Montana Permit Test FAQ

The Montana knowledge test has 33 questions, and you need 27 right (82%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

14½ if you are taking (or have finished) a state-approved traffic education course, which issues the permit. At a driver exam station you can get one at 15 after approved traffic education, or at 16 without it. Online courses don't count. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 8)

A licensed parent, guardian or responsible adult, or another licensed adult driver they have authorized. The supervising adult sits in the seat beside you, and everyone in the car wears a seat belt. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 7)

Proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legally in the country, two documents for your full legal name and date of birth, one proof of your Montana address, and the fee. Under 18, a parent, guardian or responsible adult signs a consent form first. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 4–6)

One year from when you pass the written test. New drivers under 18 must hold it for at least six months in a row before moving on. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 8)

Your licensing receipt lasts a year and covers three attempts to pass the required tests. If you don't finish within the year, you apply again and start over. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 9)

They accept financial responsibility for damage you cause while driving. The form is needed before testing can begin if you are under 18. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 2)

After six months on the learner permit, 50 supervised hours (10 at night) and no traffic violations or alcohol or drug offenses in those six months. Bring the signed GDL certification form and your documents, then pass the drive test. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 7–8)

Everyone wears a seat belt, no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (with a few exceptions), and without a licensed adult along only one unrelated passenger under 18 for the first six months, then three. A first violation means 20 to 60 hours of community service; a second, a six-month suspension. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 8)

On the date printed on the back of your license (one year after it was issued) or on your 18th birthday, whichever comes first. Then the license has full privileges. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 8)

At 18 or older you pass the written, vision and road tests and bring your documents. The MVD says to bring your learner's permit, the test vehicle's registration and insurance, and a vehicle with working lights and no cracked windshield to the drive test. (Montana MVD: New Drivers 18+)

The parent, guardian or responsible adult keeps the log. The MVD offers a printable Teen Driving Log and points to the RoadReady app, and the log comes with you to the drive test. (Montana MVD: New Drivers Under 18)

You can drive on your valid license from your old state for up to 60 days. Within that time, swap it for a Montana license; with a valid out-of-state license in hand you usually skip the written and road tests. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 3)

The manual urges you not to call or text at all while driving, and notes that most Montana cities have their own bans on texting and talking on a phone at the wheel. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 49)

0.08% for drivers 21 and older and 0.02 for drivers under 21. Refusing a BAC test can cost you your license, and a first conviction brings a six-month suspension. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 72)

Cars and light trucks: 75 or 80 mph on interstates, 65 on interstates in the Billings, Great Falls and Missoula areas, and on two-lane highways 70 by day and 65 at night. Posted signs and road conditions always come first. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 38)