Montana permit test: speed limits and space cushions
Montana speed limits, school speed limits, adjusting speed, sight-distance rule and keeping space ahead, behind and beside. 32 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed limits and space cushions rulesShow the rules
- Gravel roads can get very dusty in dry periods. (p. 69)
- On packed snow, drive at about half your normal speed, and use snow tires or chains. (p. 70)
- Studded tires can damage roads, so Montana does not allow them from June 1 through September 30. (p. 70)
- On wet roads most tires grip well up to about 35 mph. (p. 70)
- If you cannot stop or avoid an animal, do not swerve sharply. (p. 71)
- When four or more vehicles are slowed behind a slow-moving vehicle, it must turn off the road wherever there is room for a safe turnout. (p. 72)
- If heavy rain, snow or fog limits your sight to about 200 feet, you cannot safely drive faster than 30 mph. (p. 73)
- You must be able to stop within the distance your headlights show, about 400 feet. (p. 73)
- At 55 mph a pass takes about 10 seconds, so you need a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic and enough sight distance. (p. 76)
- Like climbing stairs one step at a time, cross several lanes one at a time, checking each lane before you move. (p. 76)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed limits and space cushions questions
1.You are on a controlled-access highway and see a car entering from a ramp. What should you do if you can?
- ABrake hard to let them in ahead
- BSpeed up to pass the ramp first
- CMove one lane to the left
- DHonk so they wait on the ramp
Show the answer
✓ C. Move one lane to the left
When another driver enters a controlled-access highway, move to your left whenever possible so they can merge safely.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (25-0100M) (Cover: 'Revised April 2024'), page 71
2.The road is covered with packed snow. How should you adjust your speed?
- ASlow to a crawl
- BKeep the posted speed if you have snow tires
- CSlow down about 10 mph
- DCut your speed in half
Show the answer
✓ D. Cut your speed in half
On packed snow, drive at about half your normal speed, and use snow tires or chains. On ice, slow to a crawl.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (25-0100M) (Cover: 'Revised April 2024'), page 70
3.At 55 mph, about how long does it take to pass another vehicle?
- AAbout 10 seconds
- BAbout 20 seconds
- CAbout 3 seconds
- DAbout 4 seconds
Show the answer
✓ A. About 10 seconds
At 55 mph a pass takes about 10 seconds, so you need a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic and enough sight distance.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (25-0100M) (Cover: 'Revised April 2024'), page 76
4.On a two-lane road posted at 60 mph, what is the highest speed you may briefly reach to pass and return safely?
- A75 mph
- B65 mph
- C60 mph
- D70 mph
Show the answer
✓ D. 70 mph
On a two-lane road you may exceed the limit by 10 mph to pass another vehicle and safely return to the right lane. Pass only when it is safe.
Source: Montana Driver Manual (25-0100M) (Cover: 'Revised April 2024'), page 48