Minimum age for a car driving licence in Montana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A traffic education learner licence is available from 14 and a half in Montana to a person taking or having completed an approved course. A restricted hardship licence is possible from 13.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 14.5 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A person under 15 may be licensed only if at least 13 and, due to individual hardship determined by the department, in need of a restricted licence. A learner licence holder under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or, with permission, a licensed driver aged 18 or older. [2] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 14.5 years [1] |
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | A licence under 18 requires at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night, after a traditional traffic education course, or 75 hours, 15 of them at night, after an alternative course. [3] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first year (or until 18), no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver aged 18 or over, or for work, a school or religious event, an emergency, farm or ranch transport, or with specific parental authorisation. [4] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first six months, no more than one passenger under 18; for the next six months, no more than three. Family members and driving supervised by a licensed driver aged 18 or over are excepted. [4] |
Notes
- 14.5 years is 14 years and 6 months.
- No official page on age conditions for visitors holding an out-of-state licence was read.
- No licence is issued under 15 (except a hardship licence from 13); a driver's licence under 18 requires six months on a learner licence, which is available from 14 years and 6 months with traffic education.
Sources
- Montana Legislature: 61-5-106. Learner licenses -- traffic education permits -- temporary driver's permits, MCA (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Montana Legislature: 61-5-105. Who may not be licensed, MCA (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Montana Legislature: Montana Code Annotated 2025, 61-5-132 (prerequisites for issuance of driver's licence to minor) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Montana Legislature: Montana Code Annotated 2025, 61-5-133 (first-year restrictions on driver's licence issued to minor) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Montana and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 15 (after 6 months on a learner licence) | 14.5 with a traffic education course | Hardship restricted licence from 13 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | 15 (daylight only); full privileges at 16 | 14½ (driver training permit) | Licence from 15 (daylight only); full at 16 | Valid home licence: 15+, daylight only until 16 |
| North Dakota | 16 (restricted licence at 15) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted licence at 15 with driver education | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| South Dakota | 16 (operator's licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted minor's permit at 14 (parent's car) | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Wyoming | 16 (after 6 months on intermediate permit) | 15 (instruction permit) | Permit 15; intermediate permit 16; licence 17 | Valid home licence; no age stated |
More rules in Montana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 mature plants, 2 seedlings
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph day / 65 night
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle (one class)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Carry offence covers firearms only · Locking or one-handed knives: No section on automatic knives listed
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $10.85 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every designated seat · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every designated seat
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales/provision banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales/provision banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.