Graduated Driver License Process:

Step 1: Learner’s Permit Period

Students that are at least 15 years old may apply for a learner’s permit by following these simple steps:

• Study for the written driver’s test using the Montana Driver’s Manual.
• Successfully pass the written driver’s test.

Applicants who are fourteen ½ years old and have completed driver’s education may be eligible to apply for their learner’s permit.

How To Advance To The Next Stage

To advance to the next stage of the Graduated Driver License program, you must complete the following:

• Hold the learner’s license for at least 6 months; AND
• Complete 50 hours (including ten at night) of supervised driving with a licensed adult.
• Schedule an appointment and successfully complete the Skills (Road/Driving) test.

Conditions Of The Learner’ Permit Period

• Drivers with a Learner’s License must be supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, or licensed driver aged 18 years old or older who is authorized by the parent or legal guardian.
• Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
• The teen must not receive any traffic violations or alcohol/drug offenses in the six-month period before advancing to a First-Year Restricted License.

Step 2: First-Year Restricted License

When teens have satisfied all Step 1 requirements, they may apply for a first-year restricted license. To apply, applicants must:

• Schedule an appointment to complete the Skills (Road/Driving) test and successfully complete the test.
• Bring all the required documents:
  • Driving Log
  • Drive Test Vehicle Documentation
    • Proof of current registration; AND
    • Proof of insurance
  • Valid Learner’s Permit
  • A completed Graduated Driver Licensing Parent/Legal Guardian Certification
  • Proof of Authorized Presence
  • Proof of Residency

Conditions Of The First-Year Restricted License Period

• Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
• Teenage drivers may not drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM with some exceptions:
  • These exceptions including emergencies, farm-related activities, travel to and from school, church or work, and specific parent-authorized purposes.
  • Law enforcement officials may contact the parent or guardian of a teen driver to verify the purpose for which the teen is authorized to drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 A.M.
• First Six Months:
  • Unless supervised by a licensed driver aged eighteen or older, a teenage driver may only have one unrelated passenger under the age of eighteen in the year.
• Second Six Months:
  • Unless supervised by a licensed driver aged eighteen or older, a teenage driver may have three unrelated passengers under the age of eighteen in the vehicle.

Step 3: Full Privilege Driver License

First-Year Restricted License restrictions automatically end of the date indicated on the back of the driver’s license, or when the individual turns eighteen, whichever occurs first. Once the teenager reaches step 3, the driver’s license confers full privileges.