Montana (MT)

How many practice hours do you need in Montana?

In Montana, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.

50
Total practice hours
10
Night hours
14½
Permit age
15
License age

Montana learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 14½
  • Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
  • Permit hold period: 6 months
  • License eligibility age: 15
  • How hours are certified: 50-hour supervised driving log certified by a parent or guardian.

Montana allows a traffic education learner license at 14½ for students enrolled in driver education, and a restricted license at 15. Applicants under 16 must log 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division before applying.

Montana's graduated licensing stages

1
Traffic education learner license · age 14½

Requires driver-ed enrollment; drive with a licensed adult 18+; log 50 hours (10 at night).

2
Restricted license · age 15

Issued after 6 months; night and passenger limits apply for 12 months.

3
Full license · age 16

Graduated restrictions are removed.

Driving restrictions for new Montana drivers

Night driving

First-year restricted license holders can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult 18+.

Passengers

For the first 6 months, no more than one passenger under 18 who isn't family; for the next 6 months, no more than three.

Phone use

Montana has no statewide ban, but many cities prohibit handheld use — check local ordinances.

Log every Montana practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.

Montana driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in Montana?+

Montana requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

Can you drive at 15 in Montana?+

Yes — Montana issues a restricted license at 15 to teens who complete driver education, hold the learner license 6 months, and log 50 hours of supervised driving.

How many night hours does Montana require?+

At least 10 of the 50 supervised hours must be completed at night.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.