Montana Motorcycle License Requirements
To legally operate a motorcycle in Montana, riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. The Montana Department of Justice issues motorcycle endorsements to qualified applicants who meet certain requirements.
Minimum Age Requirement
To apply for a motorcycle endorsement in Montana, the applicant must be at least 16 years old. However, if the applicant is 15 years old and has passed a DOJ-approved driver education course, they may apply for a motorcycle endorsement.
Montana Driver’s License
Applicants must hold a valid Montana driver’s license before they can apply for a motorcycle endorsement. If the applicant does not have a Montana driver’s license, they must first apply for a regular driver’s license before they can apply for a motorcycle endorsement.
Written and On-Road Tests
Applicants must pass a motorcycle written test and complete an on-road motorcycle test to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Montana. However, if the applicant has completed an approved education course, the on-road test may be waived.
Motorcycle Skills Waiver
If the applicant has already obtained a motorcycle endorsement from another state, they may apply for a Montana motorcycle endorsement by submitting a Motorcycle Skills Waiver Application (21-1304) to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division headquarters office in Helena. Once the waiver has been approved, the applicant can schedule a written test (if needed) or add the motorcycle endorsement to their license.
Licensing Fees
Applicants must pay the appropriate motorcycle licensing fees to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Montana. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division determines license fees based on age and the number of years the license is valid. An additional fee of $0.52 per year is added for a motorcycle endorsement. For detailed fee information, consult the Montana Motor Vehicle Division fee chart.
Overall, obtaining a motorcycle endorsement in Montana requires meeting certain age and licensing requirements, passing written and on-road tests (unless waived by completing an approved education course), submitting a Motorcycle Skills Waiver (if applicable), and paying the appropriate licensing fees.
Applying for a Motorcycle License
To legally ride a motorcycle in Montana, you need to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. Here’s what you need to know to apply for a Montana motorcycle license.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement in Montana, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Hold a valid Montana driver’s license or learner’s permit
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a written knowledge test, unless you have completed a Montana Motorcycle Safety Course
- Pass a road skills test, unless you have completed a Montana Motorcycle Safety Course
Written Test Information
If you need to take the written knowledge test, you can find study materials on the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website or by visiting your local MVD office. The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
Road Skills Test Details
If you need to take the road skills test, you can schedule an appointment at your local MVD office. The test consists of several exercises that assess your ability to control your motorcycle and follow traffic laws. You will need to provide your own motorcycle for the test, which must meet certain safety requirements.
Once you have completed the written and road skills tests, you will need to pay the appropriate fees and provide the necessary documentation to obtain your motorcycle endorsement. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply if you need to retake either test.
Overall, obtaining a motorcycle license in Montana requires passing a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road skills test. By following the eligibility criteria and studying the necessary materials, you can prepare yourself for a successful application process.
Motorcycle License Fees
Getting a motorcycle license in Montana requires passing a knowledge test and a skills test. Additionally, there are several fees associated with obtaining a motorcycle license.
The various driver license fees are listed below. The total fee includes the cost of adding a REAL ID and is included in the table. Please note that the following acronyms are used:
- NCL = Non-commercial License
- ME = Motorcycle Endorsement
- MLL = Motorcycle Learner License
- CDL = Commercial Driver License
- CLP = Commercial Learner Permit
Motorcycle License Fees in Montana
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| NCL without ME | $41.50 |
| NCL with ME | $51.50 |
| MLL | $11.50 |
| CDL | $71.50 |
| CLP | $41.50 |
In addition to these fees, there may be additional fees required to obtain a motorcycle license. For example, additional fees may be required for a vision test or for the application process. It is recommended to check with the MVD office for more information on the specific fees required for obtaining a motorcycle license.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change at any time. It is recommended to check with the MVD office for the most up-to-date fees and information.
Renewal and Expiration
In Montana, motorcycle licenses expire at the same time as the existing driver’s license. To avoid retesting, the license must be renewed six months prior to or within one year after the expiration date.
Renewal can be done in person or by mail, depending on the age of the license holder. Those between the ages of 21-63 must renew in person. Between the ages of 63-75, renewal can be done by mail or in person. After the age of 75, renewal must be done in person.
Motorcyclists can request a motorcycle license renewal up to six months before licenses expire and up to three months after they expire. This period is known as the renewal schedule.
It is important to note that previous renewals done online or by mail will disqualify the license holder from renewing online or by mail again. The renewal timeframe is also important, as renewing too early or too late can result in additional fees or penalties.
Overall, it is important for motorcycle license holders in Montana to keep track of their renewal schedule and follow the appropriate renewal process to avoid any issues with their license.
License Endorsements and Restrictions
In Montana, a motorcycle endorsement is required to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, one must be at least 16 years of age or 15 years of age and have passed a driver’s education course approved by the Montana Department of Justice and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. However, online courses are not approved.
In addition to the age and education requirements, the applicant must have a valid Montana driver license. The applicant must also pass a written test and driving test to obtain the motorcycle endorsement. The Montana Department of Justice provides a Motorcycle Operator Manual that covers the knowledge and skills needed to operate a motorcycle safely.
It is important to note that there are restrictions on motorcycle endorsements in Montana. For example, a person with a Class M motorcycle endorsement is not authorized to operate a commercial vehicle. Furthermore, the Montana Department of Justice may impose restrictions on a person’s license or endorsement if they have a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive safely.
Finally, motorcycle endorsements are not transferable from other states. If a person moves to Montana from another state and has a motorcycle endorsement, they must apply for a Montana driver license and motorcycle endorsement. If the person has an MSF Certification from another state, they must fill out a Motorcycle Skills Waiver Application (21-1304) and mail it to the MVD headquarters office in Helena. Once the waiver has been approved, they can schedule a written test (if needed) or add the motorcycle endorsement to their license.
