How To Get a Motorcycle License in Maine
If you live in Maine and want to save money on gas this summer or just feel like traveling in something a little more exciting than a regular car, you may be thinking of getting your motorcycle license. To learn more about the process itself and the requirements that you’ll have to meet, keep reading.
License Requirements
The process for getting your Maine motorcycle license depends on whether or not you’re over 18 and whether or not you already have a regular Class C license. In general, you’ll have to take a motorcycle driving class, pass a written test and pay the appropriate fees. You may or may not have to take a road test.
Motorcycle License Classes
When working on getting your motorcycle license, you have two options as far as classes go. You can either take a 15-hour hands-on class, or you can take an 8-hour classroom course. The longer class is called the Basic Rider Course, also known as the BRC. If you pass this class, you can have the road test requirement waived and get a motorcycle endorsement for your Class C license right away. Passing the shorter class will qualify you for your motorcycle permit, but you’ll still have to take a road test to get your actual license. This shorter, classroom-based course is called the Maine Motorcycle Safety Education Course, or the MMSEC for short.
Written Permit Test
No matter which class you choose to take, you’ll have to complete a written test to pass your course. This test will have 50 multiple choice questions. In order to pass, you’ll need to get at least 80% of the questions right. So, answering 40 or more questions correctly will grant you your permit, but you’ll have to take the written test again if you get 39 or less questions right. Once you pass your course, you’ll need to take your completion certificate, your permit application, proper identification and the fee to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles location.
Age Requirements
In order to obtain your motorcycle permit or license, you need to be at least 16 years old. You won’t need to take driver’s education for regular automobiles if you’re over the age of 18 or already have a valid driver’s license. If you’re between the ages of 16 and 18, however, you’ll have to take regular driver’s education classes before you can work on getting your motorcycle license. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to have a Class C license to get your motorcycle license, though – a Class C driver’s permit will suffice.
Road Test
The road test shouldn’t be too hard if you’ve taken a motorcycle driving class recently. It should only take about 10 or 20 minutes, and test takers normally take the test at the nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles location. Once you pass the road test, you’ll be able to replace your permit with a Maine motorcycle license.
Fees
Your biggest expense will be your motorcycle license classes. While each motorcycle school will charge different amounts, it’s not unreasonable to expect to pay around $300 for a Basic Rider Course or between $50 and $75 for a Maine Motorcycle Safety Education Course. The permit examination costs $10 each time you take it, and it’s also $10 for your actual Maine motorcycle license. If your motorcycle isn’t already registered with the state of Maine, you’ll need to register it before you take your road test or drive it on public roadways. The cost of registering a motorcycle is $21. Depending on what kind of motorcycle you own, you may also need to have a current title.
Permit and License Restrictions
There are a few restrictions that you should keep in mind once your get your permit or license. Maine used to only let licensed drivers ride at night, but this rule was changed in 2013. Whether you have a permit or license, you’re allowed to ride at night as long as you stay in Maine. If you want to travel to another state, check that state’s motorcycle permit rules before you leave – some places restrict nighttime driving, and others will require that you’re fully licensed in order to ride. Also, permit holders can’t carry passengers at all in the state of Maine, and newly licensed individuals must wait at least 60 days before transporting others.
Getting a Maine motorcycle license is a worthwhile thing to do, and depending on how you go about it, you could get your license within one weekend. It’s a pretty easy process, and once you complete the requirements, you’ll be able to ride your motorcycle whenever you want. Most importantly, you’ll have the knowledge to stay safe on the road.
Permit.Bike is singularly devoted to the purpose of providing an easy-to-learn and simple approach to the act of riding.