Getting a Montana learner license
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Apply at 15, or at 14½ if you are enrolled in an approved traffic education course.
Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you are under 18, have a parent sign and verify your application before a notary or MVD employee.
Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the knowledge test and the vision exam.
Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Practice only with a parent or guardian, or a licensed adult 18+ they approve, seated beside you.
Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt while you drive on the learner license.
Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for a learner license
- 15. Exceptions: 14½ while taking an approved traffic education course, and as young as 13 for a hardship-restricted license.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner license through traffic education
- At 14½ if you have completed, or are taking, a traffic education course approved by the state.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner license validity
- 1 year from the date it is issued.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- What the knowledge test covers
- Reading and understanding highway signs, and Montana traffic laws.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Who can supervise (under 18)
- A licensed driver must sit beside you. If you are under 18, that is a parent or guardian, or a licensed driver 18+ with the parent's permission.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Seatbelts on a learner license
- Everyone in the vehicle must be buckled up when the learner is under 18.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parent signature
- Applicants under 18 need a parent (or another responsible adult) to sign and verify the application before a notary or MVD employee.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Holding period before a license (under 18)
- At least 6 months on a learner license or traffic education permit.Source: mca.legmt.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Montana guide
Official Montana links
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