Montana’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

Montana requires teens to hold a learner's license before obtaining a driver's license and imposes certain age-related restrictions and requirements on teens who get a driver's license. Below, we explained all of the details of how this works.

How Do I Get a Learner's License to Start Driving in Montana?

Generally, a minor must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner's license. However, teens who are at least 14 ½ and are enrolled in or have graduated from an approved traffic education course can apply for a learner's license. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-5-107 (2024).)

Learner's License Applications

Learner's license applications must include:

• consent from a parent or guardian who will be liable for any negligence or misconduct
• proof of residency and citizenship
• proof of identification, and
• a driver history check.

Applications can be denied for mental or physical disabilities or a history of drug and alcohol usage. The applicant must pass the vision test as well as a test covering local traffic signs and traffic laws.

What You Can Do With a Learner's License

A learner's license is valid for one year and permits the holder to operate a vehicle under the supervision of a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian can also grant supervision authority to a licensed driver who's at least 18 years old.

Traffic Education Permits

Approved traffic education course providers are authorized to issue traffic education permits, which allows the driver to operate in a designated area under the supervision of the licensed instructor. A traffic education permit can be issued only to teens who will turn 15 years old within six months of completing the traffic education course. (Mont. Code Ann. § 20-7-503 (2024).)

Who's Eligible for a Montana Driver's License?

Teens who are at least 16 years old (or 15 years old if a traffic education course is completed) and have held a learner's permit for six months can apply for a driver's license. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-5-132 (2024).)

Driver's License Requirements

The teen's parent or guardian must certify that no traffic infractions or alcohol- or drug-related offenses have occurred within the last six months. The parent or guardian must also certify that the teen has completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving time (including ten nighttime hours).

Restrictions for Licensed Teen Drivers

New licensees are subject to certain restrictions for their first year driving.

Curfew. For the first year, minor license holders are not permitted to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless driving:

• while supervised by a licensed driver who's at least 18 years old
• to or from employment
• to or from a school activity
• to or from a religious activity
• for emergency purposes
• for farm purposes within 150 miles of the farm, or
• under specific instruction of a parent or guardian.

First six months. For the first six months, minor license holders can carry only one non-family member passenger under 18 years old. This restriction is waived if the teen driver is supervised by a licensed driver who's at least 18 years old.

Second six months. For the second six months of the one-year restriction period, minor license holders can carry up to three minor passengers. Again, this restriction doesn't apply if the driver is supervised by a licensed driver who's at least 18 years old or if the minor passengers are immediately related to the teen driver.

Penalties for Violations of Teen License Restrictions

Violations. Violating any of the first-year restrictions will result in 20 to 60 hours of community service. A second or subsequent offense will result in a six-month license suspension.

What Are Montana's Minimum Car Insurance Requirements?

Montana requires all vehicles operated in the state to be properly insured. Below, we explain the minimum coverage requirements and penalties for driving without insurance.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

In Montana, the mandatory insurance requirements include at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 property damage per accident. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-6-103 (2024).)

Penalties for Uninsured Driving

First and second violations. Driving without valid insurance will result in a $250 to $500 fine. A second offense within five years carries a $350 fine and also requires the driver to surrender the vehicle's license plates and registration. The registration can be reinstated by paying a fee and showing proof of valid insurance, but for the first 90 days, the car can be used only for driving to and from a place of employment.

Third violations. A third offense in five years carries a $500 fine and/or up to ten days in jail. The driver will also have to surrender the license plates and registration. The driver can reinstate the registration by paying a fee and showing proof of valid insurance, but the registration will be restricted to use for driving to and from employment for the first 180 days.

(Mont. Code Ann. § 61-6-304 (2024).)