Montana Driver Education FAQs

Eligible teens can begin with a Learner License at 14½ through Montana's approved traffic education route. Without that route, the standard learner-license age is 16.

Approved traffic education is required if you want to use the early 14½ traffic-education route. Online courses do not substitute for Montana's approved traffic education.

No. TeenDrivingCourse does not replace Montana's approved traffic education program or count toward an MVD licensing requirement.

You must meet the applicable age and licensing requirements and pass the required knowledge and vision examinations. Applicants under 18 also need the required parental or guardian consent.

No. A qualifying licensed adult must supervise you from the seat beside you while you drive.

The traditional GDL pathway requires at least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, over a minimum six-month period. The required experience must be certified by a parent, guardian, or qualifying responsible adult.

Yes. A driver under 18 must generally hold a learner license or traffic education permit for at least six months before advancing to the next GDL licensing stage.

After meeting the required learner period and driving requirements, you can take the required road or skills test. Passing it allows you to move into the First-Year Restricted License stage.

The restrictions apply for one year from the date of issuance or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

Generally, no. The restriction applies from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., although Montana law provides specific exceptions for circumstances such as certain emergencies, school, work, farm or ranch activities, and parent-authorized purposes.

For the first six months, you generally may have only one unrelated passenger under 18. During the second six months, the limit generally increases to three unrelated passengers under 18.

No statewide ban currently applies, but several Montana communities have local restrictions on handheld cellphone or electronic-device use while driving.

The person who signs a minor's application can be jointly and severally liable for certain damages caused by the minor's negligence or willful misconduct, subject to Montana's statutory insurance exception.

Montana requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage.

TeenDrivingCourse gives you self-paced instruction on defensive driving, hazards, right-of-way, and safe-driving habits, plus a 3-day PrepWizard trial for knowledge-test practice. It supplements your preparation but does not replace Montana's required traffic education, supervised driving, or licensing tests.