MT Permit Practice Test

How to use this MT practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Montana Driver Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

MT practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable MT practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the MT bank

Every question below comes from the Montana question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What is the maximum validity period for a basic Montana Class D driver license?

   1. Two years
   2. Four to eight years
   3. Ten years
   4. Until age 65
   Show answer

   Four to eight years. A basic Class D license can remain valid from four through eight years, depending on the holder and the expiration rules. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What must everyone in a Montana teen’s vehicle do during GDL Step 1?

   1. Wear a seatbelt
   2. Wear a helmet
   3. Fasten only the driver’s seatbelt
   4. Use the seatbelt only on highways
   Show answer

   Wear a seatbelt. Montana requires every person in the vehicle to wear a seatbelt during this permit stage. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. When must Montana headlights be able to illuminate people or vehicles at 350 feet?

   1. On low beam
   2. On high beam
   3. On either beam at the same distance
   4. Only when visibility is less than 500 feet
   Show answer

   On high beam. High beam headlights must illuminate persons or vehicles for 350 feet, while low beam headlights must reach 100 feet. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. When a large animal appears near a Montana roadway, what should the driver do?

   1. Slow down and be prepared to stop
   2. Swerve sharply toward the other lane
   3. Accelerate so the animal cannot reach the road
   4. Honk continuously and maintain speed
   Show answer

   Slow down and be prepared to stop. The manual recommends slowing down and preparing to stop when an animal is seen. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. At a four-way stop in Montana, which driver generally proceeds first?

   1. The driver who reaches the intersection first and stops completely
   2. The driver in the largest vehicle
   3. The driver who flashes headlights first
   4. The driver turning left
   Show answer

   The driver who reaches the intersection first and stops completely. At a four-way stop, the driver who reaches the intersection first gets to go first after making a complete stop. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. What response does Montana's deer-crossing warning call for when a driver sees a deer?

   1. Be alert and slow down
   2. Speed up before the deer reaches the road
   3. Turn sharply into the opposite lane
   4. Stop only if another car is present
   Show answer

   Be alert and slow down. The deer-crossing warning tells drivers that deer often use the area, so alertness and reduced speed are the appropriate response. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. How close must a Montana vehicle be to the curb or shoulder when parked on a roadway?

   1. Within 6 inches
   2. Within 12 inches
   3. Within 18 inches
   4. Within 3 feet
   Show answer

   Within 18 inches. A vehicle parked on a roadway must be within 18 inches, or 1.5 feet, of the curb or shoulder. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. At an intersection with no stop sign or traffic signal, which vehicle should a Montana driver generally yield to?

   1. A vehicle approaching from the right
   2. A vehicle approaching from the left
   3. Only a vehicle traveling faster
   4. No vehicle, because the intersection is uncontrolled
   Show answer

   A vehicle approaching from the right. At an uncontrolled intersection, Montana's general priority rule is to yield to a vehicle coming from the right, while remaining prepared to Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What is the safest response when a driver sees a large animal near or on a Montana road?

   1. Reduce speed and prepare to stop without swerving sharply
   2. Accelerate and steer toward the shoulder
   3. Swerve hard into oncoming traffic
   4. Keep speed because animals always leave the lane
   Show answer

   Reduce speed and prepare to stop without swerving sharply. When an animal is near the roadway, slow down and be prepared to stop. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. At what BAC can a driver be arrested for driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration in Montana?

    1. 0.08% or more
    2. 0.02% or more for every driver
    3. 0.16% or more only
    4. 0.05% or more
    Show answer

    0.08% or more. Montana treats a BAC of 0.08% or more as enough for an arrest for driving with that alcohol concentration. The 0. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. What recent record must a Montana teen have before advancing from the instruction permit to the restricted-license step?

