Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements in Montana

1. What are the CDL requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License in Montana?


In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Montana, applicants must:

1. Tener al menos 18 años de edad.

2. Hold a valid Montana driver’s license with any endorsements needed for the class of CDL being applied for.

3. Pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination.

4. Complete a State and Federal Criminal Background Check.

5. Pass the Hazardous Materials Test if applicable.

6. Pass the Air Brake Written Test if applicable.

7. Pay the required fees for the CDL class being applied for.

2. How many years of driving experience do I need to obtain a CDL in Montana?


In Montana, you need at least one year of acceptable driving experience to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

3. What type of medical certification is required to get a CDL in Montana?


In Montana, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requires a medical certification. The medical certification must be obtained from an approved medical examiner and the form must be completed and submitted to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.

4. Does Montana use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines for CDLs?


Yes, Montana uses the FMCSA guidelines for CDLs.

5. Are there any special endorsements required to drive certain types of vehicles with a CDL in Montana?


Yes, certain vehicles require special endorsements on a CDL to legally drive in Montana. These include: tank vehicles, double/triple trailers, passenger vehicles, and school buses.

6. How often must CDL holders in Montana pass a physical examination to maintain their license?


CDL holders in Montana must pass a physical examination every two years to maintain their license.

7. What are the age requirements for obtaining a CDL in Montana?


In Montana, the age requirement for obtaining a CDL is 18. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and have held a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year prior to applying for a CDL. Drivers must also pass vision and written knowledge tests, in addition to a driving skills test.

8. Are there any skill exams required to get a CDL in Montana?


No, there are no skill exams required to get a CDL in Montana. In order to get a CDL in Montana, applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a road skills test.

9. Does Montana require drivers to complete any additional training before obtaining a CDL?


Yes, Montana requires drivers to complete additional training before obtaining a CDL. This includes a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam. Drivers must also be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

10. Can I obtain a CDL if I have previous convictions for traffic violations in Montana?


It is possible to obtain a CDL in Montana with previous traffic violations, but it will depend on the specifics of your history. If you have been convicted of certain serious traffic violations or have a history of unsafe driving, you may not be eligible for a CDL. If you are uncertain, you should contact the Montana Motor Vehicle Division for more information.

11. What hours are Commercial Drivers allowed to drive in Montana?


In Montana, drivers of commercial motor vehicles are allowed to drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour period. After 11 hours of driving, drivers must take 10 consecutive hours off duty before they can drive again. Drivers must also take a break after 8 consecutive hours of driving.

12. Are there any restrictions on CDL holders operating certain types of vehicles in Montana?


Yes. Commercial drivers in Montana are prohibited from operating certain specialized vehicles, including school buses carrying passengers, tank vehicles, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials that require placarding.

13. Do I need to take any additional classes to obtain a CDL in Montana?


No, you do not need to take any additional classes to obtain a CDL in Montana. However, you must pass the knowledge and skills tests for the type of license you are seeking.

14. Does Montana require drivers to carry proof of insurance when operating commercial vehicles?


Yes, Montana requires all drivers operating commercial vehicles to carry proof of insurance.

15. Is there an age limit for holding a Commercial Drivers License in Montana?


Yes, the minimum age for holding a Commercial Drivers License in Montana is 18.

16. Are there any special requirements for drivers transporting hazardous materials with a Commercial Drivers License in Montana?


Yes, there are special requirements for drivers transporting hazardous materials with a Commercial Drivers License in Montana. Drivers must have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) added to their Commercial Drivers License (CDL). To obtain the endorsement, drivers must pass a written test at a Montana Department of Justice Driver Services Bureau, and must also pass a Transportation Security Administration background check.

17. Do I need to take a drug test before obtaining a CDL in Montana?


Yes, all applicants for a CDL in Montana must pass a drug test. The test must be taken at an approved testing facility and the results must be sent directly to the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division.

18. Does Montana require drivers to carry special licenses or endorsements when transporting passengers with a commercial vehicle?


Yes, Montana requires drivers to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the Passenger (P) endorsement in order to transport passengers with a commercial vehicle.

19. How often must Commercial Drivers renew their license in Montana?


Commercial Drivers in Montana must renew their license every five years.

20. Are there any special restrictions on Commercial Drivers operating at night or during certain times of day in Montana?


Yes, in Montana, commercial drivers are subject to the federal hours-of-service regulations. These regulations limit the total number of hours a driver may operate a commercial vehicle and prohibit certain activities during certain times of day (e.g., driving between midnight and 6 am).