How to get a Montana Driver's License
Find out how to get a new MT driver's license and replace your out-of-state license with this Montana DOJ guide.
Montana Drivers License Rules
Under MT DOJ guidelines, you must be 16 years old to obtain a Montana First-Year Restricted License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Montana Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our permit practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Montana learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an MT first-year restricted license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months and log 50 hours (10 at night) of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New MS Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Montana driver's within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in MT. When heading to the DOJ, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
You may be required to pass written and driving tests, in addition to a vision test. However, driver examiners may, at their discretion, waive the written and driving tests for individuals who have in their possession a valid license issued by another state.
International Drivers
A person can drive in Montana for up to 12 months on a foreign driver's license as long as they have an International Driving Permit (IDP). The foreign license and IDP cannot be exchanged for a Montana driver license. Applicants will have to take all the tests as if they do not have a license.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Montana DOJ Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Montana Driver's Manual |
