Montana Driver Manual Schedule your test online: www.dojmt.gov/driving Revised October 2018 Dear Future Driver, Learning to drive is an important step toward adulthood. It will give you a new independence, but it also brings responsibilities you probably haven’t had before. When you get behind the wheel, it’s not just your safety that’s on the line – the lives of your passengers and fellow drivers are also in your hands. Study this manual closely, as it contains the rules you’ll need to know to stay safe and out of trouble. You’ll also find information on how to obtain your driver’s license, what to do in case of roadside emergencies, and how to check your vehicle before a long trip. So follow the way of the road – leave sooner, drive slower, stay alert, and live longer. Drive safely, Attorney General Austin Knudsen Austin The Montana Driver Manual will give you information on safe driving rules and practices to help you become a safe driver. Be sure to read the manual carefully. Unless you know the information that it contains, you cannot pass the written and road tests. This driver manual paraphrases Montana’s motor vehicle laws and is not intended to be a complete legal reference. Courts go by the actual language of the Montana Code Annotated, not this text. Further information may be obtained from: a public library, law enforcement agency, or driver examiner; the web site at www.dojmt.gov/driving; or, the Motor Vehicle Division at P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430 or 1-406-444-3933. An adapted illustrated driver manual is available from the Office of Public Instruction on their website at http://www. opi.mt.gov/Programs/DriverEd/ or by calling 1-888-231-9393. Montana Driver Manual www.dojmt.gov/driving Table Of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................. I SAVE TIME - GO ONLINE ................................................................................................... VI CHAPTER 1 - THE DRIVER LICENSE .................................................................................. 1 Driver Licensing Quick Reference............................................................................................................................... 1 *Appointment Scheduling .............................................................................................................................................. 1 Identification Confirmation ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Types of Montana Licenses, Permits, and Endorsements ........................................................................................ 1 Class D Standard Driver License (non-commercial license) ......................................................................................... 1 Commercial Driver License (CDL) ................................................................................................................................. 1 Identification (ID) Card................................................................................................................................................... 2 Learner License ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 Motorcycle Endorsement ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Motorcycle Learner License .......................................................................................................................................... 3 REAL ID ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Who Can Apply for Montana Licenses ........................................................................................................................ 3 New Residents .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Military ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Veteran Designation ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 Proof of Authorized Presence, Identity, & Residence ............................................................................................... 4 Proof of Full Legal Name and Date of Birth .................................................................................................................... 4 Real ID Required Documentation ................................................................................................................................ 7 Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program .............................................................................................................. 7 Fees/Receipts (REAL ID) .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Driver License Renewal ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Lost or Destroyed Licenses ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Change of Address...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Name Change .............................................................................................................................................................. 10 Driver Exam Stations & Appointments ..................................................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER 2 – MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT ................................................................... 12 Trip Planning ................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Check the Vehicle .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Braking System ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 Lights ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Windshield and Wipers ............................................................................................................................................... 13 Tires ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Steering System .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Suspension System .................................................................................................................................................... 13 Exhaust System .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Engine ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Loose Objects ............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Horn ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Montana Driver Manual www.dojmt.gov/driving i Table Of Contents Motor Vehicle Equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 14 Headlights & Tail Lights ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Vehicle Light Distances ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Turn Signals ................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Brake Lights ................................................................................................................................................................. 15 License Plate Lamp ....................................................................................................................................................