Montana issues several credentials, and each one lets you do something different. Before you study the rules of the road, know which license or permit you need, who must ride with you, and how long it lasts.
Know the rule
You must always have a valid Montana driver license in your possession while driving. A motorcycle endorsement is required to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Class D license
Montana's basic, non-commercial license. It covers any non-commercial vehicle under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. You must pass the vision, written and road tests.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
Commercial vehicles require a Montana Commercial Driver License (CDL, Class A, B or C): pass the vision and written tests plus a road test in the size of vehicle you'll drive. Study the CDL Manual.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Permits for new drivers (the NCLP family)
- Traffic Education Permit (TEP): drive during a state-approved course, supervised by the instructor
- A TEP is valid only while you are enrolled in the course
- NCLP through traffic education: from age 14½, while taking or after finishing an approved course
- NCLP at a driver exam station: age 16, or age 15 after finishing an approved driver education course
Know the rule
An NCLP lets you drive a Class D vehicle only with a licensed driver education instructor, a parent or legal guardian, or another adult with parent/guardian permission in the seat beside you.
Handbook p. 12 ↗To get an NCLP at an exam station you must
- Bring documents proving identity, authorized presence and Montana residence
- Pay the licensing fees
- Pass the written test and the vision test
- If under 18: have a parent, guardian or responsible adult sign a consent form before testing
Know the rule
The adult who signs a minor's consent form accepts financial responsibility for any damage resulting from the minor's driving.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Consecutive months any new driver under 18 must use the NCLP
Handbook p. 12 ↗How long learner permits and license receipts are valid
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
Traffic education courses must be approved by the Office of Public Instruction and the Department of Justice. Online or 3rd-party courses are not approved.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Identification (ID) card
Valid 4 or 8 years; needs proof of name, authorized presence, address and birth date. You can't hold both an ID card and a driver license.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
A motorcycle endorsement is needed for any motorcycle or motorized two-wheel vehicle on public roads; a three-wheel vehicle needs none. You must pass vision, written and road tests.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
The motorcycle road test may be waived with a Montana MSF course passed in the past year. Written and road tests may be waived when converting an out-of-state license that has a motorcycle endorsement.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
A motorcycle learner license (pass the motorcycle written test) is valid one year. Carry it, and ride under immediate supervision of a licensed driver with a motorcycle endorsement.
Handbook p. 13 ↗REAL ID vs. standard card
| Card | Valid for | Domestic flights after May 7, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| REAL ID license or ID | 8 years | Accepted |
| Standard license or ID | 12 years | Need another TSA-approved ID |
Put it into practice
You're 15 and finished an approved traffic education course. At a driver exam station, with a parent's signed consent, pass the written and vision tests to get your NCLP. Then drive only with a parent or other approved adult beside you, for at least six consecutive months.