Requirements for Obtaining a Driver’s License in Montana

1. What is the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana?


The minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana is 15 years old.

2. Are there any additional requirements for teens to obtain a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes, there are additional requirements for teens to obtain a driver’s license in Montana. Teens must be at least 16 years old, have held a learner’s permit for at least six months, and must have completed 40 hours of supervised driving with 10 of those hours at night. They must also pass a vision screening and written permit test at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

3. What proof of residency is required to obtain a driver’s license in Montana?


In Montana, applicants for a driver’s license must provide two documents that prove their identity, residency, and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. birth certificate or certificate of naturalization, Social Security card, Montana voter registration card, valid Montana vehicle registration or title, bank statement, paycheck stub, utility bill, or any other document issued by a federal, state, or local government authority.

4. What proof of identity is necessary to obtain a driver’s license in Montana?


In Montana, applicants for a driver’s license are required to present two forms of identification, one of which must have a photograph. Acceptable forms of identification include: a valid US passport, an original or certified copies of a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization, an unexpired U.S. military photo ID card, or an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa affixed and endorsed with an I-94 form. Additionally, they must provide proof of name change if applicable.

5. Is there a vision test requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes, there is a vision test requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana. All applicants for a driver’s license must pass a vision test with 20/40 visual acuity, with or without correction, in either eye or both eyes combined.

6. Is there a written knowledge test required to obtain a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes, Montana does require a written knowledge test in order to obtain a driver’s license. The test covers the rules of the road, road signs, and traffic laws. Applicants must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly in order to pass the test.

7. Are there any restrictions placed on young drivers with a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes, there are restrictions placed on young drivers with a driver’s license in Montana. Under the Graduated Driver’s License Program, anyone under the age of 18 must have a learner’s permit for at least 6 months and must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older at all times. They also must log at least 50 hours of driving with their learner’s permit, 10 of which must be nighttime driving. Additionally, a young driver may not drive between the hours of 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless it is necessary to do so for medical, employment, or educational purposes. Finally, all passengers in the vehicle must be limited to immediate family members or those over 21 years of age.

8. What type of documentation is necessary to prove legal presence for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana?


To prove legal presence and identity for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana, you must provide one of the following documents: United States birth certificate, United States passport, United States military I.D., Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, or Foreign Passport (must be accompanied by valid United States visa).

9. Is a social security number required to obtain a driver’s license in Montana?


No, a social security number is not required to obtain a driver’s license in Montana.

10. Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicle that can be legally operated with a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes. The Montana Department of Justice has a list of vehicles that cannot be driven with a driver’s license in Montana. These include, but are not limited to, off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, etc.), motorized scooters, motorbikes, and mopeds. Motorcycles must have a valid motorcycle license. Additionally, certain classes of commercial vehicles may require additional licenses.

11. What is the fee associated with obtaining a driver’s license in Montana?


The fee for a new driver’s license in Montana is $50.

12. Is there an expiration date for driver’s licenses issued in Montana?


Yes, driver’s licenses issued in Montana typically expire five years after the issue date.

13. Is driving school or driver education mandatory to obtain a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes. All applicants for a driver’s license in Montana must complete a driver education program, or provide proof of completion if 18 or older, in order to obtain a license.

14. Are there any medical conditions that would disqualify someone from obtaining a driver’s license in Montana?


Yes. Montana has medical conditions that will disqualify an individual from obtaining a driver’s license. These include a diagnosis of epilepsy, unstable heart conditions, a mental or physical disability that affects the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, a history of drug or alcohol abuse, and certain vision standards. Additionally, individuals convicted of certain criminal offenses may be ineligible to obtain a driver’s license in Montana.

15. Are there any hearing or speaking requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana?


No, there are no hearing or speaking requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Montana.

16. Does Montana require applicants to pass a road test prior to issuing a driver’s license?


Yes, Montana requires applicants to pass a road test prior to issuing a driver’s license.

17. Does Montana issue special licenses for driving commercial vehicles or motorbikes?


No, Montana does not issue special licenses for driving commercial vehicles or motorbikes. All drivers in Montana are required to carry a valid driver’s license issued by the Montana Department of Justice.

18. Is there an age restriction on when an individual can apply for a commercial driver’s license in Montana?


Yes, individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply for a commercial driver’s license in Montana.

19. Does Montana offer provisional or temporary licenses for individuals under the age of 18 who are eligible for unsupervised driving with parental permission?


Yes, Montana offers provisional or temporary licenses for individuals under the age of 18 who are eligible for unsupervised driving with parental permission. Applicants must complete an approved driver’s education course and pass the written and skills tests to be eligible for this license. The provisional license permits drivers to drive unsupervised between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., unless the driver is accompanied by a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age, or accompanied by a qualified supervisor if they are driving for a job. The provisional license is valid for one year.

20. Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) accepted as valid identification when applying for a driver’s license in Montana?


No, an International Driving Permit is not accepted as valid identification when applying for a driver’s license in Montana. The Montana Department of Justice requires two forms of identification to apply for a driver’s license, including a primary proof of identity such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.