How to get a Montana Driver's License
- Montana Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
MT Driver's License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Montana Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your MT Driver's Permit
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 and vision test to receive a 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.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Montana practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Montana 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.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Montana DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Intermediate Driver's License (15 to 20 years of age) valid up to 4 years.
- Full driver's license (21 and older) valid up to 8 years.
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.