Get a Drivers License in Montana

Once you have held your instruction permit for at least six months and can meet all the requirements below, you can apply for a first-year restricted license and eventually graduate to a full license.

A) Make a Road Test Appointment at the MT MVD

Only some Montana Motor Vehicle Division driver exam stations require scheduled appointments. Check online and schedule your road test appointment if necessary. Otherwise you’ll take your road test and apply for your Montana drivers license on a first-come, first-served basis.

B) Gather Required Documents and Montana License Fees

When applying for your driver’s license, you must submit the following to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.

• Proof of identity, Montana residency and authorized U.S. presence (see the state site for full details on required requirements)

• Graduated Driver Licensing Parent/Legal Guardian Certification form (if younger than 18)

• Proper fees; the state only accepts cash and checks (no credit cards accepted)

• Proof of vehicle liability insurance for your road test vehicle*

*You must also provide a road test vehicle with current registration. Before your road test begins, an examiner will ensure it’s in safe working condition.

C) Take the Road Test

With your required documents and fees in hand, head to a Montana driver exam station to take the driving test. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver.

Road Test Retakes

If you fail any of the required exams, you have the option to retest. When you pay the test fees, you’ll receive a driver license receipt valid for one year. This receipt allows you three tries within one year to successfully pass all required tests. Keep in mind the state will not renew your receipt, and if you don’t complete the licensing process within that year, you must reapply and start over.

Get Your Montana Driver's License

First-Year Restricted License

Once you pass the road test and meet all other requirements, you’ll receive a first-year restricted license. Any time you drive you must abide by these restrictions:

• All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts

• You may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except during emergencies, farm-related activities, traveling to and from school, church or work, and specific parent-authorized situations

• During the first six months, you may only have one unrelated passenger younger than 18 in your vehicle (unless you are supervised by a licensed driver who is 18 or older)

• During the second six months, you may only have three unrelated passengers younger than 18 in your vehicle (unless you are supervised by a licensed driver who is 18 or older)

As the name implies, the above restrictions only last a year.

Full Privilege Driver License

The state lifts your first-year license restrictions once you turn 18 or on the date indicated on the back of your driver license (one year after issuance). At that point, your first-year restricted license converts to a full privilege driver license that expires on your 21st birthday.

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