How should you determine and check the correct tire pressure before a trip?
Correct answer: Use a pressure gauge when the tires are cold and follow the vehicle owner’s recommended pressure.
A tire can look acceptable while improperly inflated. Use the vehicle’s recommended pressure and a gauge rather than appearance or an arbitrary increase.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 13, physical PDF page 23: Tires ↗
Your wipers no longer clear the windshield reliably. Rain is forecast. What should you do before relying on the car?
Correct answer: Repair the wipers so they work properly.
The manual requires working windshield wipers. Lighting and airflow cannot substitute for a clear windshield.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 13, physical PDF page 23: Windshield and wipers ↗
Before pulling away, what is the best time to position the seat and mirrors?
Correct answer: Before moving, so the controls are reachable and the rearward views are set.
Set up the driving position before the vehicle moves. Adjusting while entering traffic competes with the attention needed for a safe departure.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 19, physical PDF page 29: Adjust seat and mirrors ↗
A heavy loose object is resting on the rear seat before a trip. What is the safer preparation?
Correct answer: Secure it so sudden braking or a turn will not send it into the driving area.
Secure loose objects so they cannot strike occupants or roll into the pedal area during sudden movement.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 13, physical PDF page 23: Loose objects ↗
You leave a parked automatic-transmission car. Which combination follows the handbook?
Correct answer: Select Park and set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle.
The handbook requires setting the parking brake and using Park for an automatic transmission. Secure the car rather than relying on one precaution alone.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 44, physical PDF page 54: Securing parked vehicles ↗
You hear a new exhaust leak and notice exhaust odors in the car. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the leak corrected before relying on the vehicle for ordinary travel.
A leaking exhaust can expose occupants to toxic gases and cause drowsiness or death. Ventilation is not a repair.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 13, physical PDF page 23: Exhaust system ↗
The brake pedal suddenly travels to the floor during a pre-trip check. What is the appropriate decision?
Correct answer: Have the brakes checked and repaired before normal driving.
The handbook identifies a pedal going to the floor as a reason for professional brake inspection. Working lamps do not prove the brakes are sound.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 12, physical PDF page 22: Braking system ↗
Your car has front airbags. May you wear only the shoulder part of a two-part belt?
Correct answer: No; use both the lap and shoulder portions properly.
Airbags are only part of the protection system. Using only one portion of a two-part belt greatly reduces protection.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 19, physical PDF page 29: Safety belts and airbags ↗
Before driving, how should you position the head restraint?
Correct answer: Adjust it so it can support the back of your head.
The restraint is intended to reduce whiplash in a rear impact. It should be adjusted for the person actually occupying the seat.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 19, physical PDF page 29: Head restraints ↗
Which Montana high-beam dimming distances apply to an oncoming vehicle and a vehicle you are following?
Correct answer: Within 1,000 feet oncoming and within 500 feet following.
The current statute uses different distances for meeting and following. Lower the beam before it dazzles the other driver.
Source: Montana Code Annotated 2025, 61-9-221, subsections (1) and (2); current official text reviewed September 29, 2026 ↗
Blowing dust reduces the distance at which vehicles can be seen to about 400 feet in daylight. What is required?
Correct answer: Turn on the headlights and adjust speed for the limited view.
The handbook requires headlights when weather or blowing dust reduces visibility below 500 feet. Headlights also help other drivers see your car.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 14, physical PDF page 24: Headlight use and visibility ↗
