Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Montana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Justice • Motor Vehicles Division • Field Operations Bureau
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,060 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Justice~Motor Vehicles Division~Field Operations Bureau and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Montana
With a median salary of $59,060, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Montana earn 3% above the national median of $57,440. Montana ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,173Median annual salary
$59,060Hourly estimate
$28.393% above national median
Difference: +$1,620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $59,060 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $58,970 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $56,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $60,270 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 18-21 years |
| Idaho | $53,260 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 18 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Dakota | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Idaho | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Justice • Motor Vehicles Division • Field Operations Bureau
303 North Roberts, PO Box 201430, Helena, MT, 59620-1430
Phone: 4064443933
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $103,110 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $62,990 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $459,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Montana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Montana?
Montana lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Montana?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Montana.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Montana is $59,060. Salaries range from $45,450 (10th percentile) to $73,700 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Montana compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Montana earn 3% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $59,060.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 7,050 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Montana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Montana?
The licensing agency is Department of Justice / Motor Vehicles Division / Field Operations Bureau. Review agency details at https://dojmt.gov/driving/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Montana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.