    1. No traffic violations or alcohol/drug offenses during the preceding six months
    2. No traffic violations during the preceding 30 days only
    3. No alcohol use at any time since birth
    4. No convictions after the teen turns 18
    Show answer

    No traffic violations or alcohol/drug offenses during the preceding six months. Before advancing to the first-year restricted license step, the teen must have no traffic violations or alcohol or drug offenses during the Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What is one stated exception to the Montana first-year restricted license nighttime driving ban?

    1. Travel to or from school, church, or work
    2. A trip to any social event after midnight
    3. Driving for entertainment when a friend calls
    4. Taking an optional late-night shopping trip
    Show answer

    Travel to or from school, church, or work. Montana lists travel to and from school, church, or work among the limited exceptions to the 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. restriction. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. How should a driver respond to this triangular intersection sign?

    1. Slow to a reasonable speed and yield to all vehicles on the roadway being entered
    2. Stop every time, even when no traffic is nearby
    3. Accelerate to claim the right-of-way before entering
    4. Proceed without checking because the sign gives priority
    Show answer

    Slow to a reasonable speed and yield to all vehicles on the roadway being entered. A YIELD sign calls for a reasonable reduction in speed and a yield to every vehicle on the roadway being entered. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What movement is prohibited by this sign?

    1. Turning about to travel in the opposite direction
    2. Passing a vehicle in the same lane
    3. Turning right at the next intersection
    4. Continuing straight through the intersection
    Show answer

    Turning about to travel in the opposite direction. The NO U TURN sign prohibits turning about so the vehicle travels in the opposite direction at that intersection. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What path does this KEEP RIGHT sign require around the obstruction?

    1. Pass to the right of the obstruction
    2. Pass to the left of the obstruction
    3. Stop before the obstruction and wait for a flagger
    4. Use either side as long as the vehicle stays on pavement
    Show answer

    Pass to the right of the obstruction. KEEP RIGHT directs traffic to the right side of an obstruction. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What response is prompted by this pedestrian crossing warning?

    1. Watch for people crossing, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop
    2. Honk continuously so pedestrians know the vehicle is coming
    3. Maintain speed because pedestrians must wait for vehicles
    4. Move onto the shoulder to go around anyone crossing
    Show answer

    Watch for people crossing, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop. A pedestrian crossing warning asks the driver to be alert for people crossing the path, slow down, and be ready to stop. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What may lines and symbols on Montana roadways tell drivers?

    1. When they may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns
    2. That every marked line may be crossed without checking traffic
    3. That shoulders are always travel lanes during congestion
    4. That all traffic must stop at every painted line
    Show answer

    When they may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns. Roadway lines and symbols divide lanes, show when passing or changing lanes may be allowed, identify turn lanes, define pedestrian walkways, Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What does this right-curving warning sign tell the driver?

    1. A right curve is ahead, and a suggested safe speed may be posted below
    2. The driver must turn right at the next intersection
    3. A work-zone detour requires a U-turn
    4. The road becomes one-way to the left
    Show answer

    A right curve is ahead, and a suggested safe speed may be posted below. This warning announces a right curve ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. How should a driver respond after seeing Montana's pennant-shaped no-passing sign?

    1. Do not pass vehicles traveling in the same direction in that area
    2. Pass only on the shoulder until the next intersection
    3. Use the opposite lane whenever no vehicle is visible
    4. Resume passing immediately because the zone has ended
    Show answer

    Do not pass vehicles traveling in the same direction in that area. A no-passing warning marks an area where passing is prohibited, so a driver must not pass a vehicle moving in the same direction. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. Why should a driver reduce speed on pavement marked slippery when wet?

    1. Wet pavement can be unusually slick and demands smoother control
    2. The marking means the lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
    3. The sign authorizes a driver to brake harder than usual
    4. The roadway will always be closed during rainfall
    Show answer

    Wet pavement can be unusually slick and demands smoother control. The slippery-when-wet warning identifies pavement that becomes unusually slick after rain. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. When is a driver required to use headlights because visibility is limited?

