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
10. Test 10

Printable MT practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. Who sets the speed limit for a Montana construction or work zone?

   1. The nearest school district
   2. The driver based on the normal highway speed
   3. The responsible transportation agency, local authority, utility, or contractor for that zone
   4. A single statewide work zone limit of 25 mph
   Show answer

   The responsible transportation agency, local authority, utility, or contractor for that zone. Montana does not use one standard speed limit for every construction or work zone. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. How far before a turn should a Montana driver signal on a rural road?

   1. 300 feet
   2. 100 feet
   3. 200 feet
   4. 50 feet
   Show answer

   300 feet. Montana’s manual calls for a proper turn signal 300 feet before turning on rural roads. Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. What change in the roadway does this divided-highway warning announce?

   
   1. The divided roadway ends and opposing traffic will share one lane
   2. A median or divider ahead separates the highway into two one-way roadways
   3. A three-way intersection requires a left turn
   4. Vehicles may cross the median to make U-turns
   Show answer

   A median or divider ahead separates the highway into two one-way roadways. A divided highway begins when a median or divider separates the route into two distinct one-way roadways. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. A Montana court finds a driver responsible for crash damages, and the driver does not pay within 60 days. How long does the resulting suspension last?

   1. 30 days, then it ends automatically
   2. One year, whether or not the amount is paid
   3. Until the driver buys a new insurance policy
   4. Until the amount is paid or 6 years have passed
   Show answer

   Until the amount is paid or 6 years have passed. When a court finds a driver responsible for crash damages and the driver fails to pay within 60 days, the license and registration suspensio Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. Which check is required immediately before changing lanes?

   
   1. Look over your shoulder for traffic in the blind spot
   2. Rely on the rearview mirror without turning your head
   3. Check only the lane ahead and ignore traffic behind
   4. Turn on hazard flashers and move without signaling
   Show answer

   Look over your shoulder for traffic in the blind spot. Mirrors cannot show every area beside and behind a vehicle. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. You are pulling from an alley onto a main road. What must you do before joining traffic?

   
   1. Use the shoulder until traffic clears
   2. Accelerate into the first available gap without stopping
   3. Expect main-road traffic to yield
   4. Stop and yield to vehicles already on the main roadway
   Show answer

   Stop and yield to vehicles already on the main roadway. The vehicle coming from a lesser access point is entering an established roadway, so it must stop and yield to traffic already there. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. What should a Montana driver do when entering a roundabout?

   
   1. Stop in the circle before choosing an exit
   2. Force circulating traffic to stop
   3. Drive left of the center island
   4. Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
   Show answer

   Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout has the right of way, so an entering driver must yield before joining. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. During the first-year restricted license period, what seatbelt rule applies to everyone in the vehicle?

   1. Every person must wear a seatbelt
   2. Only the teenage driver must buckle up
   3. Passengers may ride unrestrained in the back seat
   4. Seatbelts are required only between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
   Show answer

   Every person must wear a seatbelt. Montana applies the seatbelt requirement to every occupant while this restricted license is active. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. What is the fine for a Montana driver who violates the safety belt law?

   1. $20
   2. $100
   3. $500
   4. A warning only
   Show answer

   $20. No person may drive a motor vehicle in Montana unless each occupant is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt, and a driver wh Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. What must a Montana driver do when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing?

    
    1. Stop at least 30 feet from the bus
    2. Pass slowly within 10 feet
    3. Stop only if children are visible
    4. Continue if traveling in the opposite direction
    Show answer

    Stop at least 30 feet from the bus. When meeting or passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, a driver must stop at least 30 feet away and wait until the red light Full explanation in Test 10

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

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

12. 12. What condition does Montana's sharp-right-turn warning sign identify?

    
    1. A four-way intersection ahead
    2. A sharp turn to the right in the road ahead
    3. A road that becomes one-way
    4. A railroad crossing immediately ahead
    Show answer

    A sharp turn to the right in the road ahead. The sharp-right-turn warning sign tells you that the roadway turns sharply right ahead. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. What does the red slash over the arrow on this sign tell a driver?

    
    1. Do not make the pictured right-turn movement
    2. Make the pictured turn only after accelerating
    3. The pictured turn has priority over oncoming traffic
    4. The turn is required at the next signal
    Show answer

    Do not make the pictured right-turn movement. A red circle and slash over an arrow means the pictured action is prohibited, so this sign rules out the right turn. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What happens to traffic fines in a Montana highway work zone?

    1. They are the same as anywhere else
    2. They are doubled
    3. They are waived if no workers are present
    4. They are tripled only at night
    Show answer

    They are doubled. Montana doubles traffic fines in work zones, and exceeding the posted work zone speed is a violation. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. How does Montana's Three-Second Rule help a driver judge following distance?

