Free Montana MVD Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Motor Vehicle Division (Montana Department of Justice) (MVD) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need a pass mark the MVD does not publish (our practice tests use 74%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the MVD tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
A freeway lane is marked with a white diamond symbol and HOV signs. Who may drive in it?
What's on the Montana Practice Test 1
The MVD does not publish how many questions are on the real Montana knowledge test. Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 74%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 13
- Safe driving 5
- Right of way 4
- Speed limits 3
- Parking 3
- Emergencies 2
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Vehicle equipment 1
53 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Montana. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. A rancher is leading a horse across the road ahead of you. What should you do?
- A. Honk lightly so it moves along
- B. Stop and let the animal pass (correct)
- C. Drive around it at a slow speed
- D. Flash your headlights and go on
Why: Always yield to an animal that someone is leading, riding or driving. If it is coming toward you or crossing your path, stop and let it pass, and do not use your horn.
Source: official Montana driver handbook, p.67 (PDF p.77), Livestock and Draft Animals
2. You are passing a bicyclist on a two-lane highway with no oncoming traffic. How much space does the Montana manual recommend giving the rider?
- A. 5 feet (correct)
- B. 2 feet
- C. 3 feet
- D. 8 feet
Why: Treat the cyclist like any slow vehicle: when no traffic is coming, cross the center line and leave about five feet. If traffic is coming, slow down and wait.
Source: official Montana driver handbook, p.43 (PDF p.53), Bicyclists & Motorists
3. How much of a traffic lane is a motorcycle entitled to?
- A. Half a lane, so a car may share it
- B. Only the right third of the lane
- C. A full lane, the same as a car (correct)
- D. Whatever space other traffic leaves
Why: A motorcycle has the right to use a full lane. Never drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane, even if the rider is far to one side.
Source: official Montana driver handbook
4. What does the 'basic speed law' require?
- A. You may always drive at the posted limit, whatever the conditions
- B. Drive no faster than is safe for current conditions (correct)
- C. Keep up with the flow of traffic, even above the limit
- D. Never drive more than 10 mph below the posted limit
Why: Every state has a basic speed rule: never drive faster than is reasonable and safe for traffic, weather, visibility and road conditions. You can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even while under the posted limit.
Source: official Montana driver handbook
5. Green traffic signs provide:
- A. Warning information (hazards)
- B. Regulatory information (laws)
- C. Guide information (directions) (correct)
- D. Service information (gas, food)
Why: Green signs provide guidance information such as highway route numbers, exit numbers, destinations, distances, and directions. They help drivers navigate.
Source: official Montana driver handbook
6. What is the only real cure for drowsiness while driving?
- A. Drinking strong coffee
- B. Getting sleep or rest (correct)
- C. Opening a window for cold air
- D. Turning the radio up loud
Why: Coffee, cold air and loud music may help for a short time, but they do not last. Only sleep or rest fixes fatigue, so stop and rest when you are tired.
Source: official Montana driver handbook
More Montana facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Montana permit practice test page.
Montana MVD Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the MVD
- Passing score
- Not published
- Correct needed
- a pass mark the MVD does not publish (our practice tests use 74%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Motor Vehicle Division (Montana Department of Justice)
More Montana Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Montana Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 74% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your MVD exam.