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Bill > LD1480
ME LD1480
ME LD1480An Act Regarding Exceptions for Persons Learning to Drive Who Have Not Yet Completed a Driver Education Course
summary
Introduced
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/13/2025
05/13/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill creates an exception to the law that a learner's permit applicant must complete a course in driver education prior to being issued a learner's permit. The bill allows a person who is 15 1/2 years of age, has not attained 18 years of age, has not completed a driver education course and has successfully passed all parts of an examination other than the driving test to apply for a learner's permit. A learner's permit issued to a person who is 15 1/2 years of age under the bill requires a permittee to be accompanied by the permittee's parent or guardian or another responsible adult who is licensed to operate the class of vehicle operated by the permittee, has held a license for at least 2 years and is at least 25 years of age. The accompanying operator must be seated beside the driver and is responsible for any violation of motor vehicle and traffic laws by the permittee. The bill also allows a person who is at least 18 years of age and who takes a driver education course that includes only classroom instruction through an adult education program to apply for or be issued a learner's permit upon successful completion of the course.
AI Summary
This bill creates exceptions to existing driver education requirements for obtaining a learner's permit in Maine. For teens between 15½ and 18 years old who have not completed a driver education course, the bill allows them to apply for a learner's permit if they have passed all parts of the driving examination except the actual driving test. These young drivers must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old, has held a license for at least two years, and sits beside the driver. The accompanying adult is legally responsible for any traffic violations committed by the permit holder. Additionally, the bill allows adults 18 and older to obtain a learner's permit through two pathways: either by passing all examination parts or by completing a classroom-only driver education course through an adult education program. The legislation also expands the definition of approved driver education courses to include adult education programs, providing more flexibility for individuals seeking to learn how to drive.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/13/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1480&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0972&item=1&snum=132 |
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