Every state has its own requirements and steps to get a driver’s license.
So it’s easy to get confused.
But if you’re from Idaho, then you’re in luck.
This is because, today, we’re going to give you a complete guide on the Idaho driver’s license requirements. We’re going to talk about every step in detail.
This way, you won’t be left with any questions. You’ll know exactly what you need to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
So shall we begin?
How to Get a Driver’s License in Idaho
Idaho has a Graduated Driver’s License Program. This program is meant to ease young applicants into the traffic rules and regulations. It also allows the state to give limitations on new drivers that are below 18 years old.
The 3 stages of the Idaho Graduated Driver’s License Program are:
- Instruction permit
- Underage driver’s license
- Full driver’s license
Let’s talk about each stage in the following sections.
How to Get an Instruction Permit in Idaho
An instruction permit, also known as a supervised instruction permit, is the first step to getting a driver’s license. This is issued to applicants who are at least 14 ½ years old to 17 ½ years old.
Now, here are the steps to get an instruction permit in Idaho:
- Prepare and bring the following documents:
- Proof of legal name, age, and birth (e.g. government ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of residency in Idaho
- Proof of legal presence in the US or lawful presence
- Social Security Card
- High school diploma, GED diploma, or proof of enrollment in any of the two
Click here to see which documents are acceptable.
- Go to the nearest DMV office and bring your parent or legal guardian with you. Click the Driver’s License / ID Card tab to see all office locations, phone numbers, addresses, and if it is appointment only or not.
- Your parent or legal guardian will be asked to sign a consent form. They should also provide proof of their relationship with you. For legal guardians, these should be guardianship documents.
- Fill up the application form to get an instruction permit. You can find the form at a DMV office.
- Take and pass the vision test.
- Pay $5 for the knowledge test and $20 for the permit.
- Take and pass the knowledge test. You can prepare for the knowledge test using the Idaho Driver’s Handbook. NOTE: if you fail the test, you are allowed to retake the exam after three days.
- Have your picture taken
- Receive your temporary instruction permit. The official plastic permit will be mailed to your home address within 3 weeks.
Once you have the instruction permit, you are allowed to practice driving as long as you are supervised by a driver’s license holder that’s at least 21 years old. Plus, this supervised driver should be in the front seat at all times.
Now, your instruction permit is valid for 180 days.
How to Get an Underage Driver’s License in Idaho
Once 180 days (6 months) have passed, you can already apply for an underage driver’s license. This license is given to those who are 15-17 years old.
Here’s how you can get one:
- Don’t have any moving traffic violations.
- Complete a state-approved driver’s education course. This includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 6 hours of in-car observation. NOTE: if you already took a driver’s ed in a different state, there’s no need to enroll in a course again.
- Complete 50 hours of practiced driving, 10 of which should be done at night. Your parent/legal guardian should certify in writing to prove this.
- Submit the following documents to a County office:
- Certificate of Completion of a driver’s education course
- Certificate of writing that you completed 50 hours of practiced driving
- Application form to get a driver’s license
- 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
Click here to see which documents are acceptable.
- Pay an initial test fee of $6.50 AND underage driver’s license fee of $20 (for 1-year validity) or $30 (for 3-year validity)
- Schedule an appointment for your skills test. To do that, find a Skills Test Examiner near you. Click the Driver’s License / ID Card tab, scroll down, select skills test, choose an office and see how to schedule.
- Take and pass the skills test. You will be using your vehicle, provided it is in good working condition, has a license plate, is registered, and has proof of liability insurance. You also need to submit a photo ID and receipt of the paid fee at the County.
- Pay the remaining test fee of $28.50 to the Skills Test Examiner.
- Go back to the licensing office and surrender your instruction permit.
- Receive your temporary underage driver’s license. The official underage driver’s license will be sent to you by mail within 3 weeks.
Now that you have an underage driver’s license, you can drive unsupervised. However, there are still some restrictions, including:
- You cannot carry more than 1 passenger that is younger than 17 years old and is not part of your immediate family. This restriction will be removed once you turn 17 years old.
- If younger than 16, you can only drive during the day. If you must drive at night, you need a supervised driver in the front seat that has a valid driver’s license and is at least 21 years old.
How to Get a Full Driver’s License in Idaho
You’re allowed to get a full driver’s license in Idaho if:
- You hold an underage driver’s license and you’ve turned 18
- You’re at least 18 years old and it’s your first time applying for a license
Let’s look at each of these in detail.
How to Get a Full Driver’s License With an Underage Driver’s License
Your underage driver’s license expires 5 days from your 18th birthday. During these 5 days, you should be able to request a full driver’s license.
You just need to go to your nearest County office and surrender your underage driver’s license and pay the license fee of $30. The office will give you your official full driver’s license that’s valid for 3 years.
How to Get a Full Driver’s License for Adults Applying for the First Time
You no longer need an instruction permit if you’re 18 years old and above applying for your first license.
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Prepare the following documents:
- Proof of legal name, age, and birth (e.g. government ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of residency in Idaho
- Proof of your legal presence in the US or US citizenship
Click here to see which documents are acceptable.
- Go to the County office and submit all your documents.
- Fill up the application form for a driver’s license.
- Take and pass the vision test.
- Pay the fee of $5 by cash, card, check, or money order for the written exam.
- Take and pass the written exam.
- Pay the skills test fee of $6.50
- Choose from the list of certified testers (for the skills test) provided by the County. Schedule an appointment with your chosen tester. You can check for testers online: click the Driver’s License / ID Card tab, scroll down, select skills test, choose an office and see how to schedule.
- Take and pass the skills test. Make sure you provide your vehicle’s registration, proof of liability insurance, as well as your photo ID, and receipt of the paid fee at the County.
- Pay the remaining skills test of $28.50 to the tester.
- Go back to the County office and:
- Surrender your instruction permit (if you have one)
- Have your photo taken
- Pay the license fee (see table below)
- Receive your temporary driver’s license. Your official full driver’s license will be mailed to you in 3 weeks.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Still got questions? Then let’s answer some of the most frequently asked ones about driver’s licenses in Idaho.
When should I transfer my driver’s license to Idaho?
Within 90 days from your move-in date to Idaho, you need to go to the County office and transfer your out-of-state license.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Idaho?
If you’re going through the Graduated Driver’s License Program, you will have to wait until you’re 18 to get your full driver’s license. So it will take a couple of years.
But if you’re already 18+, you can get your driver’s license within a month.
Do you take the written or driving test first in Idaho?
The written test comes first before the driving test.
If you’re following the Graduated Driver’s License Program, the written test is taken to get your instruction permit, while the driving test is for your underage driver’s license.
However, if you’re already 18+ and getting your first license, the written and driving test have to be taken to get a full driver’s license.
Is the Idaho driver’s test an open book?
No, the driver’s written test is not an open book. You are not allowed to bring any manuals with you to the test.
What is the driving test like in Idaho?
The driving test or road test takes about 30 minutes. This consists of a pre-drive check and an actual road test.
The pre-drive check includes identifying parts of the car. On the other hand, the road test will include driving skills like parking, lane changes, stopping, and the like.
Conclusion
That was your complete guide to the Idaho driver’s license requirements.
And now you know all the requirements and steps, what are you waiting for?
Get started today!
The sooner you start, the sooner you can drive (even if it’s just supervised).
Good luck!