    1. When persons or vehicles cannot be seen for 500 feet
    2. Only when the driver is traveling above 55 mph
    3. Only after another driver flashes high beams
    4. When the vehicle is parked with its engine off
    Show answer

    When persons or vehicles cannot be seen for 500 feet. Montana requires headlights when insufficient light makes people or vehicles invisible at a distance of 500 feet. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What does a steady yellow traffic signal tell a driver?

    1. The signal is about to turn red, so enter cautiously
    2. The driver has an unrestricted right of way through the intersection
    3. The driver must reverse to the previous intersection
    4. The signal grants permission to accelerate before cross traffic moves
    Show answer

    The signal is about to turn red, so enter cautiously. A steady yellow signal means caution and warns that the light is about to turn red. Enter only if stopping safely is no longer practical. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. If heavy rain, snow, or fog limits visibility to about 200 feet, how fast may a driver safely travel?

    1. No faster than 30 mph
    2. The posted limit, regardless of what can be seen
    3. At least 50 mph to clear the weather quickly
    4. Any speed below 70 mph if headlights are on
    Show answer

    No faster than 30 mph. The manual says that when heavy rain, a snowstorm, or thick fog limits visibility to about 200 feet, a driver cannot safely travel faster th Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. What action is required by Montana's eight sided STOP sign?

    1. Make a complete stop before entering the intersection
    2. Reduce speed and yield without stopping
    3. Stop only when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk
    4. Continue if the cross street appears empty
    Show answer

    Make a complete stop before entering the intersection. The octagonal shape identifies a STOP sign, and the required action is a complete stop before entering the intersection. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. How should you respond to a flashing yellow signal?

    1. Proceed with caution, usually after slowing down
    2. Stop fully and wait for a green indication
    3. Treat it exactly like a flashing red signal
    4. Accelerate so you clear the intersection quickly
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution, usually after slowing down. A flashing yellow signal permits movement but calls for caution, and Montana notes that it usually means slowing down. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. How far to the rear must a Montana vehicle mirror provide visibility?

    1. 200 feet, on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956
    2. 50 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. There is no mirror requirement
    Show answer

    200 feet, on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956. Vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1956 must provide 200 foot visibility to the rear through their mirrors, must have a safety glass win Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What may a Montana driver carry instead of flares as emergency warning equipment?

    1. Three emergency reflective triangles meeting USDOT Safety Standard 125
    2. A single flashlight
    3. A white flag
    4. Nothing, flares are mandatory
    Show answer

    Three emergency reflective triangles meeting USDOT Safety Standard 125. As an alternative to the flares or lanterns otherwise required, three emergency reflective triangles conforming to USDOT Motor Vehicle Safet Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. What should you do when a vehicle is disabled and cannot be moved off the roadway?

    1. Stop where approaching drivers have a clear view and warn them
    2. Remain just over a hill so traffic can pass behind you
    3. Stand in the roadway to direct every approaching vehicle
    4. Turn off all lights so the battery will last longer
    Show answer

    Stop where approaching drivers have a clear view and warn them. If a disabled vehicle cannot be moved from the roadway, Montana advises stopping where other drivers have a clear view and warning road user Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. Where should you stop for a STOP sign when a crosswalk is present?

    1. Before entering the crosswalk
    2. After the crosswalk, closest to the intersection
    3. In the center of the intersection
    4. Only at the far edge of the cross street
    Show answer

    Before entering the crosswalk. A STOP sign requires a complete stop before entering the intersection, and Montana adds that the stop should be before the crosswalk when on Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. A traffic signal is flashing yellow as you approach. How should you proceed?

    1. Proceed with caution and usually slow down
    2. Stop and remain stopped until a green light appears
    3. Treat the signal as a yield sign and turn only
    4. Accelerate so you clear the intersection before red
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution and usually slow down. A flashing yellow signal permits movement, but it calls for caution rather than a routine-speed approach. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. At a school crossing where children are present, what does Montana require drivers to do?

