the pavement.

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes, unless you are in an intersection - then clear the intersection first.

Maine's learner's permit requires the applicant to be at least 15 years old and to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test.

A permit holder must complete 70 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours after dark, before taking the road test.

During the permit phase, the supervising driver must be at least 20 years old, hold a valid license, and have held it for at least two years; the supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat.

Maine's intermediate license restricts driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless the trip is for work, school, or an emergency, and limits passengers to immediate family members unless a licensed adult 20 or older is present.

A permit holder must hold the permit for at least six months before applying for an intermediate license, and must have no OUI or serious moving violations during that period.

The road test for the intermediate license requires the applicant to provide a registered, inspected, and insured vehicle and to be accompanied by a licensed driver.

Maine's full (unrestricted) license is available at age 18 after holding the intermediate license for at least six months without a suspension or OUI conviction.

A conviction for OUI or certain moving violations during the permit or intermediate phase extends the holding period and can result in suspension of driving privileges.