The DMV motorcycle handbook was produced by the MT Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) using the curriculum promoted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to help riders learn everything they need to know about safely operating a motorcycle in the state. The MT motorcycle handbook includes important information about the best practices for safe motorcycle riding in general. It also goes into detail about relevant state laws concerning motorcycle use and the consequences for breaking these laws.

In the Montana motorcycle manual, riders of motorcycles can also become familiar with the qualifications they must meet to receive a motorcycle license. Part of the process of receiving a license usually involves passing a knowledge exam, which can be easily studied for by reviewing the many sections of the handbook.

Within the manual, practice questions similar to the types of questions that will be found on the exam are available to help drivers prepare to meet their qualification requirements. Keep reading for more important information about the manual for motorcycle riders in Montana.

What topics are covered in the DMV motorcycle handbook in Montana?

The motorcycle DMV book of Montana has a similar structure to other manuals produced in part by the MSF. The first sections of the DMV motorcycle manual cover basic safety topics that are essential for all riders to stay safe, including a simple review of motorcycle layout and usage.

Learning about a wide array of safety topics, like how to manage a motorcycle on uneven or wet surfaces, is often the most important takeaway for riders who read the manual. Other safety topics that are covered include:

  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • Keeping Your Distance
  • SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute)
  • Intersections
  • Increasing Conspicuity
  • Crash Avoidance
  • Handling Dangerous Surfaces
  • Mechanical Problems
  • Animals
  • Flying Objects
  • Getting Off the Road
  • Carrying Passengers and Cargo
  • Group Riding

Once a rider has an idea of how to stay safe on a motorcycle, he or she can use the motorcycle test book to start learning the rules and guidelines that are specific to Montana. Like every state, Montana has its own set of laws that must be followed by all riders in order to maintain safety standards while riding.

This includes sections dedicated to the operation of three-wheeled vehicles and even images on appropriate hand signals that riders should use on the roadway. In total, the MT manual includes seven sections, which are as follows:

  • The Rider and the Motorcycle
  • Ride within Your Abilities
  • Being in Shape to Ride
  • Earning Your License
  • Three-wheel Supplement
  • Hand Signals
  • T-CLOCS Pre-ride Checklist

Can a motorcycle handbook help applicants prepare for the Montana motorcycle exam?

The Montana motorcycle permit study guide is the state’s top resource for motorcycle riders looking for comprehensive information about the process of learning how to ride or receive a motorcycle learner’s permit or license. Montana’s guide includes all of the information that may be asked of a rider during his or her motorcycle knowledge test, for both safety standards and best practices and Montana state laws.

Both new and experienced motorcycle riders can base their studies for the exam on the material found in this manual.

In addition to information about relevant motorcycle laws, drivers planning to take the exam can benefit from the details included about the structure of both the knowledge exam and the road test. The motorcycle road test in Montana is relatively challenging, in an effort to make sure that only prepared riders are able to gain a full license to operate a vehicle on MT roadways. The manual goes into detail about the reasons for the difficulty of the exam, citing the high number of serious accidents and death due to motorcycle crashes.

What other materials can help applicants prepare for a motorcycle knowledge test or road exam in Montana?

The state handbook is not the only source of information for motorcycle helmet laws, hand signaling requirements and other related information. Many riders choose to learn about motorcycle safety best practices and road rules by enrolling in a motorcycle skills course offered by the Montana Department of Justice and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In collaboration, these two state groups have created multiple driver’s education courses that reflect information found in the MVD motorcycle handbook to help new riders get a strong handle on riding and to help young riders gain the qualifications they need to receive a motorcycle permit. These courses are great ways to get on-the-road experience with motorcycles under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Experienced riders can also benefit from courses dedicated to advanced skill building and introductions to new types of motorcycles.

In addition, interested riders can find valuable motorcycle guidebook material by conducting a quick online search. There are several sources for information about motorcycle test rules and vehicle requirements for the road test, in addition to any restrictions that must be adhered to by riders. Sample questions and even practice knowledge tests reflecting the same information and format as the MT motorcycle exam can be found online and can be great resources for drivers preparing for the exam.

Who else can benefit from reading the Montana motorcycle manual?

Reading the Montana motorcycle manual can be beneficial even to motorcycle riders who do not need to take the state motorcycle endorsement exam. The motorcycle MVD book of Montana is a priceless review of best driving practices for motorcycle riders operating motorcycles in a wide range of conditions and situations, something that can be useful for even season riders who have been off of the road for a while.

Experienced riders entering Montana from another state can benefit greatly from the manual’s overview of state laws applicable to riders and the consequences they will face if they fail to ride within the law. Anybody interested in riding motorcycles should enjoy reading through the MT manual.

How to Get a DMV Motorcycle Manual in Montana

Because the motorcycle safety handbook is the basis for motorcycle education programs and the best resource for drivers studying to receive their motorcycle license, it is easy to get a copy of the manual. Interested riders can contact the MVD if they would like to request a physical copy of the manual or to learn more about other available resources to motorcycle riders. All interested motorcycle riders can also quickly download a free copy of the full manual by visiting here.

Last updated on Friday, February 28 2020.