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Montana

Practice makes perfect! You don’t need a perfect score on your Montana driver's license test, but practice tests will ensure that you pass right away. Tests like the Montana practice permit test and the Montana road signs test ensure perfection!

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Montana MVD Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Montana License
  • Preparing For Your MT Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your MT Permit Test
  • Renewing Your MT License
  • Taking Your MT Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your MT Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Montana or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have a Montana learner's license, you may only drive with a supervising licensed driver at least 18 years old seated next to you. For teens, this person must be your parent/guardian or someone authorized by your parent.

If you have a first-year restricted license:

  • You may NOT drive between 11 PM and 5AM, unless you're going to and from school, work, religious services, farm-related tasks, or other parent-authorized events.
  • During the first 6 months, you may only carry one passenger under 18 years old who is unrelated to you, unless you're supervised by an adult licensed driver.
  • During the second 6 months, you may only carry three passengers under 18 years old who are unrelated to you, unless you're supervised by an adult licensed driver.

What happens after I pass my MT road test?

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive either your official driver's license or a temporary license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 18 years old sitting in the front seat at all times.  For teens, this person must be your parent/guardian or someone authorized by your parent.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No, your photo will be taken at the licensing office where you apply.

Once I get my MT permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

How To Get A Montana Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires potential drivers to demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for all new drivers, as well as those moving to Montana whose licenses have expired before arrival.

The requirements to obtain a MT driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license.

Learner License Requirements for Montana Drivers

Before applying for your first Montana driver’s license, all applicants must first obtain a learner license. You may apply for a MT learner license when you are at least:

  • 14 ½ years old, if you’re enrolled in a traffic education (Driver’s Ed) program.
  • 16 years old without driver’s education.

Make an appointment to visit your local driver license station (if you’re applying for a REAL ID, make sure to choose a REAL ID location) and:

  • Submit a completed Application for Driver License (Minors Only) (form 11-1402) or Application for Class D Driver License (age 18 or older) (form 11-1400), depending on your age.
    • If you’re younger than 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your form to provide their consent.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Citizenship or authorized presence.
    • Montana residency.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The MT MVD provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well lists of required documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant licenses.
  • Submit proof of your traffic education program enrollment or completion, if you’re younger than 16 years old.
  • Provide your Social Security number.
  • Pass the:
    • Written knowledge exam
    • Vision test
  • Pay for the applicable exam and/or learner license fee. Contact your local licensing station for fee details.

With your Montana learner’s license, you may only drive with a supervising licensed driver at least 18 years old seated next to you. For teens, this person must be your parent/guardian or someone authorized by your parent. If you’re under 18 years old, you must also:

  • Hold your learner license for at least 6 months.
  • Complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, with at least 10 hours driven at night. Your parent/guardian can record these on the Teen Driving Practice Log.
  • Wait until you’re at least 16 years old to apply for a provisional license.

If you’re at least 18 years old, you can skip ahead to applying for your unrestricted license. For teen drivers, your next step is acquiring a first-year restricted driver’s license.

Montana First-Year Restricted License for Minors

For drivers under 18 years old, the first license you’ll receive (after your learner license) is a restricted/intermediate license. To apply for your Montana first-year restricted driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years old and also have:

  • Held your learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
  • Completed your required practice driving hours—50 total, with 10 hours driven at night.

This is the step in which you’ll also need to pass your road test. You’ll need a safe vehicle in which to take your test, along with its registration and insurance.

Make an appointment to take your road test at a local driver license station (if you’re applying for a REAL ID, make sure to choose a REAL ID location) and bring:

  • Your learner’s license.
  • A completed:
  • Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Citizenship or authorized presence.
    • Montana residency.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The MT MVD provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well lists of required documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant licenses.
  • Payment for the applicable license fee.
    • Driver’s license fees in Montana are based on your age and how long your license is valid for—anywhere between 12 years (drivers age 21 to 63) and 1 year (drivers 74 years old). Fees are assessed at $5 per year of your license length plus a 3% administrative fee—$5.67 to $62.63. If you’re getting a REAL ID, there may be an additional one-time fee. See the MVD’s full fee schedule for details.

Your first-year license will be restricted for 1 year. During this time, you may only drive while adhering to the following rules:

  • You may NOT drive between 11 PM and 5AM, unless you’re going to and from school, work, religious services, farm-related tasks, or other parent-authorized events.
  • During the first 6 months, you may only carry one passenger under 18 years old who is unrelated to you, unless you’re supervised by an adult licensed driver.
  • During the second 6 months, you may only carry three passengers under 18 years old who are unrelated to you, unless you’re supervised by an adult licensed driver.

These restrictions will end once the full year has passed without any violations or until you turn 18 years old, whichever happens first. At this time, your license will be considered a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

Unrestricted Driver’s Licenses for Adult MT Drivers

For adult first-time drivers, the next step after acquiring your Montana learner’s license is taking your road test and applying for your unrestricted driver’s license. There are no required holding periods or practice hours for adult applicants—you may schedule your appointment to take your road test at a local driver license station whenever you feel ready. If you’re applying for a REAL ID, make sure to choose a REAL ID exam location.

