The Montana learners permit allows motorists to practice operating a vehicle before they can be issued an unrestricted driver’s license. Overall, a drivers permit is only available to residents who are at least 14-and-a-half years of age. Moreover, residents must hold this permit for six months before they are able to get a first-year restricted license.

The MT learning license is a part of the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which sets restrictions on young drivers in order to ensure that they learn safe driving habits before getting full driving privileges.

In this article, you will learn all that you need to know about the DMV learners permit application procedure, such as which tests you need to pass, which documents you need to submit and which rules you need to follow.

Montana Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines

General drivers permit requirements in Montana have established that you must be at least 14-and-a-half years of age in order to hold this type of credential. Additionally, if you are younger than 16 years of age, you must be enrolled in a drivers education course to get your driving privileges. A drivers learners permit also requires you to pass a knowledge test and a medical exam.

After holding an MT learning license for one year, motorists may apply for a first-year restricted license, which will require them to pass a road skills exam. In any case, be mindful that all driver’s license applicants in Montana must be state residents.

How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Montana

When getting a learners permit in Montana, you must visit a DMV office in person. Thus, if you were wondering how to get your driving permit online, be mindful that this method is not offered in the state. On the other hand, you can expedite your in-person application process by scheduling a DMV office appointment online.

When determining where to get a learners permit in MT, you must identify the local DMV branches in your surrounding area that offer the knowledge and road skills tests. Generally, you may complete the examinations on the same day you submit your application. To apply for a learner permit, you will need to complete the tests outlined in the previous section.

Moreover, you will need to submit:

  • A driver’s permit application. This application is not available online. Overall, this form will ask you to provide basic information such as your name, address and Social Security Number (SSN).
  • One document verifying your legal U.S. status. To prove your legal status in the country, you may submit a birth certificate, passport, temporary resident card or permanent resident card.
  • Two documents showing your name, birth date and You can use one of the documents listed previously, as well as a Social Security card, firearm license, marriage license or school identification card.
  • A second document proving your Montana address. This is most commonly a utility bill, property tax receipt, insurance policy or other document showing your address.

The documents mentioned above relate to the process of how to apply for a learners permit in Montana. However, this list does not detail the documentation needed for you to get a REAL ID-compliant credential. In general, REAL ID licenses can be used for the purpose of federal identification.

The Montana Drivers Permit Test

The Montana DMV permit test is designed to determine whether you have the knowledge required to safely operate a vehicle. The standard drivers permit test questions cover topics such as:

  • Which motorist has the right-of-way in different scenarios
  • How to properly pass a vehicle
  • The importance of following speed limits

The learners permit test is multiple choice exam that can be completed at various DMV branches. However, make sure to check with your local office ahead of time and determine if that particular location administers these tests.

Furthermore, you will have to identify whether or not that particular office accepts walk-ins. If it does not, you will need to schedule an appointment.

When deciding what to bring to a permit test in Montana, you will only need a form of identification. However, you may also choose to bring a driver’s manual. This will allow you to study while waiting to take the exam.

Taking a practice permit test can also be very helpful for first-time motorists to understand which types of questions and topics will be covered during the official knowledge exam. While the questions on a learner permit practice test may not be the same as the ones you see on the actual knowledge exam, they are great for you to test your knowledge about subjects that will be included in the official exam.

Montana Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions

Montana driving permit rules are designed to ensure that first-time drivers practice safe driving habits before receiving a full driver’s license in the state. Among these MT learners permit rules, it is important to note that drivers are only being able to operate a vehicle if they are accompanied by a licensed resident who is 18 years of age or older.

This supervising adult can be the parent or legal guardian of the driver, as well as other individuals who were approved by the young motorist’s parent or legal guardian.

Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of the permit driving hours, which are between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. Below are two of the most common questions related to these permit restrictions.

  • Can you drive with a permit in Montana if you do not have a supervisor? Permit holders must be supervised at all times. However, first-year license holders are allowed to drive by themselves outside of permit hours if they are required to do so for work, school, religious or farming purposes.
  • How long does a learner’s permit last in Montana? Though you are only required to hold your initial permit for six months, both the initial permit and the first-year license remain valid for a full year.

Montana Learner Permit Fees

How much does it cost to get your permit in Montana? In general, the learner permit fee is set at $5 for every year that the credential is valid. With that said, the MT DMV permit price is not reduced if you use your permit for less than a full year, as may happen if you choose to upgrade to an intermediate license after six months.

In any case, the intermediate license cost is also $5.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.