Montana permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 56 Montana numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 39 number questions in our Montana bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

39 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    At what blood alcohol concentration can an adult driver be arrested in Montana?

    0.08% or more

    Drivers can be arrested with a BAC of 0.08% or more, or for driving under the influence at any level.

    Montana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 82

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What is Montana's minimum liability insurance for bodily injury or death of one person in one crash?

    $25,000

    Montana law requires at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $20,000 for damage to other people's property in any one crash.

    Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division website

  • Speed limits

    The road is wet from rain. According to the Montana manual, about how much should you reduce your speed?

    About 10 mph

    On a wet road, reduce your speed by about 10 mph. On packed snow, cut your speed in half, and on ice, slow to a crawl.

    Montana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 70

Every Montana number, by topic

Official test facts and Montana laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversmca.legmt.gov
Quote
a noncommercial vehicle upon the ways of this state open to the public while the person's alcohol concentration, as shown by analysis of the person's blood, breath, oral fluid, or other bodily substance, is 0.08 or more
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21mca.legmt.gov
Quote
a vehicle within this state when the person is under 21 years of age at the time of the offense while the person's alcohol concentration, as shown by analysis of the person's blood, breath, oral fluid, or other bodily substance, is 0.02 or more
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclemca.legmt.gov
Quote
a commercial motor vehicle within this state while the person's alcohol concentration, as shown by analysis of the person's blood, breath, oral fluid, or other bodily substance, is 0.04 or more
6 monthsDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a test suspends your license for 6 months on a first refusalmca.legmt.gov
Quote
for a first violation, by imprisonment for not less than 24 consecutive hours or more than 6 months and by a fine of not less than $600 or more than $1,000
0.08%At what blood alcohol concentration can an adult driver be arrested in Montana?Answer: 0.08% or moreMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 82
Quote
You can be arrested for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more
one hourOn average, how long does it take the body to process one alcoholic drink?Answer: About one hourMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 81
Quote
The average person’s body will process one alcoholic drink in one hour.

Fines, points & penalties

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$20Seat beltsThe fine is $20mca.legmt.gov
Quote
A driver who violates 61-13-103 shall be fined $20, but the violation is not a misdemeanor
20 mphMove Over lawOtherwise: interstate, 20 mph below the limit if you can move lanes or half the limit if you cannotmca.legmt.gov
Quote
20 miles an hour below the posted speed limit on the interstate if the operator of a moving vehicle is able to move lanes, or to one-half the posted speed limit if the operator of a moving vehicle is not able to move lanes
30 mphMove Over lawState highway or county road, 30 mph below if you can move lanes or half if you cannotmca.legmt.gov
Quote
30 miles an hour below the posted speed limit on a state highway or county road if the operator of a moving vehicle is able to move lanes, or to one-half the posted speed limit if the operator of a moving vehicle is not able to move lanes
$500-$1,000, 50-100 hoursSchool busesFirst offense: $500-$1,000 fine and/or 50-100 hours of community servicemca.legmt.gov
Quote
for a first offense, a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000, a sentence of community service of not less than 50 hours or more than 100 hours, or both
$25,000What is Montana's minimum liability insurance for bodily injury or death of one person in one crash?Answer: $25,000Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
$25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and subject to the limit for one person
$20,000What is the minimum liability coverage Montana requires for damage to other people's property in one crash?Answer: $20,000Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
$50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and (iii) $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident
$20What fine does the Montana Driver Manual list for a driver who violates the seat belt law?Answer: $20Montana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 29
Quote
A driver who violates the law will be fined $20.
$1,000In Montana, you must immediately report a crash to law enforcement if anyone is hurt or killed, or if property damage reaches what amount?Answer: $1,000 or moreMontana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
property damage to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality

Speed limits

11 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25 mphSpeed limitsUrban district: 25 mphmca.legmt.gov
Quote
on any other public highway of this state is 70 miles an hour during the daytime and 65 miles an hour during the nighttime; (d) in an urban district is 25 miles an hour.
15 mphSpeed limitsLocal authorities may lower it to as little as 15 mphmca.legmt.gov
Quote
decreases the limit in a school zone or in an area near a senior citizen center, as defined in 23-5-112 , or a designated crosswalk that is close to a school or a senior citizen center to not less than 15 miles an hour
70 daySpeed limitsOther public highways: 70 day / 65 nightmca.legmt.gov
Quote
on any other public highway of this state is 70 miles an hour during the daytime and 65 miles an hour during the nighttime; (d) in an urban district is 25 miles an hour.
1,000 feetSpeed limitsFines at least double when a highway worker is within 1,000 feetmca.legmt.gov
Quote
if a highway worker was present in the work zone at the time of the traffic violation and within 1,000 feet of the traffic violation, the person shall be punished by a fine of not less than double the penalty
10 mphSpeed limitsOn a two-lane road you may go 10 mph over the limit to pass in a passing zonemca.legmt.gov
Quote
may exceed the speed limits imposed in subsection (1) by 10 miles an hour in order to overtake and pass a vehicle and return safely to the right-hand lane
10 mphThe road is wet from rain. According to the Montana manual, about how much should you reduce your speed?Answer: About 10 mphMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 70
Quote
On a wet road, reduce your speed about 10 mph. On packed snow, cut your speed in half.
15 mphWhat speed does the Montana manual give for driving in a roundabout?Answer: 15 mph or lessMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 42
Quote
Slow Down – Driving speeds in roundabouts are 15 mph or less.
10 mphOn a Montana two-lane road, what does the manual say about speed while passing?Answer: You may exceed the limit by 10 mph to pass and safely returnMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 48
Quote
Vehicles traveling on a two-lane road may exceed the speed limit by 10 miles an hour in order to overtake and pass another vehicle and return safely to the right lane.
15 mphHow low may a school zone speed limit be set in Montana?Answer: As low as 15 mphMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 39
Quote
School zone speed limits may be as low as 15 mph
55 mphYou are driving in a Montana funeral procession on a highway with a 70 mph limit. What is the fastest you may drive?Answer: 55 mphMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 52
Quote
A driver in a funeral procession may not drive faster than 55 miles per hour on a highway where the speed limit is 55 miles per hour or more
65 mphYou are driving a passenger car at night on a two-lane Montana state highway outside any city or town, and no speed limit sign is posted. What is the maximum speed limit set by state law?Answer: 65 mphMontana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
on any other public highway of this state is 70 miles an hour during the daytime and 65 miles an hour during the nighttime; (d) in an urban district is 25 miles an hour.

Distances & following gaps

14 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 feetSchool busesDrivers approaching from either direction must stop not less than about 30 feet from a bus showing flashing red lights and stay stopped until the lights stopmca.legmt.gov
Quote
a driver of a motor vehicle that is approaching the school bus from either direction: (i) shall stop the motor vehicle not less than approximately 30 feet from the school bus
500 feetIt is midday, but blowing dust limits how far you can see. Montana law requires headlights when visibility drops below what distance?Answer: 500 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 24
Quote
any other times when, due to weather or blowing dust, visibility is less than 500 feet.
1000 feetAt night, how close may an oncoming vehicle get before Montana law requires you to dim your high beams?Answer: 1000 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 65
Quote
Dim your lights within 1000 feet of meeting a vehicle and within 500 feet when following one.
100 feetHow far before a turn in town does the Montana manual say to signal?Answer: 100 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 47
Quote
Use a proper turn signal 100 feet before turning in town, 300 feet before turning on rural roads.
300 feetYou are on a rural Montana highway and plan to turn onto a county road. How far ahead should you signal?Answer: 300 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 68
Quote
Signal 100 feet (1/3 city block) or 300 feet (for rural areas) and start slowing down.
500 feetOn a Montana roadway where turning around is not otherwise prohibited, how much clear view do you need before making a U-turn?Answer: 500 feet in both directions with no vehicles comingMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 49
Quote
You may turn around on a roadway where the driver has 500 feet in both directions (almost two average city blocks) of unobstructed view and no vehicles are approaching.
1600 feetTo pass safely at 55 mph on a two-lane road, about how much clear distance do you need, counting the oncoming car?Answer: Over 1600 feet, about one-third of a mileMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 77
Quote
That means you need over 1600 feet or about one-third of a mile to pass safely.
three-secondWhat following-distance rule does the Montana manual teach for normal conditions?Answer: The three-second ruleMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 74
Quote
It is called the “Three-Second Rule,” and it works at any speed.
400 feetWith good tires and brakes on dry pavement, about how far can it take to react and stop from 50 mph?Answer: About 400 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 73
Quote
At 50 mph, it can take about 400 feet to react to something you see and bring your vehicle to a stop.
four secondsAbout how large a gap in traffic do you need to merge or change lanes safely?Answer: About four secondsMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 76
Quote
You need a gap of about four seconds anytime you want to merge with other traffic.
30 feetA school bus ahead is stopped with its red lights flashing. In Montana, how far from the bus must you stop?Answer: At least 30 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 50
Quote
the driver of a vehicle must stop at least 30 feet from the bus and cannot proceed until the red lights are turned off
15 feetWhen you must stop for a train at a Montana railroad crossing, what is the closest you may stop to the nearest rail?Answer: 15 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 43
Quote
You are required to STOP at railroad crossings as close as practicable but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail
1500 feetA crossing has no signals, but you see a train approaching. Within what distance of the crossing must the train be for Montana law to require you to stop?Answer: 1500 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 43
Quote
or when the train is within 1500 feet of the crossing or if clearly visible and an obvious hazard.
1,000 feetWhen are traffic fines doubled in a Montana work zone?Answer: When a highway worker is present within 1,000 feetMontana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
if a highway worker was present in the work zone at the time of the traffic violation and within 1,000 feet of the traffic violation, the person shall be punished by a fine of not less than double the penalty