    
    1. It checks whether the vehicle reaches a reference point before three seconds pass
    2. It requires exactly three car lengths at every speed
    3. It applies only when traveling below 25 mph
    4. It measures the distance from the rear bumper to the curb
    Show answer

    It checks whether the vehicle reaches a reference point before three seconds pass. The Three-Second Rule uses time rather than a fixed number of car lengths. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. At what core body temperature does heatstroke begin, according to the Montana manual?

    1. About 104 degrees, with about 107 degrees being lethal
    2. About 99 degrees
    3. About 120 degrees
    4. About 95 degrees
    Show answer

    About 104 degrees, with about 107 degrees being lethal. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees and the body's cooling system is overwhelmed, and a core temperat Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. How many months must a new Montana driver under 18 use a learner license before applying for a first-year restricted license?

    1. Three consecutive months
    2. Nine consecutive months
    3. Six consecutive months
    4. Twelve consecutive months
    Show answer

    Six consecutive months. A driver younger than 18 must hold the learner license for at least six consecutive months before applying for the first-year restricted lic Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. How should you respond when this STOP AHEAD warning appears?

    
    1. Ignore it unless cross traffic is visible
    2. Stop immediately where the warning sign stands
    3. Accelerate to pass the upcoming stop sign before others arrive
    4. Begin slowing because a stop sign is ahead
    Show answer

    Begin slowing because a stop sign is ahead. STOP AHEAD is advance notice of a stop sign, so the driver should begin slowing and prepare for the required stop at the upcoming intersecti Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. According to the Montana manual, what should you do if your windshield glass is damaged?

    1. Cover the damaged area with paper
    2. Have the windshield replaced
    3. Drive only below 15 mph
    4. Use high beams to see around it
    Show answer

    Have the windshield replaced. The Montana manual says to keep your windshield clear so you can focus on the road ahead. Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. How much supervised practice must a Montana teen complete during the instruction-permit step?

    1. At least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night
    2. At least 40 hours, including 5 hours at night
    3. At least 60 hours, with no nighttime requirement
    4. At least 25 hours, including 10 hours at night
    Show answer

    At least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night. The instruction-permit requirement combines a total and a nighttime minimum: at least 50 supervised hours, with 10 of those hours at night. Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. On a multi-lane road, which lane is intended for passing slower vehicles?

    1. The left-most lane
    2. The lane nearest the right shoulder
    3. Any lane selected without signaling
    4. The center lane only, regardless of traffic
    Show answer

    The left-most lane. Montana's passing rule assigns a clear purpose on multi-lane roads: the left-most lane is intended for passing slower vehicles. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. After a first alcohol driving conviction in Montana, how long is the license suspended?

    1. 30 days
    2. Three months
    3. Six months
    4. Two years
    Show answer

    Six months. A first alcohol conviction in Montana brings a license suspension of six months, along with a fine and possible jail time. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. In a Montana work zone, what do large flashing or sequencing arrow panels tell drivers?

    1. A signal that all work-zone devices may be ignored
    2. A guarantee that the current lane will remain open
    3. A command to pass every vehicle on the left
    4. Traffic guidance into a lane because part of the road ahead may be closed
    Show answer

    Traffic guidance into a lane because part of the road ahead may be closed. Work zones may use large flashing or sequencing arrow panels during the day or night to guide drivers into certain traffic lanes and show th Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. At a Montana railroad crossing where no signal is active, when must a driver still stop for an approaching train?

    1. Only when a crossing gate is down
    2. When the train is within 500 feet
    3. When the train is within 1,500 feet of the crossing or is clearly visible and an obvious hazard
    4. Only when the train sounds its horn
    Show answer

    When the train is within 1,500 feet of the crossing or is clearly visible and an obvious hazard. A driver must stop no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when warning signals, crossing gates, stop signs, or human watchmen show a tra Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. Why should a driver reduce speed where a Slippery When Wet sign is posted?

    1. The roadway will always be closed during rainfall
    2. The sign means the lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
    3. The sign authorizes a driver to brake harder than usual
    4. Wet pavement can be unusually slick and demands smoother control
    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 5

26. 26. After clearing an intersection for an approaching emergency vehicle, what should a Montana driver do?

    1. Continue through the next several intersections
    2. Pull to the right and remain stopped until the vehicle passes
    3. Stop immediately where the vehicle is blocking traffic
    4. Follow the emergency vehicle to keep the route clear
    Show answer

    Pull to the right and remain stopped until the vehicle passes. After clearing an intersection, the driver should pull to the right and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. When may a Montana driver on a two-lane road exceed the speed limit by 10 mph?

