Free Montana Permit Practice Tests 2025

In Montana you must be at least 14½ years old to apply for a learner license (also called a traffic education permit). That’s one of the youngest permit ages in the nation.

To apply for a permit in Montana, you need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of Montana residency (showing you live here)
• Social Security number
• Payment for the application fee
• A parent or guardian (if you’re under 18)
• Certificate of completion for a traffic education course (if you’re under 16)

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, there may be additional documentation required. Check the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website for the latest accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Accompany you to the driver license station
• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you

The application process in Montana is as follows:

1. Gather the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
2. Complete a Driver License Application form (Form 21-1900)
3. Visit your local Montana driver license station with your documents
4. Pay the application fee
5. Pass a vision test
6. Pass your written knowledge test
7. Have your photo taken

If you’re under 16, you must complete a state-approved traffic education program before getting your permit.

No. Montana doesn’t currently allow you to apply for a first-time learner license online. You must visit a driver license station in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision test, and complete your written test.

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division charges a fee for a learner license. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Check the Montana MVD website or contact your local driver license station for current fee information.

To get your learner license in Montana, you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Montana permit written test consists of 33 multiple-choice questions. You must correctly answer at least 27 questions (about 80%) to pass the test.

The Montana permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Montana-specific driving laws
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Montana permit test:

• Study the Montana Driver License Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Montana Driver Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Montana permit test:

• You can retake the test after one business day
• You will need to pay a retest fee for each additional attempt
• There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must pay the fee each time

With a Montana learner license, you can:

• Practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has at least one year of driving experience
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a learner license in Montana you:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has held a license for at least one year (this driver must sit in the front passenger seat)
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• May have additional restrictions if you’re part of the Graduated Driver Licensing program

In Montana the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your learner license for at least 6 months before taking the road test
• You must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• You cannot have any traffic violations during the 6 months before your road test

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your learner license
• Practice until you feel confident and comfortable behind the wheel

Montana requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 16: Yes, you must complete a state-approved traffic education program (including both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction)
• If you are 16 or 17: Formal driver education is not required, but it’s strongly recommended and may provide insurance discounts
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver

In Montana before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 16:

• Complete a state-approved traffic education program
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed driver at least 18 years old

If you are 16 or 17:

• Formal driver education is not required but recommended
• You still need to complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice if you’re under 18

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required

You can find Montana-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking with your high school
• Visiting the Montana Office of Public Instruction website
• Contacting your local school district

The Montana driving skills test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

You can schedule your driving skills test in Montana by:

• Contacting your local driver license station
• Some locations may accept appointments online or by phone

On the day of your driving skills test in Montana, bring:

• Your learner license
• A properly registered and insured vehicle
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• A licensed driver to take you to the test (if required)
• If you’re under 18, your driving log showing completion of 50 hours of practice driving

Common reasons for failing the Montana driving skills test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Poor steering control
• Lack of attention to surroundings
• Inability to parallel park properly

To convert your learner license to a driver’s license in Montana:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your learner license for at least 6 months
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Have no traffic violations during those 6 months
• Pass the driving skills test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your learner license
• Pass the driving skills test
• Pay the license fee

Montana’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner License (Traffic Education Permit): Must be at least 14½ years old. If under 16, you must complete a traffic education course. Practice driving with a licensed adult.
• First-Year Restricted License: Must be at least 15 years old, have held your learner license for at least 6 months, completed 50 hours of practice driving, and passed the driving skills test.
• Full License: Restrictions end when you turn 18 or have held the restricted license for one year, whichever comes first.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from learner license to full license after passing the driving skills test.

As a new driver under 18 in Montana with a first-year restricted license, you:

• Cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless driving for employment, school, religious, or agricultural purposes, or in an emergency (when accompanied by a licensed driver 18 or older)
• Cannot use electronic communication devices while driving
• For the first 6 months, can only have one passenger under 18 who is not an immediate family member; for the next 6 months, can have up to three such passengers

These restrictions apply for 12 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

If you’re moving to Montana with an out-of-state permit:

• You can drive with that permit as long as you’re supervised by a licensed driver
• You’ll need to apply for a Montana permit if you plan to become a resident
• If you’re under 18, you’ll need to follow Montana’s Graduated Driver License requirements

Montana offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Interpreters for those with hearing impairments
• Contact your local driver license station before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license in Montana by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of authorized presence in the U.S.
• Proof of Montana residency
• Visit the Montana MVD website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the Montana Driver Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any driver license station.

Yes! We offer free Montana-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Montana permit process:

• Visit the Montana MVD website at dojmt.gov/driving
• Call the MVD at 1-866-450-8034 during business hours
• Visit your local driver license station
• For driver education questions, contact the Montana Office of Public Instruction

If you lose your Montana learner license:

• You can request a replacement at your local driver license station
• You will need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee
• You might be able to request a replacement online if you qualify

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can request the cancellation of their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the Motor Vehicle Division, including identification and proof of relationship to the minor.