61-5-151. Entry-level driver training -- requirements -- responsibilities of department of transportation. (1) The department of transportation:

(a) shall develop and implement an entry-level driver training program, including theory and behind-the-wheel training, that complies with federal requirements for class A and class B commercial driver's licenses, excluding endorsements;

(b) shall make available to the public the entry-level driver training program provided for in subsection (1)(a), which must be free of cost to Montana residents eligible to receive a commercial driver's license and must be available in each of the transportation commission districts established in 2-15-2502;

(c) may utilize various formats of entry-level driver trainings, including in-person training and asynchronous or synchronous virtual training; and

(d) may coordinate with other state agencies or organizations to develop and implement entry-level driver training.

(2) An entry-level driver training program developed by the department of transportation must include use of facilities, vehicles, and instructors sufficient to issue a commercial driver's license.

(3) The department of transportation may establish rules for the development and administration of an entry-level driver training program.