Montana Online Driver Education and Montana Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Montana Learner’s Permit or first Montana Driver’s License. Montana has a Graduated Driver License Program for Montana teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Montana driving license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Montana Instructional Permit or Montana Learner’s Permit
When you turn 14 and a half, you can apply for a Montana Traffic Education Learner’s License (TELL), provided you are enrolled in a Montana approved traffic education program. The fee for the Montana TELL license is $35.50. This license allows you to drive with your parent or legal guardian beside you. Once you turn 15, you can then apply for a Montana Learner’s Permit, provided you meet the following Montana requirements:
- 15 years old
- Completed a Montana approved traffic education program (or 16 years old)
- Provide parental consent
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Montana residency
- Proof of authorized presence
- License fee
Make an appointment, then bring these materials to your local Montana Driver Examination Station. Then you’ll have to pass the required driver license tests. If you survived, then congratulations! You just earned your Montana Learner’s Permit, which is valid for 1 year.
Remember that with your Montana Learner’s Permit, you can only practice driving with your parent, guardian, or driving instruction. But when you turn 16, you can also practice licensed driver who is 21. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Montana Learner’s Permit with you at all times. After you’ve had your Montana Learner’s Permit for 6 months, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Montana Graduated License Program, the Montana First-Year Restricted License
The Montana First Year Restricted License and Montana Full License
In order to apply for your Montana First Year Restricted License, you’ll need to make sure you follow a few Montana State requirements before heading down to your local Montana Driver Examination Station:
If you’ve completed these requirements, head on down to your local Montana Driver Service Center again, where you’ll pay the required fee and submit your Montana First Year Restricted License application. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded road test! If you pass, then congratulations! You’ve just earned your Montana First Year Restricted License! However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Montana Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to keep in mind regarding your Montana First-Year Driver’s license:
- Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt
- No driving between 11PM and 5AM unless for emergencies, farm-related, school, or church activities
- Be aware that law enforcement may contact your parents to verify
- For first 6 months, only one passenger unless driving with someone 21 or older
- For second 6 months, only three passengers unless driving with someone 21 or older
The penalties for violating these Montana License restrictions are:
- 20-60 hours community service for first violation
6 month teen license suspension for second violation
You will earn your Montana full privilege driver license once the date on the back of your license has passed (provided you have no traffic or alcohol-related violations). Congrats!
Montana Auto Insurance Montana Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Montana learner’s permit or Montana First Year Driver’s license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Any vehicle registered in Montana must be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
6 $25,000 per person for 1 person per accident
6 $50,000 bodily injury for 2 people per accident
6 $10,000 for property damage
If you are found to be driving without Montana mandatory liability insurance, your Montana vehicle license plates could be suspended for 90 days (first offense) and up to 180 days (second offense). You will also receive a fine of $500 and up to 10 days in jail if you fail to provide minimum liability insurance.
Montana Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a new Montana driver, it’s important for you to learn the Montana drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Montana has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Montana DUI or Montana DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a Montana DUI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence 24 hours to 6 months
- Jail sentence 12 months (if passenger under 16 in vehicle)
- $300-$1,000 fine
- $600-$2000 fine (if passenger under 16 in vehicle)
- License suspension 6 months
- Possible Ignition Interlock Device installation
- Chemical Dependency Education Course or Treatment
And of course, further Montana DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Montana license suspension or even Montana license revocation.
Currently, there is no law prohibiting Montana teen drivers from using cell phones while driving.
Montana Online Driver Education
Montana teen drivers must take a Montana approved traffic safety program. You can find more information on approved Montana online driver education courses on the Montana Department of Transportation website.
