Planning to get a driver’s license in Idaho?
Then it’s important to know the different types of driver’s license classes in the state.
It’s even more important to know how to get each type of license class.
This is why, here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on the Idaho driver’s license classes. We’ll describe each license class in detail, as well as give you the steps on how to get each one.
This way, you can identify which class you need and how to get it.
So are you ready?
Let’s begin!
What are the Driver’s License Classes in Idaho?
In Idaho, there are 5 driver’s license classes, namely:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
- Class D
- Class M
Let’s get into the details of each license class.
Class A
A Class A license is a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license class can operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. The towed item should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B
As for a Class B license, it is also a CDL used to operate single or combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. The difference is that, if towing an item, it should not weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
Class C
Here’s another commercial license. Class C CDLs can operate a vehicle that doesn’t fall into the Class A or Class B descriptions. In other words, it can operate vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,0001 pounds and tow an item of less than 10,000 pounds.
It is also used for commercial vehicles that can carry 16 or more passengers or vehicles that have placards to transport hazardous materials.
Class D
A Class D license is given to operate non-commercial vehicles. As you might guess, this is considered a regular driver’s license as it is what private car owners have.
Class M
A Class M code allows riders to operate motorcycles (tractors and mopeds NOT included) on highways.
Now, Class M isn’t a license by itself. It’s more of an endorsement. So you need to have a Class A, B, C, or D driver’s license before you can apply for a Class M endorsement.
How to Get A Class D License in Idaho
Since Class D is the most common driver’s license in Idaho, it’s required to get the other licenses. Yes, you need a Class D license in order to get a Class A, B, C, or M license.
So whether you want to drive your own vehicle, or get any of these other classes, you need a Class D license.
And we’re going to show you how to get it.
Now, if you’re below 18 years old, you need to follow Idaho’s Graduated Driver’s License Program, which has 3 stages:
- Instruction permit
- Underage driver’s license
- Full driver’s license
Let’s go over these stages.
Instruction Permit
Here’s how to get an instruction permit in Idaho:
- Prepare the following documents:
- Proof of legal name, age, and birth
- Proof of residency in Idaho
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the country
- Social Security Card
- Proof of secondary education (high school diploma or GED diploma). If currently enrolled, show proof of enrollment
- Submit these documents to the nearest licensing office. Make sure to bring your parent or legal guardian with you, too.
- Your parent or legal guardian will be asked to sign a consent form.
- Fill up the application form. You can find this at the licensing office.
- Take and pass a vision exam.
- Pay the knowledge exam fee of $5 and the instruction permit fee of $20
- Take and pass the knowledge exam
- Have your photo taken
- Receive your temporary instruction permit. The plastic permit will arrive via mail within 3 weeks
With an instruction permit, you can now practice driving. However, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times.
Underage Driver’s License
Once you’ve held your instruction permit for 180 days, completed an approved driver’s education, and have 50 hours of driving practice (10 hours at night), you can already apply for an underage driver’s license.
Now, this is not yet your full driver’s license. It still has some restrictions, such as:
- You are not allowed to carry more than 1 passenger that is not part of your immediate family and is younger than 17 years old. That said, this restriction will be removed once you turn 17 years old.
- If you are younger than 16, you can only drive during the day. If you must drive at night, a licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the front seat at all times.
Here are the steps to get an underage driver’s license in Idaho:
- Bring the following documents to the licensing office:
- Certificate of Completion of a driver’s education course
- Certificate of writing that you completed 50 hours of practiced driving
- Filled up application form (you can find this at the DMV office)
- Proof of legal name, age, and birth
- Proof of residency in Idaho
- Proof of legal presence in the US or lawful presence
- Social Security Card
- Pay a fee of $6.50
- Schedule an appointment for your skills exam with a Skills Test Examiner near you
- Take and pass the skills exam
- Pay the test examiner $28.50 for the skills exam
- Go back to your licensing office, surrender your instruction permit, and get your temporary underage driver’s license. Your official underage driver’s license will be mailed to you in 3 weeks
Full Driver’s License
Once you turn 18, you can already apply for a full driver’s license. Here’s how to do it:
- If you have an underage license, visit your licensing office and request to get a full driver’s license within 5 days from turning 18.
