Montana

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 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.

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.

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.

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

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Once you pass your road test, the licensing agent will give you either your official license or a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your local licensing office for specifics.

Visit your local driver license station. If you're applying for a REAL ID, make sure to choose a REAL ID location.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To apply for your Montana driver's license when you're at least 18 years old, you'll need:

• 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.

You'll need:

• Your learner's license.
• A completed:
  • Application for Driver License (Minors Only) (form 11-1402).
  • Graduated Driver Licensing Parent/Guardian Certification (form 21-1600).
• 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.

To apply for a MT first-year restricted license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your learner license and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a license as an adult in Montana, you must:

• Have earned your learner license.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you turn at least 16 and have already earned a learner's license. If you're under 18 years old, you must also:

• Have held your learner's license for at least 6 months.
• Completed your behind-the-wheel practice hours.

You may be able to apply for a restricted probationary license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. Most applicants will first need to obtain a court recommendation.

You can request a hardship license by petitioning the court to grant permission/recommendation for a probationary license. Contact your local MVD office for specifics on application forms, fees, and additional required documents.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the Montana Driver's Manual! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver at least 18 years old may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with MT laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at driver licensing exam stations throughout the state.

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.

The Montana Driver's Manual is available online and at your local driver licensing office.

You can get a first-year restricted driver's license once you're at least 16 years old, or an unrestricted license once you're at least 18 years old. If you're under 18 years old, you must also have held a learner's permit for at least 6 months and have completed your required practice hours.

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.

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are at least 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

You will need to provide:

• A completed Application for Driver License (Minors Only) (form 11-1402).
  • Your parent/guardian must sign your form to provide their consent.
• 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.
• Proof of your traffic education program enrollment or completion, if you're younger than 16 years old.
• Payment for the applicable exam and/or learner license fee. Contact your local licensing station for fee details.

You may apply for your learner's permit once you're at least 14 œ years old, if you're enrolled/have passed a driver education program, or 16 years old without Driver's Ed.

To get your Montana learner's license, 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.

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between 30 minutes after sundown and 30 minutes before sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit in urban area highways is:

1. 55 MPH
2. 60 MPH
3. 65 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Montana practice test.

If you wish to earn your learner's license before you're 16 years old, you must first take a state approved traffic education program (Driver's Ed).

The Montana Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your learner license application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a Montana learner license.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide their consent. If you are 18 or older, no one needs to accompany you other than the supervising driver who drove you to the licensing office.

You can contact your local driver licensing office by phone. You can contact the state Motor Vehicle Division online or by phone.

You may apply for your learner's permit once you're 14 œ years old, if you're enrolled in/have completed a driver's education course. Otherwise, you must be at least 16 years old.

If you hold a learner's license, you may only drive with 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.

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.

You may only drive with your Montana learner's license 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.

You'll need to complete either an 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. If you're a teen, your parent/guardian will also need to complete a Graduated Driver Licensing Parent/Guardian Certification (form 21-1600).

To get your learner's license, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

Montana drivers under 18 years old have the option to complete a traffic education program that consists of 60 hours of instruction, including 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. If you take this course, you can earn your learner license as young as 14 œ years old.

Before earning your learner's license in Montana, you must first be at least 14 œ years old if you're enrolled in/have completed a traffic education program, OR at least 16 years old without driver education.

To apply for your MT learner's license, you must:

• Be at least 14 Âœ years old if you're enrolled in/have completed a traffic education program, OR at least 16 years old without driver education.
• 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.

You may need to pass a vision exam if your renewal notice states so.

Typically no; most drivers must renew in person. Some drivers such as those located out of state or living in a county that doesn't offer licensing services may renew by mail.

While the Montana MVD technically offers online license renewals, the service is temporarily unavailable. Check with the MVD's online services for updates.

If you're transitioning from a non-compliant license to a REAL ID license, you'll need to do your renewal in person (this is a one-time requirement so you can submit your additional identity documents).

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the applicable renewal fees, 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.

To renew in person, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your MT driver's license in person, online (when available) or by mail (in certain situations). Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Montana expire every 1-12 years, and you can renew up to 6 months prior to its expiration date. You should receive a notice prior to its expiration.

License renewal 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 fee.

No, there is no one else permitted to be in the vehicle during your road exam except for your examiner.

No, you must take your knowledge test in person at a driver licensing office or during your driver's education program.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your application.

The Montana permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Montana Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Appointments are not required but are highly recommended. The MVD will prioritize license appointments over walk-ins.

Contact your local driver licensing office to see if they offer Saturday appointments.

Yes, all drivers in Montana must obtain a learner's license prior to applying for a driver's license.

Schedule your appointment online to take your road test at a local driver license station.

After passing your MT learner license exam, applicants under 18 years old will need to:

• Hold their permit for at least 6 months with no traffic violations.
• Complete the 50 required practice hours of driving.

Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your first-year restricted license as long as you're at least 16 years old.

If you're at least 18 years old when earning your permit, there are no required driving hours or holding periods before taking your road test.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

Your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again.

If you fail your exam, your examiner will let you know what the waiting period is before you can retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Montana, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Montana driver's license within 60 days.

You may drive with an out-of-state permit or restricted license for 60 days before you will be required to exchange it for a MT permit or license.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired. If it has expired, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

You must obtain a Montana license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.