Montana DMV: age, fees, test facts

Getting a license in Montana

Getting your first permit

In Montana, the minimum permit age is 14.5 years old if enrolled in a state-approved driver/traffic education program; otherwise 15 years old for the standard Learner Permit at an MVD exam station. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: parental consent (for minors), proof of identity, proof of authorized presence, proof of Montana residency; SSN must be known but no physical SSN card required. Schedule appointments for knowledge/road testing and license services online at cars.dojmt.gov (via dojmt.gov/driving/appointments, redirects to mvdmt.gov), or call 1-866-450-8034.

Fees, retakes, and practice hours

Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed parent, guardian, or responsible adult, including 10 hours at night; permit must be held 6 months + 1 day before advancing.

REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL

Montana offers REAL ID-compliant licenses/ID cards (star-in-circle marking) but does not require residents to obtain one; federal deadline for use (e.g., domestic flights) is May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: minimum age 16 (or 15 with DOJ-approved driver education course); requires valid MT driver's license, written test, and on-road test (waivable via approved course). For a commercial license (CDL): intrastate CDL minimum age 18; interstate CDL and hazmat endorsement require 21.

The Montana bank has 73 questions across 8 topics