Montana · Handbook chapter 1 · 5 min read

Montana license types, learner permit ages, the three-step graduated licensing program for teens, documents to bring, appointments, fees, receipts, renewal and new residents.

Why this chapter matters

Montana gives teens a three-step path to a full license, and the permit ages, hours and limits are some of the most tested numbers. The MVD's own Drivers Under 18 page is newer than the manual on a few points, so this chapter follows the page where they differ.

License types

• A Class D license lets you drive any non-commercial vehicle under 26,000 pounds. For a first license you pass vision, written and road tests.
• A motorcycle endorsement is needed for any motorized two-wheeler; a three-wheeler does not need one.
• A commercial driver license (CDL) has its own manual and tests.
• You may hold only one valid driver license from any jurisdiction, and you cannot hold both a Montana ID card and a Montana license.

Learner permits for teens

"NCLP" (Non-Commercial Learner Permit) covers several permits:

• Driver Ed Learning Permit: from 14 1/2, for students in a state-approved traffic education program who have met attendance and testing requirements. The instructor issues it.
• Learner Permit: from 15, for students who have not attended driver training. It is issued at a driver exam station after the written and vision tests.

The manual agrees on 14 1/2 for students in traffic education, but for a permit from a driver exam station it still says 16 without traffic education (15 with it). The MVD's newer Drivers Under 18 page says 15, and we follow the page. Online or third-party driver education courses are not approved in Montana.

The three steps (graduated driver licensing)

Step 1: the NCLP

• Valid for one year.
• Hold it for at least 6 months + 1 day (the manual says six consecutive months).
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, logged by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
• A licensed parent, guardian or responsible adult supervises, and everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt.
• No traffic violations or alcohol or drug offenses in the six months before moving up.

Step 2: the First-Year Restricted License

You schedule a regular drive test and bring your documents again, the driving log, a valid NCLP, registration and insurance for the test vehicle, and the Graduated Driver Licensing Parent/Legal Guardian Certification (21-1600). After passing, the license carries a restriction code for one year.

The passenger limits do not apply when a licensed driver 18 or older is supervising. Night exceptions include emergencies, farm work, travel to and from school, church or work, and purposes a parent authorizes; police may call the parent to check.

Penalties: a first offense brings 20 to 60 hours of community service; a second brings a six-month suspension.

Step 3: full privileges

The restrictions end automatically on the date on the back of the license, or at 18, whichever comes first.

Documents to bring

Every applicant proves three things:

• Identity: two documents for your full legal name and date of birth, either two primary or one primary and one secondary. A certified U.S. birth certificate and a U.S. passport are primary; a Social Security card is secondary.
• Montana residence: for example a tax return, a lease or a utility bill. Pay stubs, bank statements and utility bills must be dated within four months.
• Authorized presence in the United States.

Under 18 you also need parental consent. Signing makes the parent, guardian or responsible adult financially responsible for damage from the minor's driving. You do not have to show proof of your Social Security number, but you must know it so it can be verified.

Appointments, fees and receipts

• Schedule at an MVD driver exam station and say you want a regular written exam. Online scheduling is at the MVD's appointment site, or call 1 (406) 444-1772.
• The manual lists $5.00 per year of license validity for a Class D or learner license, plus a 3% administrative fee; fees are subject to change.
• A licensing receipt is good for one year and covers three attempts to pass all required tests.

Expiry, renewal and moving

• A license issued under 21 expires on your 21st birthday.
• You may renew up to six months early. An expired license is not valid for driving, but you can renew within one year of expiry without retesting.
• New residents may drive on a valid out-of-state license for 60 consecutive days.
• Report a change of address within 10 days.