While getting a driver’s license is a requirement for driving a car, it is not enough for you to be able to ride a motorcycle.
For this, you will need a separate motorcycle license, and while this does require you to have a driver’s license, the motorcycle license is completely separate.
Despite having a lot of motorcycle riders, many people in the state do not know how to get a motorcycle license in Maine. This is also problematic for people who may have just recently moved to the state.
For those who do not know, you will need to apply for the license, provide all of the documents and carry out a set of tests.
The entire process is fairly straightforward but has a lot of smaller details that many people cannot manage. I will highlight these details and the main steps you need to follow to get your license.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Maine
Getting into the main process, you will first need to identify which license you are allowed to apply for.
Some states have different types of licenses you can apply for depending on your age, and each has different documents you need to provide.
Knowing Your Age
Knowing your age is integral for applying for a license as that will let you know which motorcycle license you can apply for. This will also set a precedent for which set of documents you need to provide to the DMV.
Age 16 – 17
You need to be at least 16 years old if you want to get a motorcycle license in the state of Maine. Here are the documents you need to give if you are below 18 years and 16 years or above.
- Your driver’s license.
- Your driver’s permit.
- Identity proof.
- Legal residency proof.
- Your ID card, which should show your social security number.
- Signed document as a permission by your parents/legal guardian.
Age 18 And Above
You must provide the below documents if you are 18 and above. Here is the updated list of the documents.
- Identity proof.
- Driver’s license.
- Place of legal residency.
- Driver’s permit.
- Your ID card & social security number.
- Your martial/legal status.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
Each state has its rules regarding the types of licenses you can have for your motorcycle. These license types will depend mostly on your age.
Luckily for the citizens of Maine, things are much easier. You only have one specific motorcycle license that all people can apply for.
M Class Motorcycle License
This is the standard motorcycle license you can get in all states. This particular license allows you to ride all motorcycles and does not limit your operation time. You can ride whenever you want and with passengers as well.
How To Apply For Your Maine Motorcycle License
At this point, you should have proper knowledge of the documents you need and the type of license you will be applying for.
I will explain what you need to do to obtain a motorcycle license.
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- The first step to applying for your motorcycle license is getting a driver’s license.
- If you are an experienced car rider, you probably have this already, but if you do not, you should apply for one before applying for your motorcycle license.
- Applying for a driver’s license will require you to bring various documents like the ones mentioned above. You may be required to bring additional documents, so ensure you have everything.
- You will need to hold your driver’s permit for more than six months and then apply for a road test. If you are above 21, you can go straight to the road test.
- You will, however, need at least 70 hours of total driving which must have 10 hours of nighttime driving.
- Simply take the road test, pay the fees and pass the test.
- This should net you your temporary license with the permanent one coming to your place of residency via the mail.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
Now that you have gotten your driver’s license and, hopefully, applied for your motorcycle license, you can proceed to take all the tests.
I will explain all these tests and what you must do to pass them.
1. Vision Test
The vision test will check to see if you should be allowed to ride a motorcycle on public roads. This is done by making sure you can see properly. To pass this test, you must have at least 20/40 vision.
If you fail the test, then you can retake the test after getting assessed by an eye specialist and getting new lenses or glasses.
2. Motorcycle Written Test
Once you have cleared the vision test, you can proceed to the written test. This test consists of 25 different questions that are multiple choice.
If you want to pass the test, you will need to answer 20 of them correctly. The questions will be based on the rules and regulations of the state of Maine regarding motorcycle safety and traffic laws.
3. Motorcycle Road Test
The road test will have you apply all the knowledge you showed in the written test on a course or public roads. This test will also be based on how well you have practiced.
The road test will assess you based on your braking, accelerating, and turning skills, having you carry out different tasks and tricks on the motorcycle. You should have a lot of practice before taking this test.
4. Motorcycle Safety Training Course
You can alternatively apply for a motorcycle training course which will also give you a lot of practice and help you avoid the prior two tests if you do not want to give them.
These courses are divided into three different categories that you can choose from. These will cost separately from the licensing fees. Taking this course can waive the skills and knowledge test entirely.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
Now that you have passed all of your tests, you can move on to collect the documents and paperwork you submitted to the office.
Ensure that all your documents are in order and that you do not miss one since these documents are very sensitive.
You may also be asked to complete another document for your motorcycle license. You should do that as soon as possible and submit it on time.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
Once all the documents are collected and you have done all the other tasks, you should be able to collect your motorcycle license.
Simply go back to the office and collect your temporary motorcycle license. Your permanent license will be mailed to you in about a week.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In ME
If you already have an expired motorcycle license, then you simply apply for an endorsement. The method to get the endorsement is the same as getting a license.
Step 1: Carry Out All The Tests
Apply for the motorcycle endorsement and then engage in all the tests mentioned above. You will need to pass all of them to get your endorsement.
Step 2: Take A Safety Course
If you are not feeling up to taking the tests, you can apply for a safety test which will waive all of the tests aside from the vision test you must take.
Step 3: Collect The Endorsement
Finally, you can return to the DMV and collect your motorcycle endorsement. Before doing so, you will have to pay a small fee for the test or the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Maine?
If you carry out all of the tests and application processes, you should be able to get your motorcycle license within a week or so.
If you decide to take a motorcycle safety course, you will have to do that as well, which can take at least two days.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Maine?
You will need to pay a flat $35 to get your motorcycle license if you are getting it in Maine. On top of this, you will also have to pay for the course if you apply for one or any tests you may have passed to get the license.
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Maine?
As is the case with all the states, you must have a valid motorcycle license in Maine if you want to drive your motorcycle. If the police pull you over and you do not have a valid motorcycle license, you risk getting a fine.
Conclusion
There are many complexities when getting a motorcycle license, but this process is very simple once you put in the time to understand it.
This is seen especially if you figure out how to get a motorcycle license in Maine. The main issue a lot of people have is with the documents. The rest is pretty straightforward, and you should be able to manage it all.
Now that you have read this article, you should have all the necessary information you may ever need to easily pass the tests and get your motorcycle license.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
