Montana CDL Requirements

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues CDLs in three classes. Class A covers combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs towing over 10,000 lbs. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs. Class C covers hazmat or passenger vehicles. Applicants must be 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate. Montana requires a valid Montana driver license, Social Security card, proof of Montana residency, and US citizenship/legal presence. ELDT requirements apply. Montana has approximately 10 FMCSA-registered ELDT providers, concentrated in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena. The sparse population means fewer training options but also shorter testing wait times.

The Montana CDL costs $52.48 for a 4-year or $82.48 for an 8-year license. The CLP costs $22.48 and is valid for 180 days. Knowledge tests are administered at MVD offices and authorized driver exam stations throughout the state at no additional fee. Skills tests are available through state examiners and third-party testers at $150-$300. Montana has CDL testing available at multiple locations but scheduling in rural areas may take 2-4 weeks. Knowledge tests are available in English. The state allows three skills test attempts before requiring additional training.

Montana CDL training options include Montana State University-Northern (Havre), Miles Community College (Miles City), and private schools in Billings and Missoula at $3,000-$7,000. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry provides WIOA training funds. Endorsements follow federal standards. The most in-demand in Montana are T (Double/Triple, for Rocky Mountain doubles on I-90 and I-15), N (Tank, for fuel distribution across the vast state), and H (Hazmat, for Bakken oil field operations). Livestock hauling is a major CDL employment category in Montana, though it doesn't require specific endorsements. Veterans at Malmstrom Air Force Base can access CDL transition programs.