Get your first driver's license in Montana

By · checked

A first-time Montana driver passes the written and vision tests at a driver exam station for a learner license, practices (teens: a state-approved traffic education course, 6 months and at least 50 supervised hours), then passes the road test for a license (a first-year restricted license under 18).

Your situation

How old are you?
Online or in person
No, in person · At a driver exam stationThe written and vision tests are taken at a driver exam station, and a first license needs a road test. You can schedule your appointment online at cars.dojmt.gov. Written, vision and road tests are required for your first license. The MVD's FAQ says an appointment is always recommended.
Cost
$5 per year of license termClass D license or learner license: $5.00 per year, plus a 3% administrative fee on MVD transactions. A license issued under 21 expires on your 21st birthday. The MVD fee table lists the total for each age with admin costs included (for example $26.27 at 16, valid until 21) and a higher total if you add REAL ID. Pay by cash, check or card (not AMEX).
You leave with
Learner license, then a Class D license

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Show accepted documents (bring 1)
      • Original or certified U.S. birth certificate
      • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
      • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
      • Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
      • Valid, unexpired permanent resident card
    • Show accepted documents (bring 2)
      • Certified birth certificate (U.S. or Canada) (Primary)
      • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card (Primary)
      • Original Social Security card (Secondary)
      • Certified school records or transcript (Secondary)
      • Current school photo ID card (Secondary)
      • Certificate of completion of a Montana-approved traffic or driver education course (Secondary)
    • Show accepted documents (bring 1)
      • Written statement from a parent or guardian that you live at their address, with a document showing their Montana address
      • Certified school records from a school attended within 4 months
      • Utility bill, bank statement or pay stub dated within 4 months
      • Rental agreement or rent receipt signed by the landlord
      • Current auto or life insurance policy

  2. Study the Montana Driver Manual

    The written test covers highway signs and Montana traffic law.

    Montana Driver Manual (PDF) ↗

  3. Take a free practice test

    Before the knowledge test, try our Montana Permit Practice Test: 33 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

    Start the Montana practice test

  4. Pass the written and vision tests for your learner license

    At a driver exam station, bring your documents, pay the fee and pass the written test and a vision test (at least 20/40 in one eye, with or without lenses). The learner license is valid for 1 year. Your receipt allows three attempts within a year to pass all required exams.

  5. Practice with a licensed driver

    At 18 or older, you may drive with the learner license in your possession and a licensed driver seated beside you.

  6. Pass the road test

    Schedule an appointment and pass the road test in a vehicle you certify is representative of the license class. Carry proof of liability insurance for the vehicle you drive.

  7. Get your Class D license

    Pay for the license at an MVD driver license station.

Common reasons people get turned away

  • The licensing receipt is valid for one year and allows three attempts to pass all exams. Receipts are not renewable: if you don't finish within a year, you start the process over.
  • Teens must hold the learner license for six consecutive months with no traffic violations or alcohol or drug offenses before the first-year license; otherwise the learner license can be extended for up to 1 year or until 18.
  • A license before 18 requires a completed traffic education course. The driver manual says online and third-party courses are not approved; the law also allows an alternative course approved by the Department of Justice (with 75 practice hours). Confirm the course is approved before you enroll.
  • Your name and date of birth must match Social Security Administration records.
  • Violating first-year restrictions brings 20 to 60 hours of community service, and a second offense a six-month suspension.

Offices for permits, tests and first licenses

The MVD driver manual says you take the written and vision tests and get the learner license at a driver exam station, and you bring the GDL form there for a teen's first-year license. Licenses are paid for at a driver license station. Agency source.

47 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Largest cities with them: Billings (1)

Results show offices where you can apply for a permit or first license or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

Did it work on your first visit?

Tell us after you've been. One anonymous answer, no account, nothing else saved.


Sources · checked November 4, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.