What the Montana driver's license exam covers

Montana's driver's license exam has two parts: a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test comes first and you must pass it before you can schedule the driving test. You take the written exam at a Montana Motor Vehicle Division office, and it covers Montana traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the meaning of road signs and pavement markings.

The written test has 33 questions, and you need to answer at least 27 correctly to pass. The questions are multiple choice. You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours. The driving test happens separately, usually within a few weeks of passing the written exam, and a Motor Vehicle Division examiner watches you drive and evaluates your control of the vehicle, your awareness of other traffic, and your ability to follow traffic laws.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana's written test has 33 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and road signs, and you need 27 correct answers to pass.
  • You take the written exam at a Motor Vehicle Division office and can retake it the same day if you fail.
  • The driving test happens after you pass the written exam, and an examiner rides with you to evaluate your driving skills and judgment.
  • You must bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition to the driving test.

Preparing for the written exam

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division publishes a free study guide that covers everything on the written test. You can read it from the Motor Vehicle Division website or pick up a printed copy at any Motor Vehicle Division office. The guide walks through Montana traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what each road sign means. Read through it at least once before you test, and pay special attention to sections on right-of-way, because those questions appear frequently on the exam.

Many people find it helpful to read the guide twice: once all the way through to get the big picture, and a second time focusing on the sections where they felt less confident. Some Motor Vehicle Division offices also offer practice tests on their computers, so you can see what the actual test format looks and feels like. Taking a practice test under timed conditions helps you know whether you can answer 27 out of 33 questions in the time allowed.

What to bring and how to register for the written test

You need to bring a valid photo ID to the Motor Vehicle Division office when you take the written exam. A passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. You also need to bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Walk into any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours—you do not need to schedule an appointment for the written test. The office will have you fill out a form, collect a fee (which varies by office but is typically under $20), and then direct you to a computer terminal where you take the test.

The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you sit at a terminal with a staff member nearby. You have a set amount of time to complete all 33 questions—usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on the office. Once you finish, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed. If you pass, the office gives you a written confirmation that you can use to schedule your driving test.

Scheduling and preparing for the driving test

After you pass the written exam, you schedule the driving test by calling the Motor Vehicle Division office where you want to test, or by visiting in person. The office will give you available dates and times, usually within two to four weeks. You need to bring the confirmation from your written test, a valid photo ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement works), and a vehicle that is registered in Montana, insured, and in safe working condition.

Before the test, make sure the vehicle you plan to use has working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will do a brief safety check of the vehicle before you drive, and if anything is broken or unsafe, you will not be allowed to test that day. Practice driving in the area around the Motor Vehicle Division office where you will test, because the examiner will take you on a route that includes residential streets, busier roads, and possibly a highway or freeway depending on which office you use.

What happens during the driving test

The driving test lasts 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and gives you directions—for example, "Turn left at the next light" or "Merge onto the highway." You follow the examiner's instructions while obeying all traffic laws. The examiner is watching how smoothly you steer, whether you check your mirrors and blind spots, how you handle intersections and turns, whether you maintain a safe speed, and how you react to other traffic and pedestrians.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb during a turn, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, speeding or driving too slowly, not signaling before a turn or lane change, and not checking mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay another fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they practice the skills the examiner pointed out.

After you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You then go back to the Motor Vehicle Division office to complete the paperwork and pay the fee for your license. The office will take a photo for your license and issue you a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.

Your Montana driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 21, and for a longer period if you are older. You will need to renew it before it expires, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on what type of renewal you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's car for the driving test?

Yes, as long as the car is registered in Montana, has valid insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the owner is comfortable with you using it, and bring proof that the car is insured before you test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most Motor Vehicle Division offices, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours. You pay the fee again for each attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test.

Do I need to take a driver education course before the exam?

Montana does not require a driver education course for adults. Drivers under 16 must complete an approved course and hold a learner's permit for a certain period before testing. Check with your local Motor Vehicle Division office if you are under 16.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass the driving test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can use the paper license to drive when ready while you wait for the plastic one.

What if I need to test in a different language?

Montana offers the written test in English and several other languages. Call your local Motor Vehicle Division office ahead of time to confirm which languages are available and to let them know you will need an interpreter for the written test. The driving test is conducted in English.