How To Get a Maine Motorcycle License
Per Maine law, you must successfully complete a hands-on rider education program before getting your motorcycle license. Here’s what you need to know.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get a motorcycle license in the state of Maine, you must first complete a hands-on rider education program. If you are under 18, you must also complete a basic driver education course before enrolling in a motorcycle safety course.
Whether you’re new to Maine or a lifelong resident who just purchased your first motorcycle, obtaining a valid motorcycle license should be your first step before hitting the open road.
Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sets out simple requirements for new motorcycle riders who’d like to obtain a license: complete a hands-on education program and pass a written test/motorcycle skills test.
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Maine?
Yes—a Maine driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a motorcycle-only license, is required for all motorcyclists on Maine roads. Motorcycle permits also allow Maine residents to hit the road under certain conditions.
Non-residents with a motorcycle license from their state or country of residence, as well as those who are at least 16 years old and hold a permit from another state or country, are welcome on Maine roads.
If you are moving to Maine and already have a motorcycle license/endorsement from another state, you must transfer your credentials to Maine within 30 days of becoming a resident.
How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Florida driver’s license
If you already have a Maine driver’s license, you must simply add a motorcycle endorsement to your license.
If you’re over the age of 18, all you have to do is enroll in a hands-on rider education program. This basic rider 15-hour course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, using the school's motorcycles on a controlled range. The average cost is $325.
You’ll learn about motorcycles and their controls, safety considerations before and during riding, techniques to have the best control of the vehicle, traffic strategies, braking maneuvers, protective apparel selection, maintenance, and more.
At the completion of the course, you’ll be issued a written test and a hands-on motorcycle skills test. Those who pass the written test are eligible to receive their motorcycle permit, and those who pass the skills test are also eligible for a road test waiver. If you receive the waiver, a motorcycle endorsement will automatically be added to your Maine driver’s license.
If you do not pass the motorcycle skills test and do not qualify for a waiver, you may pay a $35 fee to receive your permit. Your permit will be valid for two years, and permit-holding riders must wear a helmet whenever operating the motorcycle and are prohibited from carrying passengers.
When you’re ready, you can then schedule a road test with the BMV. If you pass, you’ll receive your motorcycle endorsement.
Riders under 18 (but over the age of 16) may also enroll in the hands-on motorcycle safety course, but only after successfully completing a basic driver education course.
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How to get a motorcycle-only license in Maine
If you don’t already hold a valid Maine driver’s license, that’s okay! Whether you have a driver’s license from out-of-state or no driver’s license at all, you can still complete the above process to qualify for a motorcycle-only license.
How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Florida
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FAQs
Is there a motorcycle license test in Maine?
Yes—after completion of a 15-hour hands-on basic motorcycle safety course, you will be issued a written test as well as a motorcycle skills test. If you do not pass your motorcycle skills test, you can take a motorcycle driver’s test again within two years at the BMV.
What happens if you drive a motorcycle without a license in Maine?
Driving a motorcycle without a permit or license in Maine is considered a misdemeanor, which could result in a hefty fine and even jail time.
Can you drive a motorcycle without insurance in Maine?
No—motorcycle insurance is required under Maine law.
