Getting Your Montana Learner’s Permit: Rules and Requirements

If you’re looking to get your Montana learners permit, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go through all the details you need to know.

The permit is used to practice driving while under the supervision of a licensed driver. It helps drivers develop safe driving practices over time, and it is a requirement if you intend to get a full driver’s license in Montana. 

Montana Learner’s Permit Requirements

You must be at least 14 years and 6 months old to apply for a permit, but you will need to successfully complete a driver’s education program to do so. If you are over 15, you can bypass the driver’s education requirement.

New drivers under 18 years old will have to follow a three-phase graduated licensing program. This license program is intended to keep new and unsafe drivers off the road until they have developed into safe drivers. 

• Step 1: Permit
• Step 2: First-Year Restricted License
• Step 3: Full Montana Driver’s License

Drivers older than 18 years old can go straight from a permit to a full driver’s license.

How to Get a Driver’s Permit in Montana

1. Bring approved documents to prove identity, residency, and lawful presence in the United States.
   • If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign consent for you to drive and accepts financial responsibility.
2. Bring a parent or legal guardian to sign your application and a parental consent form
3. Pass the written test, which consists of 33 questions. You must get 28 right to pass.
4. Turn in other licenses, get a physical, and not be deemed by a court to be incompetent or otherwise disabled.
5. Pay the appropriate permit fees.

Your permit is good for up to two years. You must always drive with a licensed adult. Everyone must wear seatbelts, and no one can be inebriated in any way. 

How to Progress to a Driver’s License

After you have received your learner’s permit, the next step is to practice – a lot. You can book a driving test after having held the permit for a minimum period of 6 months with no suspensions or major violations. You must also provide proof of 50 hours of supervised driving practice with 10 hours at night.

Keep in mind that you should not attempt to progress before you feel confident you can drive solo.

That’s It!

If you need any help studying for your upcoming knowledge or driving exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized handbook, Montana practice tests, and a gamified learning experience on web and mobile.