At your road test appointment, you’ll need to provide:

  • Your learner’s license.
  • A completed Application for Class D Driver License (age 18 or older) (form 11-1400).
  • Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Citizenship or authorized presence.
    • Montana residency.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The MT MVD provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well lists of required documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant licenses.
  • Payment for the applicable license fee.
    • Driver’s license fees in Montana are based on your age and how long your license is valid for—anywhere between 12 years (drivers age 21 to 63) and 1 year (drivers 74 years old). Fees are assessed at $5 per year of your license length plus a 3% administrative fee—$5.67 to $62.63. If you’re getting a REAL ID, there may be an additional one-time fee. See the MVD’s full fee schedule for details.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Montana Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Montana, you must apply for your MT driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

To transfer your license to Montana, make an appointment to visit your local driver license station (if you’re applying for a REAL ID, make sure to choose a REAL ID location) and:

  • Hand in your out-of-state license.
  • Pass a vision test.
    • If your out-of-state license is still valid, you won’t have to take a written test or road skills exam.
  • Submit your:
  • Provide your Social Security number.
  • Pay the applicable license fee.
    • Driver’s license fees in Montana are based on your age and how long your license is valid for—anywhere between 12 years (drivers age 21 to 63) and 1 year (drivers 74 years old). Fees are assessed at $5 per year of your license length plus a 3% administrative fee—$5.67 to $62.63. If you’re getting a REAL ID, there may be an additional one-time fee. See the MVD’s full fee schedule for details.

Montana MVD Motorcycle Permit & License Info

To apply for a Montana motorcycle endorsement, you must first have a valid MT driver’s license and be at least 16 years old. If you’re under 18 years old, you must also first go through the graduated licensing process outlined above.

The process mimics that of applying for a standard license—you’ll first need to pass a written exam before scheduling a motorcycle road test. However, you can potentially waive the MVD skills test if you complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course.

Montana Motorcycle Safety Course

New MT motorcycle applicants have the option to complete a Basic Rider Course (BRC) approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This course gives you the practice and mastery you need to successfully pass your motorcycle skills test. If you’re under 18 years old, you’ll need your parent/guardian to sign a waiver for admittance into the course.

The BRC includes a written knowledge test and on-cycle skills exam. If you successfully pass both, you’ll be able to apply for your Montana motorcycle license without needing to retake the skills exam through the MVD.

Applying for a MT Motorcycle Learner License and Endorsement

To earn your Montana motorcycle endorsement, make an appointment to visit your local driver license station to take your written exam and vision test. Bring with you:

  • Your MT driver’s license.
  • A completed Application for Class D Driver License (age 18 or older) (form 11-1400) or Application for Driver License (Minors Only) (form 11-1402), depending on your age. Check “MC” to indicate a motorcycle endorsement.
    • If you’re under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your form to provide their consent.
  • Proofs of your:
    • Identity.
    • Citizenship or authorized presence.
    • Montana residency.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The MT MVD provides a complete guide to REAL IDs as well lists of required documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant licenses.
  • Payment for the additional $0.52 fee per year of your license’s validity, or the appropriate learner license fee (if you did not take and pass a BRC).

If you passed a Basic Rider Course, you’ll also need your certificate of completion in order to waive your road test. You’ll then receive a full motorcycle endorsement added to your MT driver’s license once you pass the written knowledge exam.

If you did NOT take a Basic Rider Course, you’ll receive a motorcycle learner license after passing the written knowledge test. This will let you practice riding before returning to the MVD for your skills test. You may only ride while under the direct supervision of another driver with a valid motorcycle endorsement.

When you’re ready to apply for your full motorcycle endorsement, make another appointment with your local driver license station to take your on-road skills exam. You’ll need:

  • Your MT driver’s license and motorcycle learner license.
  • A safe motorcycle to test on.
  • Your motorcycle’s registration and insurance.
  • Payment for the additional $0.52 fee per year of your license’s validity.

Montana CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Montana, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a valid Montana driver’s license.
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

If you’re an out-of-state CDL holder looking to convert your license to Montana, you can use it for up to 30 days before you must exchange it for a Montana license. You should be exempt from the permit/road testing portion of the process.

Getting Your MT Commercial Learner’s Permit

To get your CLP, make an appointment with your local driver license station and provide:

At your appointment, you’ll take the written knowledge test and a vision exam before receiving your commercial learner permit.

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, during which time you can practice for your commercial driver’s license road test. You can only drive when accompanied by another CDL holder in the front seat next to you who has their own CDL of the appropriate class and proper endorsements for the vehicle you’re practicing in.

Applying for a MT Commercial Driver’s License

After practicing with your CLP and holding it for at least 2 weeks, you are eligible to apply for your full Montana commercial driver’s license. Make an appointment with your local driver license station to take your CDL skills test.

At your test, bring:

Montana MVD Handbooks

Montana CDL Handbook

Montana CDL Handbook

Montana CDL Handbook
Montana Driver's License Handbook

Montana Driver's License Handbook

Montana Driver's License Handbook
Montana Motorcycle Handbook

Montana Motorcycle Handbook

Montana Motorcycle Handbook