Getting your Montana learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell the difference between a learner license and a traffic education permit.
• You can say which tests you must pass before MVD issues a learner license.
• You can list the kinds of documents to bring to a driver exam station.
• You can explain who is allowed to supervise a driver under 18.

What you need to know and understand

• A learner license is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued.
• You must pass a knowledge test and a vision test to get a learner license.
• Teens taking an approved traffic education course can get a learner license from age 14 1/2.
• Montana law sets 15 as the minimum age for a driver license, apart from a rare hardship exception, and under-18 applicants must complete traffic education.
• A supervisor for a driver under 18 must be a parent or guardian, or a licensed driver 18 or older with the parent's permission.
• A regular learner license does not cover motorcycles.
• Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt or proper child restraint when a learner under 18 is driving.

Two ways to start driving

A traffic education permit is issued by your school's approved traffic education instructor. It is good for the school year or a shorter period and only lets you drive with the instructor beside you in a set area.

A learner license comes from MVD. It lets you practice with a parent, guardian or other approved licensed driver, which is how you build up your supervised hours. Some school traffic education programs are certified to give the knowledge test during the course.

Getting ready for the driver exam station

Montana law sets the base license charge at $5 for each year of validity, and other fees may be added. Check current fees and the exact document list with MVD before you go, because they can change.

1. Study the Montana Driver Manual and take practice questions.
2. Book an appointment at a driver exam station through MVD to avoid waiting.
3. Gather proof of identity and date of birth (such as an original or certified birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Montana address.
4. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you need them to pass the vision test, you must wear them when driving.
5. Pay the license fee, then take the vision and knowledge tests.

Rules while you hold a learner license

• Carry the learner license with you whenever you drive.
• Your supervisor must sit beside you and hold a valid license.
• If you are under 18, the supervisor must be your parent or guardian, or a licensed driver 18 or older with their permission.
• Keep your record clean. A traffic, alcohol or drug conviction in the 6 months before you apply for a license can delay it.

Common mistakes

• Bringing a hospital birth certificate. MVD wants an original or certified copy.
• Letting a 17-year-old licensed friend supervise. A supervisor for a learner under 18 must be at least 18 and approved by your parent, or be your parent or guardian.
• Leaving your glasses at home. If you need them for the vision test, bring them.
• Practicing on a motorcycle with a car learner license. Motorcycles need a separate motorcycle learner license.

Test yourself: Getting your Montana learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Montana
• Montana Permit Practice Test
• Montana Permit Test