    1. To overtake and pass another vehicle and return safely to the right lane
    2. Whenever traffic is light
    3. Only while descending a hill
    4. Whenever the driver is running late
    Show answer

    To overtake and pass another vehicle and return safely to the right lane. The manual describes a narrow passing exception on a two-lane road: a vehicle may exceed the speed limit by 10 mph to overtake another vehic Full explanation in Test 7

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

    1. Taking an optional late-night shopping trip
    2. A trip to any social event after midnight
    3. Driving for entertainment when a friend calls
    4. Travel to or from school, church, or work
    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 8

29. 29. What does a typical yellow diamond warning sign tell a Montana driver?

    1. All traffic must stop at the sign
    2. A legal speed limit is ending immediately
    3. A fuel or lodging service is available
    4. A dangerous condition lies ahead and extra caution is needed
    Show answer

    A dangerous condition lies ahead and extra caution is needed. Yellow diamond signs are warning devices for dangerous conditions ahead, so the driver should approach with great caution. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. How long is Montana's grace period to renew an expired license without retesting?

    1. 30 days
    2. 3 months after expiration, or 90 days after honorable discharge
    3. One year
    4. There is no grace period
    Show answer

    3 months after expiration, or 90 days after honorable discharge. A driver has a grace period of 3 months after the expiration date, or 90 days after honorable discharge from the military, to renew and avoi Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. What does Montana's School Crossing Ahead warning sign tell drivers to do?

    
    1. Maintain the ordinary highway speed unless a guard enters the road
    2. Slow down and watch for children at all times
    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 1

32. 32. A slow farm vehicle in Montana has traffic backing up behind it. When must it turn off the roadway?

    1. Only when a police officer orders it off
    2. When two vehicles are following
    3. Never, since farm vehicles have the right of way
    4. When four or more vehicles are slowed and there is room for a safe turnout
    Show answer

    When four or more vehicles are slowed and there is room for a safe turnout. Slow moving vehicles must drive in the extreme right lane, and when four or more vehicles are slowed behind one, it must turn off the roadwa Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. What may a Montana Class D license holder drive?

    1. Any vehicle including tractor trailers
    2. Motorcycles of any size
    3. Any non commercial vehicle under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
    4. Only passenger cars
    Show answer

    Any non commercial vehicle under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A Class D basic driver license allows you to drive any non commercial vehicle under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. How far from a fire station driveway must a Montana driver park?

    1. 15 feet on either side of the street
    2. 50 feet on the same side and 100 feet across the street
    3. 30 feet on either side of the street
    4. 20 feet on the same side of the street, or 75 feet when parking on the other side
    Show answer

    20 feet on the same side of the street, or 75 feet when parking on the other side. Montana prohibits parking within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, or within 75 feet of the driveway when p Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. How low may a Montana school zone speed limit be set?

    1. No lower than 25 mph
    2. No lower than 20 mph
    3. 5 mph
    4. As low as 15 mph
    Show answer

    As low as 15 mph. Montana law lets school zone speed limits be set as low as 15 mph, and local authorities decide the posted speed and how many blocks around Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. How should a driver handle an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction?

    1. Continue normally if the emergency vehicle is using its siren
    2. Stop in the center of the roadway to make the vehicle go around
    3. Accelerate until the emergency vehicle is no longer visible
    4. Yield and, when safe, pull over and stop at the right edge
    Show answer

    Yield and, when safe, pull over and stop at the right edge. Drivers must yield to an approaching emergency vehicle and, when possible and safe, pull to the right edge and stop. Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. For the first six months of a Montana first-year restricted license, how many unrelated passengers under 18 are allowed without adult supervision?

    1. One
    2. None
    3. Two
    4. Three
    Show answer

    One. For the first six months, the teen may carry only one unrelated passenger younger than 18 unless a licensed adult driver supervises. Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. What do Montana regulatory signs communicate to drivers?

    1. A warning that a curve is approaching
    2. A scenic route and nearby recreation area
    3. A maximum speed or another required action
    4. An optional suggestion for courteous driving
    Show answer

    A maximum speed or another required action. Regulatory signs communicate obligations that govern how traffic must move. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What does a red circle with a red slash over a symbol mean in Montana?

    
    1. The road is reserved for the symbol shown
    2. The action shown is recommended in the next block
    3. The action shown by the symbol is prohibited
    4. The symbol identifies a service area ahead
    Show answer

    The action shown by the symbol is prohibited. A red circle and slash is a prohibition marker. Montana explains that the driver must not do whatever the black arrow or symbol depicts. Full explanation in Test 9

40. 40. What should a driver prepare to do after seeing this round railroad warning sign?

    
    1. Stop on the tracks to inspect both rails
    2. Speed up so the vehicle clears the tracks before a signal changes
    3. Turn around immediately before reaching the crossing
    4. Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop at the crossing ahead
    Show answer

    Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop at the crossing ahead. This round warning sign announces a railroad crossing ahead, so the driver should reduce speed, look and listen, and remain ready to stop. Full explanation in Test 10