Maine motorcycle permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 26 Maine numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 16 number questions in our Maine bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
16 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
Under Maine's implied consent law, how long can the Secretary of State suspend your license for refusing an alcohol test?
Up to six years
When you operate in Maine, you automatically consent to testing. You will not be forced to take a test, but refusing brings an immediate administrative suspension of up to six years, with no court action needed.
Fines, points & penalties
What is the Maine BMV fee for the motorcycle permit examination (written test)?
$35
Maine charges $35 for the Class C and motorcycle permit examination, which is the written test.
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State) website
Distances & following gaps
In a staggered group formation, where does the second rider ride?
Right side of the lane, at least one second back
The leader rides in the left side of the lane, and the second rider stays at least one second back in the right side.
Every Maine motorcycle number, by topic
Official Maine laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
6 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | legislature.maine.govQuoteWhile having an alcohol level of 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath |
| 0% | BAC limit for drivers under 21 | legislature.maine.govQuoteA license of a person who has not yet attained 21 years of age includes the condition that the person not operate a motor vehicle with an alcohol level of more than 0.00 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath. |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | legislature.maine.govQuoteThe Secretary of State shall suspend, without preliminary hearing, the commercial license of a person who has operated or attempted to operate a commercial motor vehicle while having an alcohol level of 0.04 grams or more |
| 275-day | Drunk driving (DUI)Refusing a test means a 275-day suspension for a first refusal | legislature.maine.govQuotethe suspension is for a period of 275 days for the first refusal, 18 months for a 2nd refusal, 4 years for a 3rd refusal and 6 years for a 4th refusal. |
| six years | Under Maine's implied consent law, how long can the Secretary of State suspend your license for refusing an alcohol test?Answer: Up to six years | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 61Quoteyour driver’s license will be immediately suspended if you refuse. The suspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary of State. |
| two hours | On a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle to fight fatigue?Answer: At least every two hours | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 45QuoteTake frequent rest breaks — Stop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours. |
Fines, points & penalties
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $35 | What is the Maine BMV fee for the motorcycle permit examination (written test)?Answer: $35 | Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State) websiteQuoteClass C and Motorcycle Permit Examination (Written Test) $35 |
Distances & following gaps
5 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| one second | In a staggered group formation, where does the second rider ride?Answer: Right side of the lane, at least one second back | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 39QuoteThe group leader rides in the left side of the lane, and the second rider stays at least one second back and rides in the right side of the lane. |
| 100 feet | According to the Maine motorcycle manual, how far ahead should you signal before a turn or lane change?Answer: At least 100 feet | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 25QuoteSignal as early as you can - at least 100 feet before any change or turn |
| Two seconds | Under normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?Answer: Two seconds | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 16QuoteNormally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead. |
| Three seconds | You are following a large van you cannot see through, in heavy traffic. What following distance should you use?Answer: Three seconds or more | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 16QuoteIf the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze in front of you, open up a three-second or more following distance. |
| 12 seconds | Experienced riders search well ahead for hazards. About how far ahead in time is that outer search area?Answer: About 12 seconds | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 20Quoteexperienced riders search for hazards that are further out, looking ahead to an area it would take about 12 seconds to reach. |
Ages, permits & the test
9 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $35 | Fee | maine.govQuoteClass C and Motorcycle Permit Examination (Written Test) $35 |
| 2 years | Motorcycle permitIf you have not passed the road test within 2 years, you must retake the rider education course before another permit is issued | legislature.maine.govQuoteIf the holder of a learner's permit fails to complete the driving test within 2 years from the date of issuance of a learner's permit the holder must retake the motorcycle rider education course |
| 60 days | Motorcycle permitA course completion certificate can serve as a temporary permit for 60 days | legislature.maine.govQuoteAn endorsement issued pursuant to this paragraph prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the endorsement. |
| at least 16 | Motorcycle permitTo get a Maine motorcycle learner's permit you must be at least 16, pass vision and knowledge tests, and first complete a state-approved rider education course | legislature.maine.govQuoteA person must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a motorcycle or moped learner's permit. |
| Two years | After you pass the Maine motorcycle written test, how long is the Learner's Permit you receive valid?Answer: Two years | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 59QuoteAfter passing the written test, a Learner’s Permit will be issued which is valid for two years. |
| 60 days | After you complete an approved Maine motorcycle rider education course, how long can your completion certificate be used as a temporary motorcycle permit?Answer: 60 days | Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Department of the Secretary of State) websiteQuoteThe certificate may be used as a temporary motorcycle permit for the operation of a motorcycle for 60 days from the course completion date displayed on the front of the certificate. |
| 60 days | Your Maine motorcycle road test was waived because you completed the Basic Rider Course. What restriction applies to your new endorsement?Answer: No passengers for 60 days after it is issued | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 59QuoteIf the road examination is waived the motorcycle endorsement prohibits the holder from carrying a passenger for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the endorsement. |
| one year | How long after passing the driving test must a new Maine motorcycle operator keep wearing a helmet?Answer: For one year | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 60QuoteFor one year following successful completion of the driving test every operator must wear protective headgear. |
| at least 45 | You need to cross a pavement seam that runs parallel to your path. How should you cross it?Answer: Move away and cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 32Quotemove far enough away from tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an angle of at least 45˚. Then, make a deliberate turn. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 18 | HelmetsProtective headgear is required for: operators and passengers under 18 | legislature.maine.govQuoteIf under 18 years of age, a passenger on a motorcycle or moped or in an attached side car |
| one year | HelmetsOperators on a learner's permit or within one year of passing the driving test | legislature.maine.govQuoteAn operator of a motorcycle or moped, operating under a learner's permit or within one year of successfully completing a driving test; and |
| under 18 | A 17-year-old is riding as a passenger with a 45-year-old fully licensed rider in Maine. Must the 17-year-old wear a helmet?Answer: Yes, everyone under 18 must wear one, rider or passenger | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 60QuoteEvery person under the age of 18 years who operates or rides as a passenger must wear protective headgear. |
| 200 feet | Maine requires a motorcycle's rearview mirror to give a clear view of the road behind for at least how far?Answer: 200 feet | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 60QuoteAll motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror which affords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a distance of at least 200 feet. |
Other numbers
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | About how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power can the front brake provide?Answer: At least 70% | Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 13QuoteThe front brake is more powerful and can provide at least 70% of your total stopping power. |
Memory tips
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Maine motorcycle permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 26 of them for Maine, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual (With Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), Maine statutes or BMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.