Teen Driver Insurance in Montana

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Montana operates a comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) program administered by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) that all teenagers must complete to obtain their first driver's license. Like many states, Montana has a graduated licensing system for teen drivers that allows drivers to develop their skills and gain confidence while they are still under supervision. Studies have shown that graduated licensing programs reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities for teen drivers. Teens may begin the permit process as early as 14 years and 6 months old if enrolled in a state-approved driver's education course, or at age 15 without completing driver's education. Online driver's education courses are not accepted in Montana.

Licensing Timeline

The first step of getting your license in Montana is known as the permit period, which allows you to practice driving while supervised. Teens must hold their learner's permit for at least six months before they can apply for their first-year restricted license. During the permit phase, teens must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving time including ten nighttime hours. The teen driver must not receive any traffic violations or alcohol/drug offenses in the six-month period before advancing to a first-year restricted license. First-year restricted license restrictions automatically end on the date indicated on the back of the driver license, or when the individual turns 18, whichever occurs first.

GDL Restrictions

For the first year, minor license holders are not permitted to drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless driving while supervised by a licensed driver who's at least 18 years old. Exceptions to nighttime restrictions include emergencies, farm-related activities, driving to and from school, church or work, and parent-authorized purposes. For the first six months, unless supervised by a licensed driver age 18 or older, a teenage driver may have only one unrelated passenger under age 18 in the vehicle. For the second six months, unless supervised by a licensed driver age 18 or older, a teenage driver may have up to three unrelated passengers under age 18 in the vehicle. These passenger restrictions don't apply if the minor passengers are immediately related to the teen driver. Violating any of the first-year restrictions will result in 20 to 60 hours of community service for a first offense, with a second or subsequent offense resulting in a six-month license suspension.

Permit holding period: 6 months minimum. Nighttime restriction: No driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Passenger restriction: First 6 months: maximum 1 unrelated passenger under 18; Second 6 months: maximum 3 unrelated passengers under 18. Cell phone restriction: Not specifically restricted beyond standard Montana hands-free laws. Supervisor requirement: Parent, guardian, or responsible adult over 18 licensed driver. Nighttime exceptions include: supervised by licensed driver 18+, employment, school activities, church, farm activities, parent-authorized purposes, emergencies. Passenger exceptions include: family members, supervised by licensed driver 18+.

Insurance Requirements

Montana law requires that a motor vehicle operated on public roads be insured by a liability insurance policy that meets the state's minimum coverage limits: $25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, $50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident. Under Montana law, every auto policy issued in Montana must include uninsured motorist insurance with coverage equal to the minimum liability insurance amounts, but this insurance isn't really mandatory because the named insured can reject it in writing. Montana is not a no-fault state and uses an at-fault system, where the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage. Insurance system: at-fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. Required to be offered with minimum liability limits but can be rejected in writing.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Driving without car insurance in Montana is a misdemeanor with penalties including fines between $250 and $500 or up to 10 days in jail for a first offense. The minimum requirements represent the minimum amount of insurance required in Montana, though drivers can opt for more comprehensive policies with higher limits for more protection. Teen drivers typically face significantly higher insurance premiums due to their inexperience and statistical risk profile, making it important for families to shop around and consider discounts available through insurance carriers for good grades, defensive driving courses, and multi-policy bundling.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Standard path with driver education. 50 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; driver education required; road test required.

Option 2: Without driver education (age 16+). 50 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: Varies by age and license type. License fee: Varies by age and duration ($41.72-$62.32). Complete fee schedule available at MVD office.