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Montana General Knowledge Test

We'll help you tackle Montana's winding mountain passes like Lookout Pass and the icy stretches of I-90.

140

Questions

80%

To Pass

Minutes

140 questions · 60 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official Montana CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the Montana General Knowledge Test

Montana's roads aren't like anywhere else. You'll drive through heavy snow on I-94, navigate steep grades on I-90 near Butte, and haul grain on US-2 across the Hi-Line. Winter storms can hit without warning, and you might share the road with livestock or oil field trucks. The General Knowledge test covers the basics you'll need every day.

This test checks your understanding of vehicle inspection, basic control, and safe driving practices. It's the first step for every CDL applicant in Montana. Pass it, and you can move on to air brakes, combination vehicles, or endorsements like tanker or hazmat.

Montana's commercial drivers handle everything from hay bales to heavy equipment. You might run logs from Eureka, deliver fuel to ranches near Miles City, or haul fertilizer across the Flathead. The General Knowledge test makes sure you know the rules before you hit the road.

Montana's commercial driving means long distances, mountain passes, and extreme winter conditions. I-90 crosses the state from west to east through Missoula, Butte, and Billings, while I-15 connects the state north-south from Canada to Wyoming. Our general knowledge practice test mirrors the official Montana MVD CDL written exam.

Montana's mountain passes — including Lookout Pass, Homestake Pass on I-90, and the Bozeman Pass — demand strong engine-braking skills and winter traction awareness. The state's vast distances between cities mean long stretches with no services. The Montana Department of Transportation maintains passes through heavy snow, but commercial drivers must be self-sufficient. The exam tests grade descent, chain use, winter driving, and fatigue management directly.

Topics Covered

✓Vehicle Inspection – You'll need to check your rig before every trip, especially on Montana's long, remote routes.

✓Basic Control Skills – Backing and turning matter in tight mountain town loading docks.

✓Safe Driving Practices – Speed management on icy highways and high winds on the Hi-Line.

✓Air Brakes – Critical for mountainous terrain descents and stopping on packed snow.

✓Cargo Handling – Securing heavy equipment or grain loads across uneven roads.

✓Rules of the Road – Strict Montana laws for passing, school buses, and railroad crossings.

Study Tips

Take your time reading the Montana CDL manual – it's about 100 pages, but the General Knowledge section is the core. Focus on inspection procedures and safe driving strategies. Don't cram; study a little each day. Use our practice tests to find your weak spots.

Bring two forms of ID to the DMV – your Montana driver's license and a birth certificate or passport. You'll need to schedule an appointment at most offices, so call ahead. The written test costs $10.00, and you get three tries within a year before you have to start over.

Montana Specific Information

Montana CDL written tests are administered at DMV offices in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, Butte, Kalispell, and many smaller towns. You must schedule an appointment – walk-ins aren't guaranteed. Call your local office or use the online booking system. The test fee is $10.00 for the General Knowledge portion.
You'll need a current Montana driver's license, proof of residency, and a self-certification of your medical status. Some offices also require a CDL application form filled out before your visit. Check the Montana DOJ website for the most current rules and office hours.
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires a knowledge test for all CDL classes; the general knowledge exam is the foundation for every commercial license.
Lookout Pass and Homestake Pass on I-90 require low-gear descents and winter chain use; runaway ramps exist on steep sections.
Montana's vast distances mean long stretches with no fuel or services — pre-trip inspection and fuel planning are essential.
Winter conditions can close highways across the state for extended periods; the exam tests chain requirements and cold-weather driving.
Wildlife on highways (deer, elk, antelope) is a serious collision risk, especially at dawn and dusk on remote routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for the Montana CDL written test?

Yes, most Montana DMV offices require an appointment. Call your local office or book online at dojmt.gov. Walk-ins might get turned away.

How many questions are on the Montana General Knowledge test?

It has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need 40 correct – that's 80% – to pass.

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Montana offers the CDL written test in English only. If you need an interpreter, you must provide one and get prior DMV approval.

What happens if I fail the General Knowledge test?

You can retake it two more times within one year. After three failures, you'll need to wait one year before starting over.

Are there any Montana-specific road signs I should know?

Yes, you'll see signs for 'Watch for Livestock' in rural areas and 'Chain Up' signs on mountain passes. Both can appear on the test.

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content