Montana Permit Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagon sign

An eight-sided red sign always means STOP. Come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, then proceed only when it is safe.

Inverted triangle sign

A downward-pointing red-and-white sign means YIELD. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road and to pedestrians.

Diamond-shaped sign

A yellow diamond is a warning sign. It alerts you to a change in road conditions ahead, such as a curve, hill, intersection, or slippery pavement, so slow down and be prepared.

Pennant sign

A yellow pennant (triangle pointing right) marks the start of a no-passing zone. Do not begin a pass where this sign appears until you reach the end-of-zone marking.

Orange signs

Orange signs and markings indicate construction or maintenance work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for lane shifts or sudden stops ahead.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red light is treated exactly like a stop sign. Stop completely, yield the right-of-way to cross traffic and pedestrians, and go when the way is clear.

Flashing yellow signal

A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution. It does not require a stop, but you should slow down and check for cross traffic, pedestrians, or hazards before continuing.

Solid yellow center line

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means passing is prohibited for your direction of travel. A broken yellow line on your side allows passing when safe.

Red X lane signal

A red X displayed over a lane means that lane is closed to traffic in your direction. Move out of the lane safely and continue in a lane marked with a green arrow.

Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way

At an intersection with no signs or signals, the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields.

Left turn right-of-way

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Wait for a safe gap before completing the turn.

Entering from driveway or alley

A driver entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road, or parking lot must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already on the roadway and to pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Basic speed rule

Montana requires driving at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions. Posted limits are maximums for ideal conditions; rain, snow, ice, fog, or traffic require slower speeds.

Turn signal distance

Signal your intention to turn or change lanes continuously for at least the last 100 feet before the turn. Signal early enough that other drivers can react.

Montana child safety seat rule

Children under 6 years old or under 60 pounds must be secured in an approved child safety seat. A child under 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat.

Emergency vehicle right-of-way

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop until it passes. Do not follow a responding fire truck closer than 500 feet.

Pedestrian crosswalk rule

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a marked crosswalk, because it may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see.

Three-second following rule

Pick a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, count seconds until you reach it. Three seconds is the minimum gap in good conditions; add more in bad weather.

Truck No-Zone

The blind spots around a large truck, roughly 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and along both sides. If you cannot see the truck's mirror, the driver cannot see you.

Passing a large truck

Passing a truck takes more time and distance than passing a car. Complete the pass promptly, do not linger alongside, and never pass on the right where the truck may turn.

Hydroplaning

Loss of tire contact with wet pavement, possible at speeds as low as 35 mph. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight, and avoid hard braking until traction returns.

Driving in fog

Use low-beam headlights, slow down, and increase following distance. High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility. If visibility is too poor, pull well off the road and stop.

Montana Move Over law

When approaching a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights, slow down and move to a non-adjacent lane when safe. If you cannot move over, reduce speed substantially.

Sharing the road with motorcycles

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; never share a lane with one. Allow extra following distance because motorcycles can stop faster than cars and are easy to miss at intersections.

Passing bicyclists

Bicyclists ride with traffic and obey traffic laws. When passing, give at least three feet of clearance where practical, and check for cyclists before turning or opening a car door.

Railroad crossing safety

Slow down and look both ways before crossing tracks. Never stop on the tracks. If gates are down or lights flash, stop and wait. If your vehicle stalls, get everyone out and move away.

Montana BAC limit

Montana's per se limit is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration for drivers 21 and older. Commercial drivers are limited to 0.04%, and drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance standard.

DUI below 0.08%

A driver can be charged with DUI even with a BAC below 0.08% if alcohol, drugs, or a combination impair the ability to drive safely. Impairment is judged by behavior and testing.

Implied consent

By driving in Montana, a driver agrees to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test when lawfully requested by an officer. Refusing can lead to license suspension.

How alcohol leaves the body

The body metabolizes alcohol at roughly one standard drink per hour. Coffee, food, cold air, and exercise do not speed this up; only time reduces blood alcohol concentration.

Medication and driving

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction, and poor judgment. Combining them with alcohol multiplies the effect. Read warning labels before driving.

Open container law

Montana prohibits an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Penalties increase for repeat offenses, high BAC, or having a child in the vehicle.