Supervised practice and driver education in Montana

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the two traffic education routes and their hour requirements.
• You can explain who may supervise a practice drive.
• You can plan night practice so you reach the required night hours.
• You can describe what your parent or guardian must certify.

What you need to know and understand

• Traditional traffic education route: at least 50 supervised hours, 10 at night.
• Alternative course approved by the Department of Justice: at least 75 supervised hours, 15 at night.
• School traffic education courses are for students who are 15 or will turn 15 within 6 months of finishing the course.
• School districts may offer the classroom part online, and the student may then do the hands-on driving part with a parent or guardian.
• The supervisor must hold a valid license and be a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older with the parent's consent.
• Your parent or guardian certifies the hours in writing when you apply for your license.

Traditional or alternative course

Most Montana teens take a traditional traffic education course run by their school district and approved by the Office of Public Instruction. These courses can be held during school, after school, on Saturdays or in summer.

Montana also recognizes an alternative traffic education course approved by the Department of Justice. Teens on that route need more practice: 75 hours with 15 at night instead of 50 with 10. Ask your school or MVD which courses are approved near you.

Building good practice hours

1. Start in an empty parking lot to learn steering, braking and smooth starts.
2. Move to quiet residential streets, then busier town traffic.
3. Add two-lane highways, passing zones and higher speeds.
4. Practice in rain, snow, gravel and at dusk, when deer and elk are most active.
5. Spread night driving across the whole 6 months instead of cramming it at the end.

Rules during every practice drive

• Carry your learner license.
• Keep your supervisor in the seat beside you.
• Make sure every passenger is belted or in the right child seat.
• Stay clear of tickets and alcohol or drug offenses: your parent must certify a clean 6 months before you apply.

Common mistakes

• Counting time as a passenger. Only time behind the wheel with a qualified supervisor counts.
• Leaving night hours until the last week. Plan them from the start, especially in summer when it gets dark late.
• Choosing an unapproved online course. Check that any course is state approved before you pay.
• Practicing only on familiar routes. The road test and real driving need varied roads and conditions.

Test yourself: Supervised practice and driver education in Montana

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

Go deeper

• Montana 50 Hour Driving Log
• Montana Permit Practice Test
• Montana Drivers Ed