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  • 14½Youngest age, through traffic educationp. 8
  • 50 hoursSupervised driving, 10 of them at nightp. 7
  • 6 monthsPermit time before the restricted licensep. 8
  • 1 yearHow long the permit is validp. 8

Step by step

  1. Choose your route to the permit

    In a state-approved traffic education course you can get the permit from 14½, issued through the course. Otherwise apply at a driver exam station at 15 after approved traffic education, or at 16 without it. Online courses aren't approved. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 2, 8)

  2. Gather your documents

    Bring one document from each category. Under 18, a parent, guardian or responsible adult signs the consent form, which makes them financially responsible for damage you cause while driving.

    • Proof of authorized presence, such as a U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport
    • Two documents showing your full legal name and date of birth (two primary, or one primary and one secondary)
    • One proof of your Montana residence address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
    • Your Social Security number, which is checked with the Social Security Administration

    (Montana Driver Manual, p. 2, 4–6)

  3. Pass the vision and written tests

    Schedule an appointment at a driver exam station, pay the licensing fee, and pass the vision test (at least 20/40 in one eye) and the written test. Your receipt is good for a year and covers three attempts. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 2, 9–10, 70)

  4. Practice for six months

    Drive with your supervisor for at least six months and log 50 hours, 10 at night, with no traffic violations or alcohol or drug offenses before you apply for the next step. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 7–8)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website before you go.

Rules while you have a learner permit

  • Drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or responsible adult, or a licensed adult driver they have authorized, seated beside you. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 2, 7)
  • Everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 7)
  • Stay free of traffic violations and alcohol or drug offenses for the six months before you advance. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 7)
  • Hold the permit for at least six months in a row if you are under 18. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 2, 8)

If you don't pass

Your licensing receipt is valid for one year and allows three attempts to pass the required tests. If you haven't finished within the year, you apply again and start over. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 9)

What comes next

Next comes the first-year restricted license: bring the signed GDL certification form and pass the drive test. For one year (or until 18) no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. with a few exceptions, and limits on passengers under 18. After that the license has full privileges. (Montana Driver Manual, p. 8)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Montana practice exam: 33 questions, 27 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Montana Driver Manual (Revised April 2024), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 10 higher.