If you’re 18 and applying for the first time, these are the steps:
- Prepare the following documents before going to your nearest DMV office:
- Proof of legal name, age, and birth.
- Proof of residency in Idaho
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the country
- Social Security Card
- Fill up the application form for a driver’s license at the DMV office.
- Take and pass the vision test
- Pay $5 for the knowledge exam
- Take and pass the knowledge exam
- Pay $6.50 for the skills exam
- Schedule a skills exam appointment with a Skills Test Examiner
- Take and pass the skills exam. Make sure to provide your own vehicle, its registration and liability insurance, as well as a photo ID and receipt for the $6.50 payment to the licensing office
- Pay the remaining $28.50 to the Test Examiner
- Go back to the licensing office and pay the license fee (see fee table below), have your photo taken, and receive your temporary full driver’s license. You will receive your plastic license within 3 weeks via mail.
| Driver’s license validity: | Fee: |
| 1-year license (17 years old) | $20 |
| 3-year license (under 18 years old) | $30 |
| 3-year license (aged 18 to 21 years old) | $30 |
| 1-year license (20 years old) | $20 |
| 4-year license (aged 21 years old and older) | $35 |
| 8-year license (aged 21 to 62 years old) | $60 |
How to Get A Class A, B, and C License in Idaho
Just like the Class D license, you need to pass a few stages before getting a CDL in Idaho. These stages are:
- Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Commercial Learner’s Permit
Here’s how to get a CLP in Idaho:
- Complete a Self-Certification online. You can also do this at the licensing office.
- Bring the following documents to a DMV licensing office:
- Valid Class D driver’s license
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence in Idaho
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the country
- Social Security Card
- Completed Medical Examiner Certificate
- Pay the written exam fee of $5 per exam
- Take and pass the written exam. You can download and review the CDL Handbook. The contents will be part of the written exam.
- Pay $29 for the CLP fee
- Receive your CLP
Commercial Driver’s License
After 14 days of holding your CLP and completing an Entry-Level Driver Training (if applicable), you can already apply for a CDL.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Schedule your skills exam at a certified Skill Test Examiner. NOTE: if you can’t provide your own vehicle that fits your CDL class, you can rent these vehicles in some examiner locations
- Submit these documents to the test examiner:
- Valid driver’s license
- CLP
- Certificate of Completion for the ELDT
- Vehicle insurance (if applicable)
- Vehicle registration (if applicable)
- Pay the fees. The cost will depend on the examiner and your CDL class. However, it doesn’t go over $190, unless you are renting a vehicle.
- Take and pass the skills exam.
- Go to a DMV licensing office and pay the remaining skills exam fee of $10 and your CDL fee (see table below for prices).
- Get your CDL
| CDL validity | Fee: |
| 1-year (20 years old): | $15 |
| 3-year (18 to 21 years old): | $30 |
| 4-year (21 years old and above): | $40 |
How to Get A Class M Endorsement in Idaho
Before getting a Class M endorsement, you need to apply for a motorcycle instruction permit (MIP) first.
To get a MIP, follow these steps:
- Download and review the Motorcycle Operator Manual
- Go to your licensing office and pay $3 for the written exam
- Take and pass the written exam
Once you pass the written exam, you will be given the MIP. This will allow you to operate a motorcycle but only during daylight.
Your MIP is valid for 12 months. Within this period, you can apply for a Class M endorsement. Here’s how to do it:
- Schedule a skills test with a Skills Test Examiner
- Pay $25 for the skills test
- Take and pass the skills test
- Go to a licensing office, pay the fee of $15, and get your Class M endorsement
Conclusion
That was your complete guide to the Idaho driver’s license classes.
Now you know what each class is used for. Plus, you know all the requirements and steps on how to get each license type.
Whichever license you need, remember you first have to get a Class D license. From there, you can go through the steps to getting your Class A, B, C, or M license/endorsement.
So shat are you waiting for?
You should pick your license class and start working towards it right away!
Good luck!