Montana driver handbook guide.

Chapter 1 · source p. 1

Introduction

This chapter’s sections include:

• Revised April 2024

Chapter 2 · source p. 8

Save Time: Go Online

This chapter’s sections include:

• Appointment Scheduling
• Driver License Renewal
• Status Check
• Vehicle Registration Renewal
• Temporary Registration Permits
• Fillable Forms & Downloadable Manuals

Chapter 3 · source p. 11

Chapter 1: The Driver License

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Driver Licensing Quick Reference
• ■ *Appointment Scheduling
• ■ Driver Licensing Identity Verification
• ■ Class D Standard Driver License (non-commercial license)
• ■ Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• Chapter 1 - The Driver License
• ■ Identification (ID) Card
• ■ Non-Commercial Learner Permit (NCLP)
• ■ Traffic Education Permit (TEP)
• ■ NCLP issued in traffic education
• ■ Nclp
• ■ Motorcycle Endorsement
• ■ Motorcycle Learner License
• ■ Real Id
• ► Who Can Apply For Montana Licenses
• ■ New Residents
• ■ Military
• ■ Veteran Designation
• ► Proof Of Authorized Presence, Identity, & Residence
• 1. Proof Of Authorized Presence
• 2. Proof Of Identity
• ■ Proof of Full Legal Name and Date of Birth
• 3. Proof Of Montana Residence

Chapter 4 · source p. 17

Graduated Driver Licensing Program

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Real Id Required Documentation
• Step 1: Name, Date Of Birth And Authorized Presence
• Step 2: Social Security Number
• Step 3: Montana Residency
• Additional: Document All Name Changes
• ► Graduated Driver Licensing (Gdl) Program
• GDL Step 1: Instruction Permit – Driving with Supervision
• Chapter 1 - The Driver License
• GDL Step 2: First-Year Restricted License
• GDL Step 3: Full-Privilege Driver License
• ► Fees/Receipts
• ► Real Id Fees
• ► Driver License Renewal
• ► Lost Or Destroyed Licenses
• ► Change Of Address
• ► Name Change
• ► Driver License Stations & Appointments
• Chapter 1 Quiz

Chapter 5 · source p. 22

Chapter 2: Motor Vehicle Equipment

This chapter’s sections include:

• Chapter 1 - The Driver License
• ► Trip Planning
• ► Check The Vehicle
• ■ Braking System
• ■ Lights
• ■ Windshield and Wipers
• ■ Tires
• ■ Steering System
• ■ Suspension System
• ■ Exhaust System
• ■ Engine
• ■ Loose Objects
• ■ Horn
• ► Motor Vehicle Equipment
• ■ Headlights & Tail Lights
• ■ Vehicle Light Distances
• Chapter 2 – Motor Vehicle Equipment
• ■ Turn Signals
• ■ Brake Lights
• ■ License Plate Lamp
• ■ Red Reflectors (rear)
• ■ Muffler
• ■ Mirror
• ■ Brakes and Parking Brakes
• ■ Parking Lights
• ■ Windshield and Windshield Wipers
• ■ Window Tinting and Sun Screening
• ■ Seatbelts
• ■ Clearance Lamps and Side Marker Lamps
• ■ Reflectors
• ■ Projecting Load Lamp or Flag
• ■ Special Lighting for Farm Tractors & Implements of Husbandry
• ■ Spot Lamps & Auxiliary Lamps (Fog Lamps)
• ■ Additional Brake Requirements
• ■ Maintenance of Brakes
• ■ Certain Warning Devices Prohibited
• ■ Mud Flaps Required
• ■ Safety Chains
• ■ Certain Vehicles to Carry Flares or Other Warning Devices
• ■ Display of Warning Devices When a Vehicle is Disabled
• ■ Slow Moving Vehicles
• ► Clean All Windows And Glass Surfaces

Chapter 6 · source p. 29

Safety Belts and Child Restraints

This chapter’s sections include:

• Chapter 2 – Motor Vehicle Equipment
• ► Adjust Seat And Mirrors
• ► Safety Belts Required
• ► Child Restraints Required
• Chapter 2 Quiz

Chapter 7 · source p. 32

Chapter 3: Signs, Signals, and Markings

This chapter’s sections include:

• CHAPTER 3 – SIGNS, SIGNALS, & MARKINGS
• ► Know Signs By Their Shape And Color
• ► Signs, Signals, And Road Markings
• Intersection Traffic Control Signs
• Regulatory Signs
• Do Not Pass
• Do Not Enter
• Pass With Care
• No U Turn
• No Left Turn
• Keep Right
• Speed Limit
• Speed Zone Ahead
• Warning Signs
• Crossroad
• Winding Road
• T Intersection
• Side Road (angled)
• Side Road
• Sharp Right Turn
• Turn
• Curves
• Railroad Crossing
• Narrow Bridge
• School Ahead
• Loose Gravel
• One Lane Bridge
• Range Cattle
• Road Narrows
• Icy Road
• Ahead indication)
• Ahead
• School Crossing
• Crossing
• Low Clearance
• Hill
• Begins
• Ends
• Deer Crossing
• Cattle Crossing
• Slippery When Wet
• Construction and Maintenance Signs
• • Signs
• • Devices
• • Flashing Arrow Panels
• • Flaggers
• ► Construction Zone
• ► School Zone Safety Standards
• ■ School Zone
• ■ School Crossings
• ■ School Speed Limit
• ■ Parking and Stopping
• ■ Fines Doubled in School Zones

