Idaho

Yes. Idaho uses a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which gives you certain driving privileges over a period of time.

If you're 17 years old, you can ONLY drive with one passenger under 17 years old, unless they are an immediate family member. This restriction lasts the first 6 months you hold your license.

If you're 16 or younger, the following restrictions also apply:

• You can only drive along during the day.
  • Night driving MUST be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
• No passengers, other than the supervising driver, are allowed in the front seat.

What happens after you pass your ID road test depends on your age.

• If you're under 18: You'll be granted your Idaho underage provisional license.
  • This is valid until 5 days after you turn 18.
• If you're 18 or older: You're granted your full Idaho driver's license.

If you're under 16 years old, and driving on your supervised instruction permit, you will ONLY be allowed to drive with a certified driving instructor.

If you're 16 years old, and driving on your Idaho instruction permit, you can ONLY drive with someone who has their license and is at least 21 years old.

If you're 17 years old, you will only be able to have ONE passenger under 17 years old, unless they are a blood relative. This restriction applies to the first 6 months of driving.

No. Your photo will be taken at whichever ID DMV office you go to when you're issued your permit.

Once you get your Idaho instruction permit, you will be able to drive with anyone who is at least 21 years old and fully licensed.

To apply for your Idaho driver's license, you'll need to:

• Complete an approved Driver's Ed course.
• Log at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving.
  • At least 10 hours must be at night.
• Have your instruction permit for at least 6 months.
• Have a parent or guardian present to sign a consent form, if applicable.

You can then apply for your license by:

• Passing:
  • A vision test.
  • Your written test.
  • The driving skills test.
• Bringing all the appropriate documents.
• Paying the appropriate fees.

After you've completed all this, you'll be issued your Idaho driver's license.

You'll have to apply at a participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Idaho DMV.

If you're over 18, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identification and age.
• Lawful status in the U.S.
• Idaho address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your learner's permit when you're under 18 years old in Idaho, you'll need:

• Proof of your:
  • Identification.
  • Age.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Idaho address.
  • School enrollment.
  • Social Security number.
• Your Driver's Ed course completion certificate.
• A driving log, with at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.

A parent or legal guardian must also be present to sign a consent form for you.

If you're under 18, to apply for your Idaho license, you'll need to:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass an approved Driver's Ed course.
• Log at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
  • At least 10 hours must be completed at night.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass the knowledge and driving skills exams.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Legal status in the United States.
  • Idaho residency.
  • Social Security number.
  • School enrollment.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

To get your driver's license in Idaho if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Prove your:
  • Identity.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Idaho residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pass a:
  • Vision test.
  • Written knowledge exam.
  • Driving test.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to practice on your instruction permit for at least 6 months before you can take your driving skills test.

If you're 18 years old or older, you can schedule your road test as soon as you successfully pass your written exam.

If your license was suspended, but you still need to drive, you can apply for a restricted driving permit.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the ID road test.

The Idaho DMV requires all license applicants to demonstrate “essential driving skills” on their driving skills test, including:

• Safe commercial and residential driving.
• Driving around curves.
• Successfully navigating intersections, including:
  • Controlled.
  • Uncontrolled.
  • Railroad crossings.
  • Roundabouts.
• Safe highway driving.
• Navigating parking lots.
• The ability to perform the following:
  • U-turns.
  • Right- and left-hand turns.
  • Lane changes.
  • Parking lot parking.
  • Parallel parking.

You'll also be tested on your ability to appropriately handle the vehicle, including:

• Acceleration/deceleration.
• General attentiveness.
• Stopping safely.
• Stopping in different situations (i.e. at a gas station).
• Knowing who has the right-of-way.
• Keeping the proper distance behind other drivers.
• Speed control.
• Steering control.

The driving instructor may also ask you to perform additional tasks.

Idaho has a number of Critical Driving Errors (CDEs) that will automatically fail you on your driving skills test, including:

• Dangerous actions.
• Disobeying emergency or safety vehicles.
• Disobeying police or safety personnel.
• Not following traffic signs or signals.
• Driving onto the curb or sidewalk.
• Disobeying the driving instructor.
• Speeding.
• Parking more than 18” from the curb when street parking.
• Failing to perform the same skill 5 or more times.
• Hitting any objects while driving.
• Not changing lanes appropriately.

Of course, these are situations you wouldn't want to be involved in anyway. But the biggest tip is to practice – and remain calm. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to drive.

You can be accompanied by anyone to your driving exam. If you are driving there, however, and on your instruction permit, you may only bring other licensed passengers 21 years old or older.

Before you take your skills test, your vehicle will be inspected by the skills test examiner.

All of the following must meet Idaho Code and Transportation Department standards in order to qualify:

• Passenger door.
• Passenger safety belt.
• Rear view/side view mirrors.
• Windshield.
  • No cracks or obstructions allowed.
• Tires.
  • Must have 2/32” or more of tread.
• Dashboard gauges and lights.

