Is Driver’s Ed Required in Montana?

Generally, no—driver education is not universally required in Montana. However, it is required if you want to start early: teens must be enrolled in or have completed an approved course to get a learner license at 14 1/2 and to be licensed at 15. Without driver education, you can still get a permit at 15 and a license at 16 or later, but you must meet Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements. This article explains how the rules work by age and what else Montana expects from first-time drivers as of 2025.

How the Rules Break Down by Age

The specifics depend on the applicant’s age. Here’s how Montana’s driver education rules and timing interact for new drivers.

• Ages 14 1/2 to under 15: You must be enrolled in or have completed a state-approved Traffic Education (driver’s ed) course to receive a learner license.
• Age 15: You may obtain a learner permit without driver education. To be licensed at 15, you must complete an approved driver education course and meet GDL requirements.
• Ages 16 to under 18: Driver education is not required to be licensed, but you must complete GDL requirements, including holding a permit for at least 6 months and logging supervised driving hours, before taking the road test for a First-Year Restricted License.
• Age 18 and older: Driver education is not required, and GDL does not apply. You can proceed directly through testing (vision, knowledge, and road) to obtain a full license.

In short, driver education is mandatory only for those seeking to start before age 15 or to be licensed at 15; otherwise, it is optional but can still help you prepare and may provide insurance benefits.

What Else Montana Requires for Teens (GDL)

Montana’s Graduated Driver Licensing system sets safety-focused steps for drivers under 18, regardless of whether they took driver education (unless they are already 18). These are the core requirements and restrictions.

• Permit holding period: Minimum 6 consecutive months before licensing.
• Supervised driving: At least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, with a licensed adult.
• Clean record: No traffic convictions or alcohol/drug offenses in the 6 months immediately before licensing.
• Night driving limit: No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first year of licensure, with limited exceptions (work, school, religious activities, emergencies), or when accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian.
• Passenger limits: For the first 6 months, no more than 1 non-family passenger under 18; for the next 6 months, up to 3. Immediate family members are exempt from these counts.

These restrictions remain in effect for the first 12 months after initial licensure or until the driver turns 18, whichever comes first, and are enforced regardless of whether the teen completed driver education.

Documents and Steps to Get Started

If you or your teen is planning to apply, gathering the right documents and following the proper sequence will save time at the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

1. Collect identification: Proof of identity, Social Security number, and Montana residency; consent from a parent/guardian if under 18.
2. Study and test: Prepare for and pass the knowledge and vision tests to obtain a learner permit.
3. If taking driver education: Coordinate with the school or provider for a Traffic Education Learner License (when applicable) and certificate of completion.
4. Practice: Log at least 50 supervised hours (10 at night) over a minimum 6-month permit period for under-18 applicants.
5. Road test: Schedule and pass the driving skills test to receive a First-Year Restricted License (for minors) or a full license (at 18+).

Verifying requirements with the Montana MVD before you go can help ensure you have the right paperwork and meet timing rules, especially around supervised hours and violation-free periods.

Bottom Line

Driver education in Montana is required only if you want to start early—at 14 1/2 for a learner license or to be licensed at 15. If you wait until 16 or older, driver ed is optional, but you’ll still need to complete GDL steps if you are under 18. Adults 18 and over are not subject to GDL and do not need driver ed.

Summary

Montana does not universally require driver education. It is mandatory for early starters (14 1/2 permits and 15-year-old licensure) and optional for those 16 and older. All drivers under 18 must follow GDL rules: hold a permit at least 6 months, log 50 supervised hours (10 at night), keep a clean record, and observe first-year nighttime and passenger limits once licensed.

How long does driver’s ed take in Montana?

60 hours
Teens who successfully complete a state-approved driver education course in Montana have at least: 60 hours of traffic education instruction including 6 hours of behind-the-wheel in-traffic instruction (see Curriculum Standards). A minimum of 25 days of instruction taught by a state-approved traffic educator.

Which states do not require driver’s ed?

Seven of these States (California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Texas) require driver education prior to licensing and each has a single statewide curriculum. Three States (Alabama, Minnesota, and North Dakota) do not require driver education and do not have a statewide curriculum.

Can you do online driver’s ed in Montana?

Montana Drivers Education Delivered Entirely Online
We are offering a purely online drivers ed course, from registration to certification. All you need is an Internet-connected device and you are all set to study at home or anywhere you prefer. You can log in and log out anytime you want.

What are the requirements to get a Montana driver’s license?

To get a standard Montana driver’s license, you need to provide proof of identity, authorized U.S. presence, and Montana residency, and you must pass a driving knowledge test and a road test. If you are a new resident, you must apply within 60 days of moving to the state. Minors also have specific requirements, including obtaining a learner’s permit after a traffic education course. 
General Requirements for a Standard License

• Proof of Identity: You must present a document that serves as proof of your identity. 
• Proof of U.S. Presence: Documentation is required to prove your authorized presence in the United States. 
• Proof of Montana Residency: You must provide two documents, such as utility bills or a rental agreement, to show you are a resident of Montana. 
• Knowledge Test: You must study the Montana Driver Manual and pass the written knowledge test. 
• Road Test: After passing the written test, you’ll need to complete and pass the driving test. 
• Application: Complete the application form and pay the applicable fees. 

Requirements for Minors (Drivers Under 18)

• Age: Teens generally need to be at least 16 to apply for a learner’s license, though those 14½ who are in or have completed an approved traffic education course may apply. 
• Learner’s Permit: You will need to apply for a learner’s permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed driver. 
• Traffic Education: Completion of an approved traffic education course is a requirement. 
• Graduated Licensing: The license will have a restriction code for the first year. Conditions include seatbelt use for everyone, driving hour restrictions (no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without exceptions), and passenger limitations. 

New Residents Moving to Montana 

• You must apply for a Montana driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.
• Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Montana residency to the MVD office.

Steps to Take

1. Study: Get a copy of the Montana Driver Manual and study it. 
2. Apply for Permit: If you are a new driver, apply for a learner’s permit and complete any required traffic education. 
3. Gather Documents: Collect the necessary documents for proof of identity, U.S. presence, and Montana residency. 
4. Pass Tests: Visit an MVD office to take and pass the written and road tests.