Driver education classes in Montana are overflowing with benefits. Not only do they help teenage mindsets understand that driving is a responsibility rather than a four-wheel thrill, but they also expedite the licensing process and, depending on your insurance carrier, can also lower insurance premiums.

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If you are hell-bent on beginning your driving life as soon as you reach 14 1/2, you will need to take a driver education course. This will earn you an Instruction Permit that will allow you to drive while under the supervision of an instructor.

If you successfully pass your driving course you can then upgrade to a Traffic Education Learner's License, which will allow you to get behind the wheel while under the supervision of an instructor or a licensed parent or guardian.

If you are 16, you can bypass the driver ed course and obtain a learner's license from a driver exam station. It will allow you to drive when accompanied by another person who holds a license of the same class and for the same type of vehicle. But to obtain one, you must pass Montana's written and vision tests and pay a $5 fee. This license has a "shelf life" of one year, but you must hold the permit for at least six months.

Note: The Learner′s License is the learner′s permit. The ″permit” you need when you′re 14 � is just so you can get into driver′s ed.

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But before you even consider applying for any kind of permit or license you must first enroll in State-approved traffic school. Make sure it is State approved. Don't guess on this. You don't want to spend valuable time and money in some driving school that uses a mufflerless 1976 Ford Pinto for its teaching vehicle, and then learn upon graduating that its certificate is not recognized by the State.

For a list of State-approved traffic schools contact the Records and Driver Control Bureau at (406) 444-3288.

Snagging yourself a Montana Driver License Manual is also highly advised. It is your best source for passing the written part of your driver's license exam.

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