In Partnership with William K. Kohrs Memorial Library

View instructions
The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Montana CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Montana CDL Manual. All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual MT general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1. Blocking _______________ to keep it from sliding.
goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor
is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo
is used only in the back of a piece of cargo
None of the above.
2. When the road is slippery, you should:
reduce your speed.
slightly increase your speed to reach the next stop.
release the accelerator and push in the clutch.
apply the brakes, then let the wheels turn freely.
3. Emergency lines are often coded with the color ___ to keep from getting them mixed up with the service line.
red.
blue.
yellow.
white.
4. On front tires, tread should be at least:
4/16 inch
4/32 inch
2/32 inch
1/16 inch
5. A high center of gravity means:
you'll have better traction.
a rollover is less likely.
you are more likely to tip over.
the spring brakes will come fully on.
6. When preparing to make a right turn, you should NOT turn wide to the left as you start the turn. Why?
Turning wide to the left can cause your vehicle to tilt.
It makes the turn harder.
A following driver may try to pass you on the right.
A following driver may try to pass you on the left.
7. Driving dry bulk tanks requires special care. Why?
Their weight and size can make it more difficult to stop quickly.
They have a high center of gravity.
The load can shift.
All of the above.
8. Which of the following can cause vehicle fires?
Improperly sealed cargo
Improper fueling
Short circuits and loose connections
All of the above.
9. An item that is 15 feet long placed on a flatbed trailer should have at least:
3 tie-downs.
15 tie-downs.
1 tie-down.
2 tie-downs.
10. An advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle is that:
There is no real advantage.
No one is likely to be driving on the shoulder, but someone may be passing you on the left.
By turning right, you will force other drivers into an opposing traffic lane.
Turning right comes more natural in emergency situations.
 
Page 1 of 5
Next page

Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements to obtain a class D driver's license in Montana are established by the three-steps of the Graduated Driver License program:

Step 1 - Non-commercial learner permit (NCLP)
  • If you are 14 ½ years old and enrolled in a state-approved traffic education program, you can apply for a Driver Ed Learning Permit.
  • If you have not attended driver training, you can apply for the instruction permit at 15 years old.
Step 2 - First-year restricted license
  • You must be 15 and have completed an approved traffic education program, or you must be 16 years old to get a restricted license.
Step 3 - Full privilege driver license 
  • After one year or when turning 18, whichever comes first, you can obtain a full driver's license.


You can schedule the DMV written test at any Montana driver license office. Find the nearest office and make an appointment, specifying that it is for a written test. Alternatively, appointments can be arranged by calling the Customer Care Center during regular business hours. 
On the day of your appointment, ensure you bring these documents: 
  • Two proofs of identity (either two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document).
  • Proof of residency.
  • Proof of authorized presence in the U.S.
  • Parental consent (if you are under 18).

Proof of your Social Security Number is not required, but you should know it as it may be verified during your appointment.

You need to read the Montana Driver's Handbook. The exam covers various topics, including road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Remember that you cannot use driver's manuals or personal notes, so study the manual carefully and use our free practice tests.

For new drivers in Montana, restrictions vary.

With a learner permit:
  • You may drive only under the supervision of a licensed parent/guardian or adult.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for both the driver and passenger.
  • A clean record for six months is required to apply for a restricted license.

With a first-year restricted license:
  • Sealbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • You cannot drive alone between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., except for emergencies, farm-related activities, school/church/work activities, and specific parent-authorized purposes.
  • You can transport only one passenger under 18 for the first six months, except for family members. After six months, a maximum of three passengers is allowed unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is 18 or older.

Your permit is valid for one year. This ensures you have enough time to practice driving and fulfill the necessary requirements before the road test.

You can take the DMV written test only once per day. If you are under 18, you must wait one week before another attempt, while if you are over 18, you may return the next business day. If you find the exam difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

MT CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
Share This Online CDL Test
Rate this CDL Practice Test
4.8 out of 5
based on 359 votes