Most states require a license for the public to drive legally. Driving motorcycles require a license just as much as cars, if not more.
Motorcycles are dangerous vehicles, and if everyone were allowed to drive freely, the number of accidents yearly would increase dramatically.
Even though it is pretty well-known that a motorcycle license is necessary for driving, many people do not know the process of getting a motorcycle license.
This article will thoroughly explain all the steps of how to get a motorcycle license in Montana as soon as possible. This is fairly straightforward, as you must have a good grip on your documents and pass a few tests.
If you want a motorcycle license in Montana, you should read this article to the very end. This will give you all the details about every step you need to follow to get one and get it as effectively as possible.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Montana
It would be quite an easy task if you all needed to go into the MVD office and apply for a Motorcycle license.
You must fulfill a set of requirements and attempt a series of tests with passing scores before you can do so. This part of the article will briefly highlight those requirements.
Knowing Your Age
Usually, the steps of applying for licenses are separated into different age groups. Minors or citizens below 18 needs to provide some documents that are otherwise not needed if they are above the legal age.
The requirements based on age are listed below:
Age 15-17
If you are under the legal age, the following requirements need to be fulfilled:
- Be at least 16 years old. If you have passed a driver’s education course then you can also apply at the age of 15.
- This must be approved by the Montana Department of Justice and the Superintendent of Public. Online courses that are not approved will not count.
- You will need to provide a form of identification; your ID card should work.
- You will also need to give your place of residence.
- Written consent of a parent or guardian is a requirement.
- Have an underage Montana driver’s license with a permit period.
- Maintain the annual endorsement fee of $0.52.
Age 18 Or Above
If you are above the legal age, the following requirements need to be fulfilled:
- Have a Montana driver’s license.
- Need to provide a form of identification; your ID card should work.
- Give your residency proof.
- Share your legal status.
- Additionally, you must also maintain the annual endorsement fee of $0.52.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
There are no declared separate kinds of licenses, but you can say that there are two types.
Both these are only there to differentiate between minors and adults, with certain restrictions on one and the other being unrestricted.
Type 1: Learners Permit
This allows the drivers to practice operating a motorcycle before going for an unrestricted license. This license sets restrictions on young drivers to ensure the safety.
These restrictions can span from being unable to drive alone, during a certain time, or for certain vehicles. Moreover, residents must hold this permit for six months before getting a first-year restricted license.
Type 2: Unrestricted License
This license removes all restrictions, including restrictions on the types of motorcycles (250cc and above).
This also allows the motorcyclist to ride whenever and where ever they want. Eventually, this is the license that you will want to work towards.
How To Apply For Your Montana Motorcycle License
Now that you can determine which age category you are in and which license you need. Here is how you can apply for it.
These steps are specifically for Montana:
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- A driver’s license is required to get a motorcycle license.
- You can apply for a driver’s license at the age of 15 under the Student Driver Relief Program.
- You must provide proof of age, legal presence, social security, and several other documents.
- Enroll in a driver’s education course.
- If you are under 18, you must have 50 hours of supervised driving over six months, including 10 hours at night during the permit period.
- After this, you can apply for an underage driver’s license.
- If you are above 18, apply for an unrestricted driver’s license.
- A series of tests will follow the application.
- After passing the test and a small fee, the license will be yours.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
Once you have a driver’s license, you can apply for a motorcycle license. Here are the tests that you must pass to get your motorcycle license.
1. Motorcycle Written Test
- The written test contains 25 questions.
- To pass this test, you must answer at least 20 questions correctly.
- Complete knowledge of the traffic rules will be required as questions.
- Checking out the Montana practice test should be helpful before taking the test.
2. Motorcycle Road Test
The other test that will take place is the road test which will put all your road sense and riding skills to the test.
This test can include basic movements that you will need to execute flawlessly. Sharp turns, quick stops, moving between codes, and similar mechanics of riding your motorcycle will be tested.
U-Turns or moving around obstacles without stalling is also a recurring part of the test most candidates tend to fail at, so make sure to practice!
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
After completing your tests, you will have to visit the MVD office again. A few applications will be given to you to fill and make sure to collect your documents. Account for all your documents, as they contain important information.
Step 4. Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
Once you have all your documents on you, go to the Driver’s license office and pay the fees. There are fees for the license and the tests as well.
Once that is done, you will be provided with a temporary license, and your permanent one will be sent to your mailbox later. This might take you a few days to a week, so you should be patient.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In MT
To get a motorcycle endorsement in Montana, written and skill tests are required. And for that, you will also have to apply for the tests.
The steps for it will be given below. Most importantly, you are in for the same things you did to get your motorcycle license.
Step 1: Provide Documents
Provide all the documents containing your details and the results of previous tests. The documents you need to provide are the same as the ones listed above for the license.
Make sure to have all of them accounted for and that they are recent versions of themselves.
Step 2: Pass The Tests
After submitting all the required documents, attempt the written test, which will test your traffic knowledge and road sense. Then attempt the road test similar to the one explained earlier. You will need to pass them.
Step 3: Collect Documents
After completing the tests, you can collect your motorcycle endorsements. Make sure to do that after you pay all the fees and account for all the submitted documents. After all, you should be able to drive your motorcycle freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Montana?
If you are above the age of 18, you are required to wait the standard time being 1 to 2 weeks after the application and receiving the temporary license.
However, if you are under the age of 18, a training course will be required. After passing the course, you will have to wait two years before applying unless you reach the age of 18 by then.
Q2: How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Montana?
To acquire a motorcycle license, you need a driver’s license. The driver’s license’s price range depends on the citizen’s age.
Other than that, there are several test fees, etc. But if you want to know the price for the motorcycle license, the learner’s license is $5.00 with an additional $0.50 per year.
The total fee after the motorcycle endorsement would be around $23.00.
Q3: Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Montana?
The state of Montana’s law enforces a motorcycle license to operate motorcycles.
You can only ride a motorcycle without a license on private property with the owner’s permission or if you are part of a licensed motorcycle training program.
These programs generally allow you to get a motorcycle license that must be state-approved. Not carrying your license while riding would be lots of trouble with the authorities.
Conclusion
Getting a license will be worthwhile if you want to ride your motorcycle in public legally and without any problems with the authorities.
Even though you can legally drive on private property without a license, no one would want to do that forever.
Getting pulled over is also an unnecessary hustle. All these reasons should give everyone a reason to know how to get a motorcycle license in Montana.
Hopefully, this article gave you all the information you were looking for. Make sure to follow it all to the letter so that you can start riding your motorcycle in public as soon as possible!
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