Parking

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetIn Montana, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 15 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 56
Quote
Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
20 feetHow far must you park from a crosswalk at an intersection in Montana?Answer: At least 20 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 56
Quote
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk or sidewalk at an intersection
30 feetIn Montana, how far must you park from a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal?Answer: At least 30 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 56
Quote
Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign
50 feetWhat is the minimum distance you must park from a railroad crossing in Montana?Answer: 50 feetMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 56
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
18 inchesWhen you park beside a curb in Montana, how close to the curb must your vehicle be?Answer: Within 18 inchesMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 54
Quote
Your vehicle must be within 18 inches (1.5 feet) of the curb or shoulder.

Ages, permits & the test

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
75%Passing scorerules.mt.gov
Quote
23.3.121 ROAD SIGNS AND ROAD RULES ... The maximum score for each written test is 100%. For each incorrectly marked answer, the following points must be deducted: ... Operator Rules: 5 points (minimum passing score 75) ... Combined Operator/Signs Test: 7 or less wrong is passing score. ... Signs: 10 points (minimum passing score 80) .
$31.42Feemvdmt.gov
Quote
15 until 21 $31.42
50 hours, 10 hoursHow much supervised driving practice must a Montana teen complete while holding a learner permit?Answer: 50 hours, including 10 hours at nightMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 17
Quote
Teen drivers must acquire at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 hours at night
20 to 60 hoursWhat is the penalty for a teen's first violation of a Montana first-year restricted license (for example, breaking the passenger limit)?Answer: 20 to 60 hours of community serviceMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 18
Quote
First Offense: Between 20 to 60 hours of community service.
six monthsA Montana teen violates the first-year restricted license rules for the second time. What is the penalty?Answer: License suspended for six monthsMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 18
Quote
Second Offense: Suspension of the teenager's driver license for six months.

Time limits & deadlines

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000CrashesImmediate notice by the quickest means: injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more, to the local police inside a city, otherwise the county sheriff or the nearest Highway Patrol officemca.legmt.gov
Quote
property damage to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality
10 days, $1,000CrashesWritten report to the Department of Justice within 10 days when someone is killed or injured or damage exceeds $1,000, unless a law enforcement officer investigated and reported itmca.legmt.gov
Quote
damage to the property of a person in excess of $1,000 is sustained shall, within 10 days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the department unless the accident was investigated and reported by a law enforcement officer
10 daysYou move to a new home in Montana. How soon must you report your new address?Answer: Within 10 daysMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 20
Quote
notify the Driver Services Bureau of the Department of Justice within 10 days of any change of address.
10 daysAfter a reportable crash in Montana, within how many days must the accident report be filed?Answer: 10 daysMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 90
Quote
You must file the report within 10 days of the accident.
18 hoursAfter how many hours awake straight are a driver's skills about the same as someone under the influence?Answer: 18 hoursMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 96
Quote
After being awake for 18 hours straight, driving skills are the same as someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
half hourIn clear weather, during what period does Montana law require your headlights to be on?Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunriseMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 24
Quote
Head lamps are required to be in use at all times from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise

Other numbers

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
three timesCompared with stopping from 30 mph, how much distance does it take to stop from 60 mph?Answer: More than three times as farMontana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), page 69
Quote
stopping at 60 mph does not take twice the distance as it takes at 30 mph, but over three times the distance.

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Montana permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 56 of them for Montana, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Montana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100), Montana statutes or MVD pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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