Other equipment that will be checked includes:

• Brakes.
• Headlights.
• Brake lights.
• Tail lights.
• Turn signals.
• Horn.
• Muffler.
• Fender and flaps.

You may also NOT take the skills exam in:

• A dealership vehicle.
• A rented vehicle.

Idaho driving skills tests are administered through third-party contractors. To find a listing, visit the Idaho DMV website.

Currently, the cost of driving permits and licenses in Idaho are:

• $15 for an instruction permit.
• $3 for the knowledge test.
• $35 for the driving skills test.
• $15 for a 1-year license (age 17).
• $15 for a 1-year license (age 20).
• $25 for a 3-year license (age 17-21).
• $30 for a 4-year license (age 21 and older).
• $55 for an 8-year license (age 21 to 62).

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.

The Idaho Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local ID DMV office for a copy.

In Idaho, you must be at least:

• 14 Âœ years old to apply for your supervised instruction permit.
• 15 years old to apply for your underage license.
• 18 years old to apply for your full Idaho driver's license.

Currently, the cost of driving permits and licenses in Idaho are:

• $15 for an instruction permit.
• $3 for the knowledge test.
• $35 for the driving skills test.
• $15 for a 1-year license (age 17).
• $15 for a 1-year license (age 20).
• $25 for a 3-year license (age 17-21).
• $30 for a 4-year license (age 21 and older).
• $55 for an 8-year license (age 21 to 62).

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Idaho driving permit.

No. The Idaho written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the Idaho Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

To get your supervised instruction permit (SIP) in Idaho, you'll need to bring the following documents to the DMV:

• Proof of your:
  • Idaho residency.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Age.
  • Identity.
  • School enrollment.
• Your Social Security card or proof of SSN.
• The appropriate SIP fee.

There will also be a consent form that must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

To upgrade to your instruction permit (when you take your knowledge test), you'll have to return to the DMV and bring:

• Proof of completing an approved Driver's Ed course.
• Your SIP.
• The same identifying documents.

To apply for an Idaho supervised instruction permit, you must be at least 14 1/2 years old.

To apply for an Idaho supervised instruction permit (SIP), you'll have to be at least 14 1/2 years old.

Schedule an appointment with your closest participating ID DMV office, and bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Idaho address.
  • School enrollment.
• A parent or legal guardian.
  • They must sign a consent form on your behalf.
• The appropriate fee.

At this point, you'll be issued your SIP. To upgrade it to an instruction permit, you'll have to complete an approved Driver's Ed course. Then, return to the DMV and:

• Bring:
  • Proof of completing the course.
  • The proper identifying documents.
• Successfully pass:
  • A vision test.
  • The written knowledge exam.

At this point, you'll be granted your instruction permit.

The Idaho written driver's exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Subjects may include (but are not limited to):

• Idaho traffic laws.
• Highway signs by shape and symbol.
• Traffic signals.
• Pavement markings.
• Driving equipment.

All questions will be sourced directly from the Idaho Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes.

You'll have to apply for your Idaho supervised instruction permit (SIP) BEFORE you enroll in an approved Driver's Ed course. But you'll need to complete this course in order to apply for your underage driver's license.

Reading the Idaho Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test at the same appointment as your written exam in order to get your permit.

No. A medical physical exam is not required to get a regular Idaho driver's license.

You'll need to arrive with a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor who can sign a consent form on your behalf.

You can contact the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles by email, phone, or regular mail. Details can be found on the ID DMV's website.

You can apply for a supervised instruction permit in Idaho when you're 14 1/2 years old.

When driving on your supervised instruction permit, you will ONLY be able to drive with a certified driving instructor.

When driving on your Idaho instruction permit, if you're 16 or younger, you will only be able to drive with:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

When driving with your underage license in Idaho, restrictions include:

• Only one passenger under 17 years old who's not a blood relative.
  • This restriction applies for the first 6 months you hold your license.
• No driving alone at night, unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.

To apply for an Idaho restricted driving permit, you'll have to:

• Fill out the restricted driving permit application.
• Provide proof of valid liability insurance in your name.
• Complete and sign a Driver's Agreement.
• Have an employer or school administrator help you complete a Work and/or School Verification for Restricted Driving Permit.
• Pay a:
  • License reinstatement fee.
  • Restricted Driving Permit fee.

Not every driver with a suspended license in Idaho may qualify for the permit. It's best to consult with your lawyer or directly with the Idaho DMV for details more specific to your case.

If you're under 18 years old, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form on your behalf when applying for your permit.

Otherwise, you will have to fill out the Idaho driver's license application, which will be given to you at the DMV.

To get a driver's license in Idaho, you'll have to pass:

• A vision test.
• The written knowledge exam.
• The driving skills test.

If you're younger than 18 years old, you will also have to:

• Pass an approved Driver's Ed course.
• Log at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
  • At least 10 hours must be compelted at night.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to complete an approved Driver's Ed course before you can apply for your instruction permit.

Before you can apply for your Idaho instruction permit, you must be at least 14 œ years old.

