What you need to know about Montana's learner's permit

Montana's learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You must be at least 14 years and 6 months old to get one. The permit itself is free, but you will need to pass a written knowledge test at a Montana Motor Vehicle Division office, and you must bring specific documents with you.

Once you have your permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry. These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and move to a regular driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years and 6 months old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Montana residency to get a learner's permit.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using Montana's official driver manual, available free online.
  • With your permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 18 years old in the front seat at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • You can hold your learner's permit for up to one year while you practice before taking your road test.

Documents you need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Division

Bring your original birth certificate or passport to prove your identity. You will also need your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

You must also show proof that you live in Montana. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian, bring their ID as well.

Bring any documents related to your name if it has changed — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present when you explore.

How to pass the written knowledge test

The written test has 33 questions and you must answer at least 27 correctly to pass. The test covers Montana traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

Montana publishes its official driver manual free on the Motor Vehicle Division website. Read through the entire manual before you test — it covers everything the test asks about. Many people also use online practice tests, which let you take sample questions and see which topics you need to study more.

You can retake the test if you do not pass, but you must wait one business day between attempts. There is no fee for the test itself.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

You cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 18 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. This person is responsible for supervising your driving and can be held liable if you cause an accident.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, except in a genuine emergency. If you are under 18, you cannot have more than one passenger under 18 in the car unless they are your siblings.

You must follow all other traffic laws — speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights — just as a licensed driver would. Breaking these rules while you have a learner's permit can result in a ticket and may delay your road test.

How long you can keep your learner's permit

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, city streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. Most people need 50 to 100 hours of practice before they are ready for the road test.

If your permit expires before you take your road test, you can renew it at any Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to retake the written test to renew. If you pass your road test before your permit expires, your permit becomes invalid and you receive your regular driver's license instead.

What happens after you pass your road test

Once you pass your road test, you move to a regular driver's license. If you are under 18, you will receive an intermediate license, which has different restrictions than a learner's permit. The intermediate license lets you drive alone, but still limits when you can drive and how many young passengers you can carry.

If you are 18 or older when you pass your road test, you receive an unrestricted driver's license. You can drive whenever you want and carry as many passengers as your vehicle allows.

Where to go and what to bring on test day

Visit any Montana Motor Vehicle Division office to take your written test. You can find the office nearest you on the Motor Vehicle Division website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents with you — your birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, proof of residency, and your parent or guardian if you are under 18. Bring a pen or pencil for the test. You do not need to bring anything else. The office will take your photo for your permit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Montana does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You must still be at least 14 years and 6 months old and pass the written test. Bring the same documents as any other applicant.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the next business day at no cost. Study the areas where you missed questions using Montana's driver manual or practice tests. Most people pass on their second attempt.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. Montana does not require a driver education course to get a learner's permit. However, taking one may help you pass the written test and prepare for your road test. Some courses also reduce your insurance rates.

Can my learner's permit be suspended or revoked?

Yes. If you get a ticket for a traffic violation while you have a learner's permit, or if you cause an accident, the Motor Vehicle Division can suspend or revoke your permit. This delays when you can take your road test.

What is the difference between a learner's permit and an intermediate license?

A learner's permit requires a licensed adult in the car with you at all times. An intermediate license lets you drive alone but has restrictions on when you can drive and how many young passengers you can carry. You get an intermediate license after you pass your road test if you are under 18.