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Montana Driver’s License & Permit FAQ
How Can I Apply for my MT Driver’s License? Frequently Asked Questions
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How old should I be to apply for my Montana license?
Montana residents may obtain a permit as early as age 14 ½ as long as they are enrolled in a state-approved traffic education program.What documents do I need when applying for my learner’s permit in Montana?
Bring the following with you when you go to apply for your Montana learner’s permit:- Proof of identity
- Proof of Montana residency
- Proof of authorized presence
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Where’s the closest place to apply for a driver’s license in Montana?
Go to a Montana DMV location.How do I contact a Montana DMV location?
There’s a list of Montana DMV locations on the DMV website.Who should bring me for my permit test in Montana?
Applicants under 18 should have their parents with them in order to provide consent.Does Montana require a physical in order to get a permit?
No physical is required, however, you must successfully answer medical related questions.Is a vision test necessary when I go for my Montana driver’s license?
Yes, you are required to pass a vision test.Where do I go to get my Montana driver’s license picture taken?
Your picture will be taken at the DMV office the same day.What happens after I apply for my Montana license?
After you’ve applied for your license, you must hold it for at least 6 months. If you are under 18, you should be gaining at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience.- Collapse all
How Can I Get Ready for my MT Permit Test? Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I be studying for the Montana permit test?
Use study sources such as the Montana Drivers Guide. There are mini quizzes located throughout the manual. You may also check out online quizzes.What is the best way to study for the Montana permit test?
You should take your time and read through the manual. Focus on memorizing information such as lengths, distances, measurements and speeds.Will I need driver’s education in order to get a Montana license?
Yes, if you are under 16, you are required to take a state approved driver’s education course.Where can I get a free Montana driver’s manual?
You may pick one up from a driver’s license exam station or download one for free from the DMV website.Do I have to read the entire Montana Driver’s Guide?
Yes. The information is very valuable and will help to ensure you pass your permit test.Is there a mobile Montana practice test app for my iPhone/iPad?
Absolutely! Check out this great Montana practice test app.What are some examples of questions I can expect to see on the Montana permit test?
Expect to see questions such as:- “Turn signals must be visible for________.”
- “The shared center lane is reserved for_______.”
- “When dealing with pedestrians, a driver must________.”
How is the test graded?
You must score 27 out of 33 questions correctly.Where can I find Montana permit practice tests online?
There are mini quizzes located throughout the driver’s manual. Here’s another wonderful online resource.Where do I go to take my permit test in Montana?
You will take your permit test at your local Montana DMV office.Got any tips on what to do the night before my Montana permit test?
The night before should be used as review time.How many people pass their permit test in Montana the first time?
Although the Montana permit test is easy to pass, nearly half fail on the first try.How can I tell when I’m ready for the Montana permit test?
Do you know about drinking and driving laws, speed limits, pedestrian rules, and road signs? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you are ready for the permit test.I think I’m ready for my Montana permit test, what should I do next?
Once you are ready to take your permit test, go to a Montana DMV location with the following items:- Proof of identity
- Proof of Montana residency
- Proof of authorized presence
- Parental consent (if under 18)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Taking Your Montana Permit Test
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Where do I take my permit test in Montana?
Applying is easy. Just go to your local Montana DMV office.When am I allowed to get my permit in Montana?
Montana allows applicants to get their permit as early as age 14 ½.Are there any specific documents I should have when I go to take my permit test in Montana?
Yes. Here’s what you should take:- Proof of identity
- Proof of Montana residency
- Proof of authorized presence
- Parental consent (if under 18)
How much will I have to pay for my permit test in Montana?
There is a $5 fee to take your permit test.Do my parents have to bring me for my permit test in Montana?
Yes, if you are under 18.What will I need to know in order to pass my Montana permit test?
You’ll need to know Montana’s safe driving tips, rules of the road, license regulations, and road signs.How many questions are there on the Montana permit test?
There are 33 questions on the Montana permit test.What do I need to score in order to pass the Montana permit test?
You must score 27 out of 33 questions correctly.How many questions can I miss on the Montana permit test?
You aren’t allowed to miss more than 6 questions.What common mistakes should I avoid when taking the Montana permit test?
