Montana CDL Requirements

Montana CDL Age Requirements

Montana distinguishes between intrastate (within Montana only) and interstate (crossing state lines) commercial driving when determining age requirements:

Intrastate CDL (Montana Only)

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Must hold a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
• Limited to driving within Montana state boundaries

Interstate CDL (All States)

• Minimum age: 21 years old
• Required for crossing state lines
• Must meet federal DOT requirements

These age requirements apply to all CDL classes - Class A, Class B, and Class C. The class determines vehicle type and weight limits, not age minimums.

Montana CDL Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Application Fee	$0
License Fee	$51.58
Knowledge Test	$5-$10 per attempt
Skills Test	$50-$100 per attempt
HAZMAT Background Check (TSA)	$86.50

Note: Fees may vary slightly and should be confirmed with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division when scheduling your appointment.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirements

Effective November 13, 2023, federal ELDT requirements apply to Montana CDL applicants. You must complete ELDT if you are:

• Obtaining a Class A CDL for the first time
• Obtaining a Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Adding School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements

Montana State ELDT Program

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) operates an ELDT program that covers Class A CDL requirements only. This program does not satisfy ELDT requirements for HAZMAT, School Bus, or Passenger endorsements, which must be completed through other registered providers.

Knowledge Test Requirements

Montana CDL knowledge tests are administered at all driver license stations statewide and require appointments scheduled through the online system.

Required Documents for Testing

If you have a valid Montana driver license:

• Montana driver license
• Proof of authorized presence
• Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (unless excepted)

If transferring from out-of-state:

• Valid out-of-state CDL
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Montana residency
• Proof of authorized presence
• Social Security number
• Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate

Test Topics Covered

• General Knowledge: Vehicle systems, safe driving, shifting, space management, emergencies, cargo rules
• Air Brakes: Components, dual systems, inspection procedures (for air brake vehicles)
• Combination Vehicles: Coupling/uncoupling, trailer inspection, backing, rollover prevention (Class A)
• Endorsement Tests: Specialized knowledge for tanks, doubles/triples, passengers, school bus, hazardous materials

Skills Test (Road Test) Requirements

Montana's CDL skills test consists of three parts that must be completed in sequence:

Prerequisites

• Hold a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days
• Schedule appointment online
• Complete required ELDT training (if applicable)

Three-Part Skills Test

1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: Demonstrate knowledge of safety-critical components and inspection procedures
2. Basic Control Skills: Backing maneuvers, turning, and low-speed vehicle control
3. On-Road Driving Test: Real-world driving including traffic navigation, intersections, and lane changes

Vehicle Requirements

You must provide a test vehicle that is:

• In good operating condition
• Currently registered and insured
• Appropriate for the CDL class you're seeking
• Equipped with seat belts and examiner seating
• Not a hazardous materials vehicle

Retesting Rules

• Failed pre-trip or basic control: Wait at least 24 hours to retest
• Failed on-road driving: Wait at least 1 week to retest

Medical Certification Requirements

Most Montana CDL applicants must obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) from a provider listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

When MEC is Required

• All Class A, B, and C CDL applicants (with limited exceptions)
• Both intrastate and interstate drivers
• Must be presented during CDL/CLP application
• Required for out-of-state CDL transfers

Medical Exemptions

Limited exceptions exist for certain "excepted commerce" categories, but most commercial drivers do not qualify. Montana also offers a Montana Medical Card (MMC) option for specific intrastate operations.

CDL Endorsements

Montana offers standard federal CDL endorsements with specific state requirements:

Available Endorsements

• H - Hazardous Materials: Requires TSA security threat assessment
• N - Tank Vehicles: For liquid or gas cargo tanks
• P - Passenger: Requires ELDT for first-time applicants
• S - School Bus: Requires ELDT for first-time applicants
• T - Double/Triple Trailers: For multiple trailer combinations

HAZMAT Endorsement Special Requirements

The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before:

• Renewing a Montana CDL with H endorsement
• Transferring an out-of-state CDL with H endorsement
• Adding an H endorsement to an existing CDL

Testing Locations and Scheduling

Knowledge Tests

• Available at all Montana driver license stations
• Appointments required - schedule online
• Same-day walk-ins not accepted

Skills Tests

• Scheduled online after 14-day CLP waiting period
• Conducted at designated CDL testing locations
• Helena College also offers skills testing

Interstate Reciprocity

Montana participates in the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and follows federal reciprocity rules:

• Out-of-state transfers: Valid CDLs from other states can be transferred with proper documentation
• Interstate recognition: Montana interstate CDLs are valid nationwide
• Intrastate limitations: Montana intrastate CDLs (age 18-20) are restricted to Montana only

Special Montana Requirements

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Beginning October 15, 2024, Montana MVD runs all CDL and CLP applications through the Federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to check for violations.

Self-Certification

All CDL applicants must self-certify their type of commercial driving operation (interstate vs. intrastate, excepted vs. non-excepted), which affects medical and age requirements.

Training Programs

Montana colleges including Montana Tech and Miles Community College offer comprehensive CDL programs that integrate ELDT training, testing coordination, and often include drug screening and background checks.

How to Apply for Your Montana CDL

1. Meet Age Requirements: Be at least 18 (intrastate) or 21 (interstate)
2. Obtain Medical Certificate: Get DOT physical from certified examiner
3. Study CDL Manual: Prepare for knowledge tests using Montana CDL handbook
4. Schedule Knowledge Test: Make appointment at driver license station
5. Pass Knowledge Tests: Complete general knowledge and endorsement tests
6. Receive CLP: Get Commercial Learner Permit after passing written tests
7. Complete ELDT: Finish required training if applicable
8. Wait 14 Days: CLP holding period before skills test
9. Schedule Skills Test: Book appointment and arrange test vehicle
10. Pass Skills Test: Complete pre-trip, basic control, and road test
11. Receive CDL: Get your commercial driver's license

For the most current information and to schedule appointments, visit the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division website at dojmt.gov/driving/ or contact the Montana CDL helpdesk directly.