Montana Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Montana learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official MVD pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-18 · Source: Montana Motor Vehicle Division — Montana Driver Manual (2026) ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Montana
- Apply for the Montana learner's permit at age 14 years and 6 months
- Practice only with a licensed driver age 18 or older seated in the front passenger seat
- Hold the permit at least 6 months before moving to the restricted-license phase
- At age 15, qualify for the restricted license and follow the 11 p.m.-5 a.m. and passenger limits
- Qualify for the full Montana license at age 16 after passing the road test and keeping a clean GDL record
Montana GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: Learner's permit holders must practice with a licensed driver age 18 or older in the front seat
- Curfew: During the restricted-license phase, no driving is allowed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult
- Passenger rule: Montana's restricted-license phase includes limited passenger restrictions before the full license at age 16
The details
- Permit eligibility: Montana's driver manual says you can apply for a learner's permit at age 14 years and 6 months
- Permit fee details: Montana Driver Manual (2026), directly confirmed: "Any Class D basic license or a learner license... $5.00 per year" of validity — a learner license issued under 21 expires on the 21st birthday, so the total cost scales with the applicant's age at issuance rather than a single flat fee; a 3% administrative fee is added to all MVD products
- Permit validity: 12 months — Montana Driver Manual (2026), directly confirmed earlier this session: "Learner license permits ... are valid for one year"
- Practice hour details: Montana Driver Manual (2026), directly confirmed: "Teen drivers must acquire at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 hours at night for a minimum of six months"
- Knowledge test: 33 questions; 82% to pass; Web search: 33-question test, 27 correct (~82%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Montana?
You can get a learner's permit in Montana at 14.5. Montana's driver manual says you can apply for a learner's permit at age 14 years and 6 months.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Montana?
You must hold your Montana permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Montana require?
Montana requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Montana permit test?
Right here — take a free Montana practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full MVD-format experience with a readiness score.