Common mistakes include:- Rushing through the test
- Not knowing answers involving distances and speeds
- Confusing road signs and signals
May I use the Montana driver’s book when I take the actual permit test?
No manuals can be used during the permit test.Do I need a drug test when I get a learner’s permit in Montana?
A drug test is not required when getting a driver’s license in Montana.Which DMV office is the easiest to go to when taking the Montana permit test?
Your best bet is to choose a location nearest you.Where can I see some feedback from people who have already passed their Montana permit test?
Visit one of the permit practice tests above and scroll down to see the Facebook comments section -- those were left by people who have already passed the DMV test or are still getting ready for it. Good luck!I failed my Montana permit test, what now?
You are only allowed to take the permit test once per day.When is the next time I can take my Montana written test if I fail?
You may take it the next day.What are the restrictions on my Montana permit after I get it?
If under 18:- You may not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- You may not drive with more than one unrelated passenger under 18 for the first 6 months.
- For the second six months, you may not have more than 3 unrelated passengers under 18 with you.
Can I drive anywhere in Montana with a learner’s permit?
Yes. The more places you drive, the more comfortable you’ll feel behind the wheel.What happens after I pass my permit test in Montana?
After you’ve applied for your license, you must hold it for at least 6 months. If you are under 18, you should be gaining at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience.- Collapse all
Getting Ready for Your Montana Road Test: FAQ
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What should I be practicing while getting ready for the Montana road test?
Practice parallel parking, making turns at intersections, yielding to right of way, using signals and following others.Can I practice driving anywhere in Montana?
You’re always encouraged to drive on various streets and roadways for better practice.Where can I find a driving school in Montana?
If you need a list of approved driving schools in Montana call (406) 444-3288.What should I bring to the Montana DMV center for the road test?
You should bring:- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency
- Proof of presence
- Permit
- Driving log sheet
- License fee
- Registered and insured vehicle
What things will I be asked to perform on my Montana driving exam?
You will be tested on how well you…- Follow and overtake other vehicles
- Yield to right of way
- Judge driving distances
- Change lanes
What is the best thing to do the night before my Montana road test?
Try relaxing and go for one more practice drive.How do I schedule a driving test in Montana?
Appointments are either scheduled online or by phone at 1-866-450-8034 for the following locations: Billings, Bozeman, Columbus, Eureka, Glendive, Great Falls, Hardin, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, Missoula, Red Lodge, Sidney, Superior and Townsend. All other locations operate on a first come first serve basis.Where do I go to take my Montana driving test?
Head on over to your local Montana DMV office when you’re ready for your road test.Will the DMV office let me borrow a car for the Montana road test?
You’re required to bring your own vehicle.- Collapse all
Taking Your Road Test (Driving Exam) in Montana: Frequently Asked Questions
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Can anyone take me for my road test in Montana?
If you are under age 18, your parent should bring you.How do I make sure I pass the Montana road test the first time?
Practice is the key to passing your road test. That is why you are required to submit 50 hours of behind the wheel training before applying for your license.What should I keep in mind when taking my driver’s test in Montana?
The examiner will score each section of your road test separately. The sections include turning, parking, stopping, intersections, etc.What mistakes should I avoid on the Montana road test?
You will fail if you make these mistakes:- Run a stop light
- Cause an accident
- Repeat minor mistakes
What will I have to do on the road test in Montana?
You are expected to show the examiner that you are skilled behind the wheel by performing driving maneuvers to the best of your ability.Will I be asked to Parallel Park?
Yes.Am I allowed to wear contacts/glasses when taking my Montana road test?
Yes. If you needed corrective lenses during the vision test, you will need to wear them during your road test.Who can ride in the car with me during the Montana driving test?
Only the examiner will be allowed in the car during the road test unless the applicant needs a translator or if someone else must be in the car for religious purposes.What if I fail the road test in Montana several times?
If you fail 3 times, you will have to begin the licensing process all over again.- Collapse all
I Have Passed the MT Road Test! What’s Next? Frequently Asked Questions
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What happens after I pass my Montana road test?
You will be an official licensed driver.What are the limitations on my Montana driver’s license after I get it?
