“Building A Strong Foundation For Our Students' Driving Future”

New Drivers

Important Information About Your First License

Congratulations on passing your driving exam! It is important that you read both sides of this document. As a new driver, it is particularly important for you to remember that safety is rule number 1 on Maine roads. For everyone’s safety, new drivers must operate under special rules when they get their first license. This includes you. The first license issued to a new applicant under 21 years of age is provisional for a period of 2 years and 1 year for persons at least 21 years of age. If you violate traffic laws during your provisional period, your license will be suspended;

• For 30 days on first offense;

• For 60 days on second offense;

• For 90 days on third offense.

• Longer suspensions are possible depending on the particular violation.

A person under 18 years of age who has been issued a driver’s license is prohibited from:

• Operating a motor vehicle between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.;

• Carrying passengers other than immediate family members or a foreign

exchange student living with the family unless accompanied by a licensed operator who has held a valid driver’s license for 2 years, is at least 20 years

of age, is occupying a seat beside the driver and is licensed to operate the class of vehicle being operated by the licensee. Immediate family member

means grandparent, step-grandparent, parent, step-parent, spouse, child, step-children, brother, sister, step-brother or step-sister;

• Operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone.

These restrictions are in effect for a period of 180 days from passing the road test. Violation of the conditions of these restrictions will result in a 180 day extension of the restrictions noted above which may extend beyond the 18th birthday.

A person who has not attained 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle while using a hand held electronic device.

Bring your parent or guardian with you to get your license. If you are younger than 18 years of age, please bring your parent or legal guardian with you to sign the forms necessary for you to obtain your permanent license. You must show proof of Maine residency and citizenship when seeking to obtain your Maine digital photo driver’s license. A person who has signed a license application for a minor may file with the Secretary of State a notarized written request that the license be suspended.

Again, congratulations and please drive safely.

Matthew Dunlap

Secretary of State