Restrictions Age 17 and Under
Licensees under the age of 17 are required—during the first six months from the date the license was issued—to limit the number of passengers in the vehicle who are under the age of 17 to not more than one passenger, unless the passenger is related by blood, marriage, or adoption. This law became effective July 1, 2007 and applies to all drivers in the above category, whether or not the restriction is printed on the license.
Violation of any driver license restriction may result in an automatic 30 day
GDL TRAFFIC VIOLATION PENALTIES
As part of the Graduated Driver's License Program all drivers under the age of 17 are subject to the following moving traffic violation penalties:
First violation - Warning letter
Second violation - Minimum 30-day suspension
Third violation - Minimum 60-day suspension
These penalties are in addition to the cancellation of a Supervised Instruction Permit (SIP) during the supervised instruction period, or any other suspensions that may be ordered by a court or the department because of a traffic violation. For further information regarding suspensions and Idaho's Point Violation System, refer to the Violation Points section.
NOTE: If your SIP or driver's license gets suspended, you must pay all applicable reinstatement fees before your driving privileges can be reinstated. If your SIP has been canceled, you will have to purchase a new SIP if you are under 17 years old.
ALCOHOL/DRUG VIOLATIONS
It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating substance, or any combination of alcohol, drugs and/or any other intoxicating substances to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.
In addition, drivers under the age of 21 who have a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher while operating a motor vehicle will be subject to suspension of driving privileges for up to one year and can fined up to $1,000.00. Penalties increase for subsequent violations and/or excessive blood alcohol concentrations.
Violation of Idaho's alcohol/age laws when you are NOT driving will also cause your SIP or driver's license to be canceled or suspended. Once the court-ordered suspension period has passed and all applicable fines and reinstatement fees have been paid, the driver's license will be reinstated. If a SIP was canceled, and you are still under the age of 17, you can purchase a new SIP after you have met all reinstatement requirements.
DRIVER TRAINING
Completing and passing a driver-training program is required for anyone under 17 years old who is applying for an Idaho driver's license. An approved Idaho driver training program consists of a required 30 hours (1,800 minutes) of classroom instruction, six hours (360 minutes) of in-car observation in a driver-training car, and six hours (360 minutes) of behind-the-wheel driving with a driver training instructor. The minimum training period for students attending driver education classes through a public school is 30 days. Commercial (private) schools are not restricted to a minimum training period.
Most Idaho school districts offer driver training programs in cooperation with the Department of Education. The public school courses are open to all Idaho residents between the ages of 14 1/2 and 21, even if they are not public school students. Commercial (private) driver training courses are available to anyone 14 1/2 years of age or older.
OUT-OF-STATE DRIVER TRAINING AND LICENSES
If you are under 17 years old and have completed driver training in another state (and have not been issued a license in that state), you will be required to provide acceptable proof of driver training completion. If you are not surrendering an out-of-state license, you will also be required to complete a supervised driving period prior to licensing.
If you are under 17 years old and have an out-of-state driver's license you will not be required to provide proof of driver training and the supervised driving period will not be required. An out-of-state driver's license may be used for 90 continuous days (from the time an Idaho domicile is established) before an Idaho driver's license is required.
There are no provisions for exceptions to these requirements.
DRIVER TRAINING / SUPERVISED INSTRUCTION PERMITS
If you are under 17 years old you must have a driver training instruction permit to attend any commercial or public school driver-training program. The permits expire at age 18 for people 14 1/2 to 17 1/2 years of age; permits expire 180 days from issuance for people 17 1/2 years of age or older. The fee is not refundable. The documents required to get a driver-training permit are the same as those required for a driver's license and are listed in Chapter One of the Idaho Driver's Manual. The certified original copy of the birth certificate you provide must show mother/father for liability signer purposes.
When you have successfully completed a driver-training program, you will be eligible to begin the supervised instruction period for drivers under the age of 17 as required by Idaho's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program.
LIABILITY SIGNER
If you are under 18 years old, you need to have a birth parent or legal guardian with you at the county driver's license office to sign consent for you to be licensed. The signer assumes legal responsibility for your actions as a driver. If the liability signer is not the mother or father listed on your birth certificate, you must provide acceptable legal documents (adoption records or court guardianship documents). The identity of the liability signer will be verified. If the signer's name is different from the one appearing on your birth certificate, additional documents such as a marriage license or divorce decree may be required to verify relationship. If the liability signer cannot be present to sign the application at the county office, an acceptable power of attorney may be used. The power of attorney procedure requires additional time for mailing and processing documents.
If you are married, your spouse, who must be at least 18 years of age, may sign for you. Your spouse's age must be verified from an acceptable photo document, such as a driver's license. As long as you are under 18, the person who signs for you may withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent will cause the department to cancel your driver's license until you reach age 18 or have another acceptable liability signer.
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT OR COMPLETION
If you are under 18 years of age you will need to provide acceptable proof of enrollment and attendance in or graduation from a recognized high school or equivalent program before an instruction permit, driver-training permit or driver's license can be issued. This proof can be in the form of a verification of compliance (VOC) letter from an acceptable school or program you are attending, a high school diploma, or a general education certificate of completion. Students enrolled in a home-education program must have been enrolled in the program for at least one school year prior to the verification of attendance request unless documentation can be provided of meeting the attendance requirement for the school year immediately prior to the year in which you are enrolled in the home education program.