If under 18:- You may not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- You may not drive with more than one unrelated passenger under 18 for the first 6 months.
- For the second six months, you may have no more than 3 unrelated passengers under 18 with you.
What things should I keep in mind when driving in Montana for the first time?
Be prepared for bad weather driving conditions and always maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles.What type of car insurance should I get in Montana?
You should carry a minimum of $25,000 for one bodily injury, $50,000 for two or more bodily injuries and $10,000 for destruction of property.What documents do I need in order to get my first Montana auto insurance?
Normally, car insurance companies want to know information such as your place of residence, make and model of the car, how often the car is driven, and your driving history.How much can I expect to pay for car insurance in Montana?
The average cost of car insurance in Montana is $1914.Where can I find the best car insurance in Montana and where do I get it?
There are many insurance companies out there all promising to give the lowest rate. Compare multiple companies for the best deal.Why is car insurance more expensive for new drivers in Montana?
Car insurance rates are usually much higher for new drivers. They have higher than normal accident rates.- Collapse all
I Have Failed My Montana Road Test! What’s Next? Frequently Asked Questions
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I have failed the road test in Montana when can I retake it?
You may retake it either the next business day or whenever you schedule it.What happens if I fail my road test in Montana?
If you fail your road test in Montana, you may take it again the next business day.- Collapse all
How Can I Renew My Driver’s License In MT? Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I renew my Montana driver’s license?
Renew your driver’s license by going to a DMV location. You must provide proof of identity and pay the $40.50 fee. If you live in a rural location with limited driver license services, you must bring your pre-paid receipt from the county treasurer’s office. Your license will come in the mail in two to four weeks.Where can I renew my Montana driver’s license?
You may renew your license in person at a Montana DMV location.Do I need to take an eye exam when renewing my Montana driver’s license?
Yes. When you go to renew in person you will be required to take an eye exam.- Collapse all
I’m Moving to Montana! Frequently Asked Questions
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Will I have to pass a road test when I move to Montana from another state, for example Louisiana?
Normally, if you have a valid out of state license you aren’t required to take the road test. The examiner will decide.Will Montana recognize my out-of-state learner’s permit?
Yes. Drivers with a learner’s permit from another state may drive in Montana for 60 days with a licensed driver.Is there a limit to how long I may drive in Montana with my out-of-state license?
After you become a resident, you have 60 days to obtain a Montana license.How long may I drive in Montana with my out-of-country license?
As a foreigner, you are allowed to drive with your license for 60 days. Once the 60 days are up, you must apply for a Montana license.Where can I find more driving-related information about moving to Montana?
You can find more information about moving to Montana by contacting a Montana DMV office.- Collapse all
General Questions About MT Driving License
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When is it legal to drive in the state of Montana?
You must be at least 14 ½ years old to get a learner’s permit in Montana.What is the legal limit for drinking and driving in Montana?
Montana’s BAC limit is .02% for those under 21 and .08% for those 21 or older.- Collapse all
Here’s What Other Learners from MT are Saying:
"Thank you very much for this wonderful website. It is very helpful!"
Alma Ruth Villa C., Billings, Montana
"I had to take my permit test twice to pass it! the first time i missed 8 (you can only miss 6 to pass) and the second time i passed with only missing two. Honestly if you ever fail your test remember you will get it next time!! I was embarrassed of failing the test, but who cares?! i was so frustrated after failing that i thought "I am never going to drive!" and "Why bother?". But this site helped me out. The Manual in my state has so much information it is hard to know what to study, how to study, and it is very overwhelming. I really appreciate having a free site such as this to study!"
Katie V., Missoula, Montana
"Ok so I signed up for the Montana Learners Permit Test just yesterday and while I had a drivers ED book to study, I really didn't have any way to get ready for the actual questions that I was going to be asked. So I take and search for places to help me practice for the test for free and I ran into this site. Once I found it I started taking the practice tests before it was time for me to go. I would really like to thank you for helping me pass my very first test with only one wrong answer. THANK YOU. If any one needs to have a place to study then I will refer this site to them. Again Thank you."
Jordan N., Great Falls, Montana
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