Updated for 2026

Montana MVD (Motor Vehicle Division - Montana Department of Justice)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

33

Passing Score

27

Standard Fee

$40.50 (Standard 8-year License) / $10.00 (Learner License)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen (MVD Express / Appointment)

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Montana is the confusion regarding 'Right-of-Way' at uncontrolled rural intersections and T-intersections, as well as failing to understand the specific implications of 'Open Range' livestock laws compared to 'Herd Districts'.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Montana's traffic laws reflect its vast rural landscape and unique agricultural heritage. A critical legal concept for all drivers is the distinction between 'Open Range' and 'Herd Districts'. In 'Open Range' areas (which cover much of the state), livestock such as cattle and sheep have the legal right of way on the road. There are no fences to keep them out. If a driver hits an animal in an Open Range area, the driver is liable for the death of the animal and must pay the rancher; the rancher is not liable for the car's damage. Conversely, in 'Herd Districts' (usually near cities), owners must fence their animals in. Montana also enforces a strict 'Move Over Law'. Drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle displaying flashing lights must move to a lane not adjacent to the vehicle, or if that is impossible (as on many two-lane rural highways), they must slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent. Speed limits in Montana are among the highest in the nation: 80 mph is permitted on rural interstates and 70 mph on two-lane rural highways, but the 'Basic Rule' always applies: you must not drive faster than is safe for conditions. If roads are icy, driving 80 mph is illegal regardless of the sign. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system allows for a Traffic Education Permit (TEP) as early as age 14.5 if enrolled in a state-approved education course. The First-Year Restricted License imposes strict rules: for the first 6 months, only one unrelated passenger is allowed. Driving is prohibited between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless for work, school, or emergencies. Regarding seat belts, Montana law is unique: while seat belt use is mandatory, it is a 'Secondary Offense', meaning police cannot pull you over solely for not wearing one (though they can ticket you for it if stopped for another reason like speeding). Finally, regarding passing school buses: drivers must stop at least 30 feet from a bus with flashing red lights in both directions, unless the road is a divided highway.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Montana involves distinct cultural and environmental markers that are essential for safety. One of the most visible and unique features of Montana highways is the 'White Cross' program. Operated by the American Legion, small white crosses are placed on the roadside at the exact spot where a fatal traffic accident occurred. These serve as a somber reminder of the dangers of fatigue and speed. Seeing multiple crosses in a cluster usually indicates a dangerous curve or intersection that requires extreme caution. A confusing aspect of Montana law for outsiders is the regulation of cell phones. Unlike many states, Montana does NOT have a statewide ban on handheld cell phone use for adult drivers. However, many individual cities (like Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish, and Great Falls) have passed their own local ordinances banning handheld devices. Therefore, the safest legal practice is to treat the state as hands-free to avoid violating a local law you might not be aware of. Winter driving in Montana is a survival skill. Drivers are strongly advised to carry a 'Winter Survival Kit' including thermal blankets, candles, matches, and non-perishable food. The manual warns of 'Black Ice' on bridges, which freeze first, and 'Ground Blizzards', where loose snow is blown across the road by strong winds, reducing visibility to zero even if the sky is clear. Statistically, Montana has one of the highest per-capita rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the US, particularly involving deer, elk, and moose. The peak danger hours are dawn and dusk. Drivers are taught that swerving to avoid an animal is often fatal due to rollovers; it is safer to brake firmly and hit the animal if a collision is unavoidable. Regarding the test format, the Montana knowledge exam typically consists of 33 questions. You must answer 27 correctly (approx 82%) to pass. The questions heavily favor specific numbers (distances for signaling, following distances, and alcohol limits). Additionally, rural courtesy is a real factor: on single-lane mountain roads, vehicles traveling DOWNHILL must yield to vehicles traveling UPHILL, as the uphill vehicle needs momentum and has less control if forced to stop and restart.