    1. Slow down and watch for children at all times
    2. Maintain the ordinary highway speed unless a guard enters the road
    3. Stop only after a child steps into the lane
    4. Use the horn continuously while passing the crossing
    Show answer

    Slow down and watch for children at all times. The school crossing warning tells drivers that children may be using the roadway, so the manual directs them to slow down and watch for chil Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. Which warning sign is the exception to Montana's usual diamond shape?

    1. The railroad crossing ahead sign
    2. The school ahead sign
    3. The winding road sign
    4. The sharp right turn sign
    Show answer

    The railroad crossing ahead sign. Most Montana warning signs are diamond shaped, but the railroad crossing ahead sign is specifically identified as round. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. When are studded tires prohibited in Montana?

    1. Year round
    2. November through March
    3. Only on interstates
    4. June 1 through September 30
    Show answer

    June 1 through September 30. Studded tires are not allowed in Montana from June 1 through September 30, because the studs chew up dry pavement without any traction benef Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. If a vehicle begins to slide on a wet road, which response follows Montana guidance?

    1. Stay off the brake, ease off the accelerator, and steer where you want to go
    2. Brake hard and turn opposite the direction of travel
    3. Accelerate to force the tires to grip the pavement
    4. Close your eyes briefly while the vehicle straightens
    Show answer

    Stay off the brake, ease off the accelerator, and steer where you want to go. For a slide, Montana emphasizes control through smooth correction. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. How far from the nearest rail must a driver stop when a train is approaching a Montana crossing?

    1. As close as practicable but not less than 15 feet
    2. Exactly 5 feet from the rail
    3. At least 50 feet from the crossing in every case
    4. Only far enough back to keep the vehicle off the tracks
    Show answer

    As close as practicable but not less than 15 feet. When a train's approach is indicated by warning signals, gates, a stop sign, or a watchman, Montana requires a stop as close as practicable Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. How must a driver respond to a flashing red traffic signal in Montana?

    1. Stop completely, yield, and continue only when it is safe
    2. Slow briefly and continue without yielding
    3. Wait for the signal to become a steady green
    4. Treat it as a protected green arrow
    Show answer

    Stop completely, yield, and continue only when it is safe. A flashing red signal carries the same stopping requirement as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. What following interval does Montana's Three-Second Rule use at any speed?

    1. At least three seconds between reaching the same fixed point
    2. Exactly one second behind the vehicle ahead
    3. A distance of three vehicle lengths
    4. Ten seconds only on interstate highways
    Show answer

    At least three seconds between reaching the same fixed point. The Three-Second Rule is a time-based check that works at any speed. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. At a steady red signal with no stop line, where should a driver stop?

    1. Before the nearest crosswalk, or before the intersection if there is no crosswalk
    2. Past the crosswalk so the front tires reach the intersection
    3. Beside the signal pole regardless of the roadway layout
    4. Only at the curb if pedestrians are present
    Show answer

    Before the nearest crosswalk, or before the intersection if there is no crosswalk. The stopping location follows a clear order. Stop before the pavement stop line when one exists. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What does an upheld orange hand mean for a pedestrian who has not started crossing?

    1. Do not walk
    2. Walk without checking traffic
    3. Cross only halfway to the median
    4. Run before the hand disappears
    Show answer

    Do not walk. The manual identifies an upheld orange hand as a DON'T WALK indication. A person at the curb should wait for a WALK signal before starting. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. What should a driver do when another motorist makes a mistake and needs to merge suddenly?

    1. Slow down and let the other driver merge
    2. Close the gap so the other vehicle cannot enter
    3. Sound the horn continuously and maintain speed
    4. Move into the other vehicle's lane to teach a lesson
    Show answer

    Slow down and let the other driver merge. The manual asks drivers not to make a difficult situation worse. Full explanation in Test 8