Montana CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 for intrastate (Montana only); 21 for interstate

Montana issues a Type 2 Intrastate (Montana-only) CDL to applicants at least 18 years old, and a Type 1 Interstate CDL to applicants at least 21. An 18-to-20-year-old may drive commercially only within Montana.

Correct answer: Valid for one year from issue; you must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test

A Montana CLP is issued and valid for one year from the issue date. It must be held for a minimum of 14 days before you take the pre-trip, basic control, and road test — you may test on the 15th day.

Correct answer: Not until the next working day the exam station is open

Montana requires you to wait until the next working day the exam station is open before retaking a written or endorsement test you did not pass. There is no same-day retake of a failed knowledge test.

Correct answer: Non-excepted interstate — and must keep a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) on file

The vast majority of CDL holders driving in interstate commerce are "non-excepted interstate" and must meet the federal medical rules — obtaining and maintaining a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) forwarded electronically to the National Registry. Letting the MEC lapse downgrades the CDL to a non-commercial license.

Correct answer: Up to 30 consecutive days, after which you must surrender it and qualify for a Montana CDL

A new resident may use a valid out-of-state CDL for up to 30 consecutive days, then must surrender it and qualify for a Montana CDL. An out-of-state applicant usually only needs a vision test, a valid MEC, and the fee — but a written test is required to transfer a hazardous-materials endorsement.

Correct answer: 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or placardable hazardous materials

A Montana Class C license covers a single vehicle rated under 26,001 pounds that either transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hauls hazardous materials in an amount requiring placarding. Larger single vehicles are Class B; combinations over 26,001 pounds towing over 10,000 pounds are Class A.

Correct answer: Slow to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit — and move over a lane when you safely can

Montana’s move-over law requires vehicles in the lane next to a stationary emergency or police vehicle displaying emergency signals to slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit on roads posted 50 mph or higher, and to move to a farther lane when possible.

Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way and pull as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb

Montana law requires all non-emergency vehicles, in the presence of an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals, to yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the road.

Correct answer: An "E" restriction — no manual (non-automatic) transmission

The "No Manual Transmission" (E) restriction is added to every license earned in a CMV with an automatic transmission, prohibiting you from operating a manual-transmission commercial vehicle until you pass the required tests in one. Testing in an air-brake vehicle avoids the separate "L" (no air brakes) restriction.

Correct answer: March 15 through September 10, within a 150-mile radius of the place of business or farm

A Restricted Seasonal CDL may be issued to qualified farm-related service employees. It is valid only from March 15 through September 10 of a calendar year and only within a 150-mile radius of the place of business or farm; the written and road tests are waived for a qualified applicant.

Correct answer: Look slightly to the right at a lane or edge marking, and not turn on your own high beams

Do not look directly at oncoming lights; look slightly to the right at a right lane or edge marking. Do not "get back at" them by putting on your own high beams — that only increases glare and the chance of a crash.

Correct answer: Don’t — pull off the road into a rest area or truck stop until visibility is better

The best advice for driving in fog is don’t. It is preferable to pull off into a rest area or truck stop until visibility is better. If you must drive, slow down before you enter the fog and be ready to reduce speed further.

Correct answer: Low-beam headlights and fog lights, even in the daytime

Use low-beam headlights and fog lights for best visibility in fog, even in daytime. High beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. Also turn on your 4-way flashers so vehicles behind can notice you sooner.

Correct answer: Not assume the fog will thin out after you enter it, and avoid passing other vehicles

Do not assume the fog will thin out after you enter it — visibility can deteriorate rapidly. Obey fog warning signs, avoid passing other vehicles, and don’t stop along the roadway unless absolutely necessary.

Correct answer: At least 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires

You must have at least 4/32 inch tread depth in every major groove on the front tires and at least 2/32 inch on the other tires — more would be better. Drive tires need traction to push the rig through snow, and steer tires to steer it.

Correct answer: Carry the right number plus extra cross-links, and learn to install them before you need to

You may find conditions where you cannot drive without chains. Carry the right number of chains and extra cross-links, make sure they fit your drive tires, check them for damage, and learn how to put them on before you need to do it in snow and ice.

Correct answer: Ice has formed on the road

Check for ice on the road, especially on bridges and overpasses. A lack of spray from other vehicles indicates ice has formed. Also check your mirrors and wiper blades — if they have ice, the road most likely will be icy too.

Correct answer: A thin, clear layer of ice that makes the road look merely wet

Black ice is a thin layer clear enough that you can see the road underneath it, so the road looks wet. Any time the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet, watch out for black ice.

Correct answer: Not braking harder than necessary and not using the engine brake or speed retarder

Make turns as gently as possible, do not brake any harder than necessary, and do not use the engine brake or speed retarder — they can cause the driving wheels to skid on slippery surfaces.

Correct answer: Apply light pressure on the brakes for a short distance, then make a test stop

Water in the brakes can make them weak, apply unevenly, or grab. After deep water, keep light pressure on the brakes for a short distance to heat and dry them, then make a test stop when safe to be sure they work well.