If you're driving on a supervised instruction permit, you will also need to pass an approved Driver's Ed course before you can upgrade to an instruction permit.

To be eligible for an Idaho instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 14 Âœ years old.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Legal status in the United States.
  • Idaho residency.
  • Social Security number.
  • School enrollment, if under 18 years old.
• Pass:
  • An approved Driver's Ed course.
  • A vision test.
  • The written knowledge exam.

Yes. You'll have to pass another vision test before the state will renew your license.

Yes. You can renew your Idaho driver's license by mail once every 8 years, if:

• There are no major changes, including your address or name.
• You contact the DMV to request the appropriate forms and application.

Yes. Idaho driver's licenses can be renewed online, as long as:

• You are NOT applying for a name change.
• You are between 21 and 69 years old.

To renew your Idaho driver's license, you'll simply need:

• Your current, valid license.
• The appropriate renewal fee.

If you're changing your name, you will also have to bring additional documentation proving your new name.

Most people can renew their Idaho driver's license online.

You can also renew your ID license through the mail, once every 8 years, if you contact the DMV to receive the appropriate paperwork.

It's also possible to renew your license in person at the ID DMV if you schedule an appointment.

You can renew your Idaho driver's license up to 25 months before it's set to expire.

Currently, it costs $30 to renew your Idaho license.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the ID DMV for the most up-to-date information.

Yes. The following people may be permitted to join you, if they are at least 18 years old and sign a liability waiver:

• One parent or legal guardian (if you are under 18 years old).
• A translator, if deemed necessary.
• A law enforcement officer, if deemed necessary.
• A religious missionary companion.

You can take the Idaho written exam as many times as you need to in order to pass.

If you fail your driving knowledge test, you'll have to wait at least 3 days before you can reschedule and pay another knowledge test fee. It may be helpful to study in the meantime, using a free practice test or the Idaho Driver's Manual itself.

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Idaho address.
  • Social Security number.
  • School enrollment, if you're under 18 years old.
• A certificate of completion for an approved Driver's Ed course.
• A parent, legal guardian or authorized driving instructor, if you're under 18 years old.
• The instruction permit fee.

The Idaho written permit test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that will quiz you on:

• Idaho traffic laws.
• Highway signs by shape and symbol.
• Traffic signals.
• Pavement markings.
• Driving equipment.

Although you can retake the test, this costs time and money, so it's a good idea to practice beforehand.

Yes. You can schedule your Idaho knowledge test through the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Some ID DMV locations are open on Saturdays, but not all. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles office.

If you have special needs, such as if you are blind, you can arrange alternate formats with the ID DMV. Make sure the Idaho DMV is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

You can schedule your test directly with your third-party contractor. More information can be found on the ID DMV website.

In the Idaho Graduated Driver's License system, you start out with your supervised instruction permit (SIP). After getting this credential, you must:

• Complete an approved Driver's Ed course.
• Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice.
  • 10 hours must be at night.
• Successfully pass:
  • A vision exam.
  • The written knowledge test.

You'll then be issued your instruction permit. You must practice on this for at least 6 months, or until you turn 17, whichever comes first.

You'll then be eligible to apply for your underage license.

You take your Idaho knowledge test at a participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Not all ID DMV centers offer knowledge tests. Your best bet is to find an appropriate location online.

If you failed your ID road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Idaho driving skills test, you will have to wait 3 days before you can try again.

Yes.

If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 3 days before retaking your Idaho knowledge test, and pay another knowledge test fee.

In the meantime, you may want to study with a free practice test!

If you don't pass your written test in Idaho, you will not be issued your permit. You must retake and pass the written test in order to move on.

Taking a free practice test may be a helpful way to make sure you pass next time!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Idaho, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license, as long as the license is valid and in good standing.

If you're in the state for a temporary living situation, including for school, seasonal housing, or active military duty, you do not need an Idaho license and should be able to drive on your out-of-state license.

(If you do plan on relocating to Idaho, however, you have 90 days after you move to switch your license.)

Yes. You may drive in Idaho on your out-of-state driver's permit, as long as you:

• Are at least 15 years old.

AND

• Obey all the related rules and restrictions of your home state.

As long as your license is valid and in good standing (that is, not expired, revoked or suspended), knowledge and road tests are waived.

To transfer your out-of-state license to an Idaho license, you will simply need to bring:

• The proper identifying documents.
• A license transfer fee.

If your license is not valid, you will need to reapply for your license through the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles.

If you're relocating to Idaho from out-of-state, you have 90 days to switch over your license.

The Idaho written exam consists of 40 questions, and you must answer at least 34 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 40 total questions on the Idaho permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

Yes. If you're under 18 years old, you will need a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

The Idaho written knowledge exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 6 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

Idaho requires all motorists are required to carry:

• Liability insurance that covers at least:
  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability coverage for at least $15,000.
• Uninsured motorist coverage for at least:
  • $25,000 per person.
  • $50,000 per accident.