Chapter 8 · source p. 40

Traffic Signals

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Traffic Signals
• ■ Pedestrian Signals
• ■ Vehicle Signals
• Chapter 3 – Signs, Signals, & Markings

Chapter 9 · source p. 42

Roundabouts in Montana

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Roundabouts In Montana
• ■ Large Vehicles
• ■ Pedestrians
• ■ Bicyclists
• ■ Emergency Vehicles

Chapter 10 · source p. 43

Railroad Crossing Warning Signs and Signals

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Railroad Crossing Warning Signs/Signals
• ■ Advance Warning Signs
• ■ Pavement Markings
• ■ Railroad Cross Buck Signs
• ■ Flashing Light Signals
• ■ Gates

Chapter 11 · source p. 44

Pavement Markings

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Road Markings
• ► Pavement Markings
• ■ Edge and Lane Lines
• White Lane Markings
• Crosswalks and Stop Lines
• Yellow Lane Markings
• Reversible Lanes
• Reserved Lanes
• Shared Center Lane
• ■ No Lane Markings
• Chapter 3 Quiz

Chapter 12 · source p. 47

Chapter 4: Driving Rules

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► General Driving
• Laws And Regulations Keep You Safe
• ► Speed Limits
• Heavy Trucks*
• ► Passing
• ► Turning
• ■ Right Turns
• ■ Left Turns

Chapter 13 · source p. 49

Right-of-Way

This chapter’s sections include:

• ■ Turning Around
• ► Right-Of-Way
• ■ Pedestrians
• ■ Intersections
• ■ Crosswalks
• ■ Overtaking Vehicles
• ■ Emergency Vehicles
• ■ School Buses
• Chapter 4 – Driving Rules

Chapter 14 · source p. 52

Bicyclists and Motorists

This chapter’s sections include:

• ■ Funeral Procession
• ■ Same Road – Same Rules – Same Rights
• Chapter 4 – Driving Rules

Chapter 15 · source p. 54

Parking

This chapter’s sections include:

• Chapter 4 – Driving Rules
• ■ Equipment and Lighting Required for Bicycles
• ■ General Guidelines
• ■ Parallel Parking
• ■ Parking on a Hill
• ■ No Parking Zones

Chapter 16 · source p. 57

Motor Vehicle Insurance

This chapter’s sections include:

• ■ Requirements
• ■ Consequences
• ■ Self-Insurers
• ■ Montana Insurance Verification System (MTIVS)
• Chapter 4 Quiz

Chapter 17 · source p. 59

Chapter 5: How to Drive Safely

This chapter’s sections include:

• CHAPTER 5 – HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY
• ► Don’T Be A Distracted Driver
• ■ Starting
• ■ Accelerating
• ■ Steering
• ■ Controlling Speed
• ■ Stopping
• ► Seeing Well
• ■ Scanning
• Look Ahead
• Look to the Sides
• Intersections
• Railroad Crossings
• Look Behind
• When Changing Lanes
• When You Slow Down
• When Pulling Away From the Curb
• When You Back Up
• ■ Night Driving
• ► Communicating
• ■ Letting Others Know You Are There
• Use Headlights
• Use Your Horn
• When NOT to Use Your Horn
• Use Emergency Signals
• Stay Out of the Blind Spot
• Use Your Signals to Communicate
• Signal When You Slow Down

Chapter 18 · source p. 69

Adjusting Speed

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Adjusting Speed
• ■ Adjusting to Road Conditions
• Rural Roads
• ■ Gravel
• ■ Dust
• ■ Narrow Bridges and Roads
• Curves
• Slippery Roads
• Water on the Roadway
• Wildlife and Other Animals
• ■ Adjusting to Traffic
• Keep Pace with Traffic
• Entering Into Traffic
• Leaving Traffic
• Slow-Moving Traffic
• Trouble Spots
• ■ Adjusting to How Well You Can See
• Darkness
• Rain, Fog, or Snow
• Hills and Curves
• Parked Cars

Chapter 19 · source p. 74

Sharing Space

This chapter’s sections include:

• Sight-Distance Rule
• Speed Limits
• ► Sharing Space
• ■ Space Ahead
• ■ Space Behind
• ■ Space to the Side
• ■ Space to Merge
• ■ Space to Cross or Enter
• ■ Space for Passing
• Slow-Moving Vehicles
• Livestock and Draft Animals and Horse-Drawn Vehicles
• Horseback Riders
• ■ Space for Special Situations
• Those who cannot see you
• People who are distracted
• People who may be confused
• Drivers in trouble
• Chapter 5 Quiz

Chapter 20 · source p. 80

Chapter 6: Physical Requirements

This chapter’s sections include:

• CHAPTER 6 – PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• ■ Vision
• • Side Vision
• • Judging Distances and Speeds
• • Night Vision
• • Hearing

Chapter 21 · source p. 81

Drinking and Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

• • Fatigue
• ► Drinking & Driving
• ■ Why is Drinking and Driving So Dangerous?
• ■ If You Drink, When Can You Drive?
• ■ Alcohol and the Law
• Open Containers
• ■ Report a Drunk Driver
• ► Other Drugs & Driving
• ► Health
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Heart Condition
• ► Emotions
• ► Senior Drivers
• ■ Considerations for Senior Citizens
• Chapter 6 – Physical Requirements
• ■ Giving Up Driving
• Chapter 6 Quiz

Chapter 22 · source p. 87

Chapter 7: Emergencies, Crashes, and Enforcement Stops

This chapter’s sections include:

• Enforcement Stops
• ► Vehicle Emergencies
• ■ Brake Failure
• ■ Tire Blowout
• ■ Power Failure
• ■ Headlight Failure
• ■ Gas Pedal Sticks
• ■ Drift or Run off the Road
• ► Avoiding Collisions
• ■ Stopping Quickly
• ■ Turning Quickly
• ■ Speeding Up
• ► Protect Yourself In Collisions
• ■ Hit from the rear
• ■ Hit from the side
• ■ Hit from the front
• ► Accidents
• ■ At the accident scene
• ■ If someone is injured
• ■ Report the accident
• ■ Driver response to emergency vehicles
• ► Enforcement Stops
• Chapter 7 Quiz

Chapter 23 · source p. 93

Chapter 8: Penalties and Driving Records

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Losing Your License
• ► Your Driving Record

Chapter 24 · source p. 94

Chapter 9: Other Services

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Voter Registration
• ► Selective Service
• ► Organ & Tissue Donation
• ► Living Will

Chapter 25 · source p. 95

Quiz Answers

This chapter’s sections include:

• Chapter 3 - Signs, Signals, & Markings

Chapter 26 · source p. 96

Additional Resources

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Drowsy Driving
• ► Emergency Notification System (Ens) For Railroads
• ► Child Safety: Heatstroke
• ► Truckers Against Trafficking

Chapter 27 · source p. 97

REAL ID Checklist

This chapter’s sections include:

• ► Real Id Checklist

Chapter 28 · source p. 98

History of the Montana License Plate

This chapter’s sections include:

• HISTORY OF THE MONTANA LICENSE PLATE
• Monday - Friday
• Montana Driver Manual
• Revised November 2023

Unit 1 · 6 lessons

Your License

Permits, GDL, documents, renewal and fees

1. License types and learner permits
2. Who can apply, new residents and military
3. Proving identity, presence and residency
4. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
5. Expiration, fees and renewal
6. Replacements, address and name changes

Unit 2 · 6 lessons

Vehicle Equipment

Checks, required lights and gear, seatbelts

1. Trip planning and vehicle checks
2. Lights and required equipment
3. Trucks, trailers and long loads
4. Disabled vehicles and slow-moving emblems
5. Clear view: windows, seat and mirrors
6. Seatbelts and child restraints

Unit 3 · 7 lessons

Signs, Signals & Markings

Recognize and obey every road control device

1. Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs
2. Warning signs
3. Work zones and school zones
4. Traffic and pedestrian signals
5. Roundabouts
6. Railroad crossings
7. Pavement markings and special lanes

Unit 4 · 8 lessons

Driving Rules

Speed, turns, right-of-way, bikes, parking, insurance

1. Basic rules, speed limits and passing
2. Turning and turning around
3. Right-of-way: pedestrians and intersections
4. School buses and funeral processions
5. Sharing the road with bicycles
6. Bicycle riding rules and equipment
7. Parking rules
8. Liability insurance

Unit 5 · 8 lessons

How to Drive Safely

Attention, vision, communication and following distance

1. Distracted driving
2. Starting, steering and stopping
3. Seeing well and scanning ahead
4. Checking behind, changing lanes and backing
5. Night driving
6. Being seen: headlights, horn and breakdowns
7. Signaling your plans
8. Following distance and space behind

Unit 6 · 7 lessons

Speed, Space & Road Conditions

Adjusting to the road, traffic, sight distance and passing

1. Road conditions: gravel, curves and ice
2. Hydroplaning, skids and wildlife
3. Keeping pace, merging and slow traffic
4. Seeing far enough to stop
5. Space to the side, to merge and to cross
6. Passing safely
7. Animals, riders and drivers who need room

Unit 7 · 6 lessons

Fitness to Drive

Vision, fatigue, alcohol, drugs and health

1. Vision and hearing
2. Fatigue and drowsy driving
3. How alcohol affects you
4. Alcohol laws, open containers and reporting
5. Drugs, health and emotions
6. Senior drivers and giving up driving

Unit 8 · 5 lessons

Emergencies, Crashes & Penalties

Handling the unexpected and protecting your license

1. Vehicle failures on the road
2. Avoiding and surviving collisions
3. At a crash scene and reporting it
4. Emergency vehicles and traffic stops
5. Losing your license and your driving record