Montana Driver Handbook
This manual is published by MT DOJ. Open it on the agency site — that copy is always the current edition.
Published by MT DOJ
We do not host a copy of this manual. The button above opens the current edition on the MT DOJ website, which is always the authoritative version.
Testing at a Glance for Montana
Once you've read the handbook, here's what to expect at the MT DOJ knowledge test.
33
82%
$5
Documents You'll Need When You Take the Montana Test
Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Montana residency, Social Security number, parental consent if under 18, and traffic education completion if under 16. Pre-application must be completed at dojmt.gov/mydrive.
Montana-Specific Rules Covered in This Handbook
Rules unique to Montana that MT DOJ weights heavily in the knowledge test — you'll see these in the handbook chapters.
- gavel MT 'Basic Rule' speed law - never faster than reasonable/prudent for conditions
- gavel MT is only state with NO statewide texting-while-driving ban (local bans exist)
- gavel Open Range areas - livestock have right-of-way; drivers liable for animal damage
- gavel MT Traffic Education Permit (TEP) available at age 14.5 with driver ed enrollment
- gavel 50 hours supervised practice required (10 at night) for teen licensing
After You Pass: Montana License Renewal
8 years
$40
Non-commercial Class D license is $40 for an 8-year term ($5/year) plus a $0.50 mailing fee.Up to 6 months before expiration
More Montana Driving Resources
Montana Handbook FAQ
Is this the official Montana driver handbook?
We do not host a copy of it. MT DOJ publishes the official manual on its own website, and the button above opens that edition — always the authoritative one.
What documents does MT DOJ require when I show up for the test?
Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Montana residency, Social Security number, parental consent if under 18, and traffic education completion if under 16. Pre-application must be completed at dojmt.gov/mydrive.
How is the Montana knowledge test administered after I finish reading?
Computer at MVD driver exam station (33 multiple-choice questions; 82% to pass).
Do I have to read the whole Montana handbook to pass the test?
The MT DOJ test has 33 questions and you need 27 correct (82%) to pass. All questions come from the handbook, but strategic readers focus on Signs, Right-of-Way, and Signaling first — those chapters carry the most test weight.
How current is this Montana handbook version?
MT DOJ reissues the handbook when state law changes. Because we link straight to the agency, the button above always opens whatever edition is current.
Where do I actually take the Montana test after reading the handbook?
At any MT DOJ location. Use our /dmv-near-me/mt finder for the nearest office with address, hours, and phone.
Is the Montana driver handbook free to download?
Yes. MT DOJ publishes it free as a PDF. If a website is charging to "download" the handbook, it's a scam — the state's official version is always free.
Can I read the Montana handbook on my phone?
Yes. The MT DOJ site serves the manual as a PDF that opens fine on a phone.