Maine permit test: distracted & drowsy driving

Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 5 questions.

Question 1 of 5
Distracted & drowsy drivingMaine rule

A 17-year-old Maine driver gets a text while driving. What does the law say?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions

  1. A 17-year-old Maine driver gets a text while driving. What does the law say?

    • A They may read it but not reply
    • B Drivers under 18 may not use a mobile phone or handheld device while driving
    • C They may reply if no other cars are nearby
    • D They may use it hands-free with a parent's permission
    Show answer

    B. Drivers under 18 may not use a mobile phone or handheld device while driving

    Maine specifically bars drivers under 18 from driving while using a mobile phone or handheld electronic device. A violation is a traffic infraction, and it also breaks the new-driver restrictions.

    Source: Maine Driver's License Manual, page 27

  2. What does Maine law say about an adult driver holding a phone while driving?

    • A It is allowed for adults over 21
    • B It is allowed for calls but not texts
    • C It is allowed outside cities and towns
    • D Handheld phone use is prohibited while driving
    Show answer

    D. Handheld phone use is prohibited while driving

    Maine prohibits using a mobile phone or handheld electronic device while driving. If you must call, pull off the road first or use a hands-free setup.

    Source: Maine Driver's License Manual, page 7

  3. You are driving while very worried about an argument with a friend. What type of distraction is this?

    • A Visual
    • B Cognitive
    • C Manual
    • D Mechanical
    Show answer

    B. Cognitive

    The three types of distraction are visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel) and cognitive (mind off driving). Strong feelings such as worry, anger or anxiety are cognitive distractions.

    Source: Maine Driver's License Manual, page 26

  4. Which of these is illegal for a driver in Maine?

    • A Glancing at a paper map while driving
    • B Following written directions to a place
    • C Listening to the radio at low volume
    • D Reading printed material while driving
    Show answer

    D. Reading printed material while driving

    It is illegal to read printed material while driving in Maine. Maps and written directions to a specific place are not counted as printed material, but it is still safest to check them before you drive.

    Source: Maine Driver's License Manual, page 95