Free Montana MDT Permit Practice Test 2026
Get ready to pass your Montana MDT written test on the first try. Our free Montana permit practice tests are based directly on the official Montana Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Montana-specific regulations. With 25 correct answers required out of 33 questions (74% passing score), preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.
Take the Montana MDT Permit Practice Test Now
25 questions drawn from the Montana driver handbook, 74% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Montana tests are listed below.
Montana MDT Practice Test 1
Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Montana driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.
- 25 questions
- 74% to pass (19 correct)
- About 15 minutes
- Explanation after every answer
Montana Permit Test: Quick Facts
Verified against Department of Transportation publications - last reviewed September 2026.
| Official permit name | Learner License (MCA 61-5-106); a separate instructor-issued Traffic Education Permit exists for students enrolled in traffic education |
|---|---|
| Questions on the test | 33 |
| Passing score | 74% (25 correct) |
| Wrong answers allowed | 8 |
| Minimum age | 15½ years old |
| Permit / test fee | $5.00 per year (learner license/Class D license fee; +3% MVD administrative fee since 2018) |
| If you fail | No specific waiting period published; the license receipt (valid 1 year) allows 3 attempts to pass all required exams, after which you must re-apply |
| Online testing | No - the knowledge test must be taken in person. |
| Driver's education | Required for applicants under 18. |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours incl. 10 at night with traditional traffic-ed course; 75 hours incl. 15 at night with an alternative (DOJ-approved) course (MCA 61-5-132) |
| Permit holding period | 6 months for applicants under 18 (MCA 61-5-132(1)(a)); no statutory hold for 18+ |
| Testing agency | Department of Transportation (MDT) |
Montana Permit Practice Tests
100+ questions total - practice until you are confident
More Montana Practice Tests
Official Montana Driver's Handbook
The MDT writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.
Montana Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)
Free printable version: 80+ Montana questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the MDT test facts on the cover. All state PDFs →
Sample Montana Permit Test Questions
Three of the Montana-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The full tests above contain hundreds more.
1. The maximum speed limit on Montana rural interstates is:
- A. 80 mph (correct)
- B. 70 mph
- C. 75 mph
- D. 65 mph
Why: Montana posts speeds up to 80 mph on rural interstates. Always obey the posted limit, which may be lower.
2. On Montana two-lane public highways, the daytime speed limit is 70 mph and the nighttime limit is:
- A. 65 mph (correct)
- B. 70 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 60 mph
Why: Montana sets a 70 mph daytime and 65 mph nighttime limit on two-lane public highways unless posted otherwise.
3. In Montana, it is illegal for a driver under 21 to drive with a BAC of:
- A. 0.02 or more (correct)
- B. 0.05 or more
- C. 0.08 or more
- D. 0.10 or more
Why: Montana makes it illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 or more.
Montana Permit Test Study Guide (2026)
A free Montana MDT written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Department of Transportation handbook.
Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026
Big Sky country means long gaps between Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman, open highways, winter storms, and frequent wildlife - and the Montana knowledge test covers rural-road safety, winter driving, and the seat-belt and right-of-way rules. Our Montana practice permit test follows the official Montana Driver Manual so you're ready for the written exam.
What to Expect on the Montana Permit Test
The Department of Transportation (MDT) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In Montana the exam has 33 multiple-choice questions, you need 25 correct to reach the 74% passing score, and you must be at least 15½ years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Montana driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the MDT asks.
Topics Covered on the MT Written Test
- Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
- Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
- Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
- Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
- Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
- Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances
How to Prepare for the Montana Permit Test
The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Montana Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. Because the MDT draws all 33 questions from that handbook, Montana drivers who consistently clear 74% on our practice tests - and review the explanation on every miss - usually pass the real exam on their first attempt. Aim for 25 or more correct, every time, before you book your appointment.
Official Montana MDT Information
For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Department of Transportation website. You can also read the official Montanadriver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.
Montana Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Montana MDT written test?
The Montana MDT written knowledge test has 33 questions. You must answer at least 25 correctly (74% passing score) to pass.
What topics are covered on the Montana permit test?
The Montana permit test covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, safe driving practices, parking regulations, and MT-specific driving laws.
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Montana?
In Montana, you must be at least 15½ years old to apply for a learner's permit. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and a vision screening at the Department of Transportation.
Where can I find the official Montana driver's handbook?
The official Montana driver's handbook is available free on the Department of Transportation website. Our practice tests are based on this handbook, so studying both together gives you the best preparation.
How many questions can you miss on the Montana permit test?
You can miss up to 8 of the 33 questions and still pass. The minimum is 25 correct answers (74%).
What is the Montana learner's permit officially called?
Montana issues the Learner License (MCA 61-5-106); a separate instructor-issued Traffic Education Permit exists for students enrolled in traffic education. It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.
How much does the Montana permit cost?
The published fee is $5.00 per year (learner license/Class D license fee; +3% MVD administrative fee since 2018). Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the Department of Transportation website before your visit.
What happens if I fail the Montana permit test?
If you fail, Montana lets you retake the knowledge test: No specific waiting period published; the license receipt (valid 1 year) allows 3 attempts to pass all required exams, after which you must re-apply. Use the practice tests above to find the topics you missed before you try again.
Can I take the Montana permit test online?
No - the knowledge test must be taken in person.
Is driver's education required for a Montana permit?
Required for applicants under 18.
How long do I have to hold my Montana permit?
Minimum holding period: 6 months for applicants under 18 (MCA 61-5-132(1)(a)); no statutory hold for 18+. Required supervised practice: 50 hours incl. 10 at night with traditional traffic-ed course; 75 hours incl. 15 at night with an alternative (DOJ-approved) course (MCA 61-5-132).
Sources & Methodology
Every Montana question on this page is written from the official Montana driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Department of Transportation publications. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Chad Henry – Reviewer
After 25 years of teaching driver education
Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.
Last reviewed: September 2026
- https://dojmt.gov/driving/
- https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0060/0610-0050-0010-0060.html
- https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0320/0610-0050-0010-0320.html
- https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0050/0610-0050-0010-0050.html
- https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0050/part_0010/section_0110/0610-0050-0010-0110.html
- https://opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Driver%20Education/Curriculum/Resources%20and%20Extras/Montana-Driver-Manual.pdf
- https://opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Driver%20Education/MT-GDL-Factsheet-Log-2017.pdf
Study Guides to Help You Pass
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Download a free permit practice test PDF for your state: 80+ questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the verified test facts. All 50 states, no sign-up.
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Don't get turned away at the DMV. The exact documents to bring for your permit - proof of identity, SSN, residency, parental consent, and payment.
Test InfoHow Many Questions Are on the Permit Test? How Many Can You Miss?
Permit tests have 20-50 questions and most states let you miss 4-10. See your state's exact question count, passing score, and wrong answers allowed.
Practice Permit Tests in Other States
Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Montana? Jump straight to another state's free MDT-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.
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Take Montana Practice Test 1 - Free