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Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motor-driven cycle on public streets or highways in Montana is required to have a driver’s license or learner's permit. Knowledge, vision, and a road test are required for your first license. The Montana DMV written test is designed to check the applicant’s knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, road rules and safe driving practices. Everything you need to know is covered in the Montana Driver's Manual. The DMV written test consists of 33 questions, and you'll need at least 27 correct answers to pass (82%). Practice with this sample test to familiarize yourself with the format of the Montana DMV driver's license test.
1. The effects of alcohol on driving include:
None of the above.
Better reflexes.
Improved coordination.
Improved judgement.
2. A work zone:
is marked with black and white signs.
might involve vehicles and moving workers.
does not require that the driver slow down and pay extra attention.
All of the above.
3. When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights behind you, you must:
pull over to the right and stop.
drive to the right edge of the road and slow down.
slow down and keep moving.
stop as quickly as you can.
4. What is the purpose of minimum speed limits?
To decrease the state average speed statistic.
To halt the traffic flow.
To allow emergency vehicles with red flashing lights to safely pass other vehicles.
To keep a smooth traffic flow.
5. You want to turn left at an intersection ahead. A car reaches the intersection from the opposite direction and moves straight ahead. You:
can turn left. You have the right of way.
must wait for the car to go through before you turn.
may not enter the intersection to prepare for your left turn if the light is green.
must make a U-turn and then turn right.
6. This sign means:
bicycle crossing sign
Warning: a bike-way crosses the roadway ahead.
The lane ahead is reserved for bicycles.
Bicycle zone ahead.
Bicycles must yield to vehicles ahead.
7. This road sign means:
cross road sign
Side road ahead.
Crossroad ahead.
No Passing Zone ahead.
Railroad crossing ahead.
8. If a traffic officer signals you to drive through a red light:
you must do it.
you must call the police.
you must not obey the officer. Signs and signals take precedence over directions given by traffic officers.
you must wait for the red light to turn green.
9. When driving on slick roads, drivers should:
take turns more slowly.
use alternate routes.
drive as they would on dry roads.
accelerate quickly.
10. This road sign means:
pedestrian crossing
Mountain trail
Flagger ahead
Pedestrian crossing
School crossing
 
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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 DMV Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 33
Correct answers to pass:27
Passing score:82%
Minimum age to apply: 14 ½
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