How to Get Your Montana Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Montana license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a Montana learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Montana residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Montana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the Montana permit knowledge test

The Montana knowledge test has 33 questions; you must answer 28 correctly (82%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Montana-specific rules. Retake policy: You are limited to taking the knowledge test 3 times within a 12-month period. If you fail, you can schedule a retake online through dojmt.gov/driving.

The best prep path is to read the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free MT practice test and the full 33-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Montana learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $25).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Montana's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full Montana license

Schedule your Montana road test through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $41 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full Montana steps in order

As listed by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice):

1. Be at least 14 and a half years old.
2. Complete driver education.
3. Read the Montana Driver Manual.
4. Bring proof of identity, residency, and a parent or guardian if under 18.
5. Pay the learner license fee (depends on age).
6. Pass the vision test and the 33-question knowledge test.
7. Receive your learner license.
8. Complete required practice hours and pass the road test.

FAQ: Getting Your Montana License