During the summer when schools are not in session, verification of compliance may be provided by submitting a copy of the last semester's report card. A formal verification of compliance from the school must then be provided before October 1 of the current year or the driver's training permit, SIP, or driver's license will be canceled. When your parents sign the liability statement, they must also sign a statement that you are in compliance with the school attendance provisions of Idaho Code.
UNDER-AGE DRIVER'S LICENSES
Drivers under the age of 16 who have a valid driver's license or regular instruction permit may drive only during daylight hours unless they are accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older who has a valid driver's license and is sitting in the front seat. No other passengers are allowed in the front section of the vehicle.
Licensees under the age of 17 are required - during the first six (6) months from the date the license was issued - to limit the number of passengers in the vehicle who are under the age of 17 to not more than one passenger, unless the passengers are related to the driver by blood, adoption, or marriage.
If you are:
15 to 17 years of age, your driver's license will have a vertical format with a green border around the picture and show "Under 18 until month/day/year." It will expire five days after your 18th birthday. You should not renew your driver's license before your 18th birthday unless you will be temporarily living out of state at the time of your 18th birthday.
18 to 20 years of age, your driver's license will have a vertical format with a red border around the picture and show "Under 21 until month/day/year." It will expire five days after your 21st birthday. You should not renew your driver's license before your 21st birthday unless you will be temporarily living out of state at the time of your 21st birthday.
YOUR LICENSE/ID CARD AND THE LAW
Whenever you drive, you must have your license with you. Any misuse or mutilation of your driver's license, permit, or ID card is a misdemeanor and you can be fined, sentenced to jail, and/or your license can be suspended. If your license gets worn or damaged, you need to purchase a duplicate.
For your own protection:
never lend anyone your driver's license, permit, or ID card,
never use anyone else's driver's license, permit, or ID card,
never display or possess a fraudulent/altered driver's license, permit, or ID card, and
never allow an unlicensed driver to drive your vehicle (in case of an accident, both the driver and the owner of the vehicle are responsible for damage, injury, or death when permission to drive the vehicle has been given).
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION
Federal law requires all males who are 18 to 25 years of age to register with the Selective Service System. Eligible males will have the opportunity to register when they apply for a driver's license or ID card.
Class D Instruction Permit Age 15
Allows people to practice driving a motor vehicle for 180 days when accompanied by an adult (someone who is 18 years old, or older) who holds a valid driver’s license. These permits are available if you are at least 15 years old and have successfully completed an approved or accredited driver training program and the Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program (GDL). If you have not successfully completed driver training and the GDL Program, you must pass a written knowledge test and be at least 17 years old to be issued an instruction permit.
Driver Training
An approved Idaho driver-training program consists of a required 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of classroom instruction, 360 minutes (6 hours) of incar observation in a driver-training car, and 360 minutes (6 hours) of behind the wheel driving with a driver training instructor. Driver training is required for anyone under 17 years old who is applying for an Idaho driver’s license.
The Department of Education provides approved courses through public schools. Most Idaho school districts offer driver-training programs in cooperation with the Department of Education. The courses are open to all Idaho residents between the ages of 14 1/2 and 21, even if they are not public school students. Private driver training classes are available through commercial driver training schools.
If you are under 17 years old and have completed driver training in another state (while a resident of that state) but have not been licensed in that state, you will be required to provide acceptable proof of completion of an approved driver training course from that state. If you are not surrendering an out-of-state license, you will also be required to complete a supervised driving period prior to licensing.
Driver Training / Supervised Instruction Permits
Anyone under 17 years of age must have a driver training instruction permit/supervised instruction permit to attend any public school or private driver training program. The permit expires 5 days after the permit holder’s 18th birthday. The permit expiration for people 17 ½ years of age and older is 180 days. Anyone 17 years of age or older may take driver training with either the Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permit or with the Class D Instruction Permit. The knowledge test must be passed before a Class D Instruction Permit can be issued. While you are enrolled in a driver’s training program, the Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permit is valid only to operate a vehicle with a driver training instructor.
When you have successfully completed a driver’s training program and the instructor has given you the permit, you will be eligible to begin the supervised instruction period required by Idaho’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program.
The documents required (See Below) to get a driver-training permit are the same as those required for a driver’s license and are listed below. The certified birth certificate you provide must list your mother and father for liability signer purposes. At age 18 you may apply for a Class D instruction permit without a parental liability signer.
Applicants must be 15 years old or older to take the written knowledge and skills tests. The skills test and the knowledge test may NOT be taken sooner than six (6) months from the date you complete the driver's training course or age 17, whichever comes first. If you fail the written and/or the skills test, you must wait three days before retesting for each failure.
Vision Screening
Your vision will be tested and you must meet a minimum standard of 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts during the vision screening, a lens restriction will be placed on your driver’s license. If a lens restriction is placed on your driver’s license, you must always wear your glasses or contacts when operating a vehicle or you could be
cited and lose your driving privileges for a period of time.
Written Knowledge Test
If you are a new applicant or your Idaho driver’s license has been expired for one year or more, you will be tested on your knowledge of Idaho traffic laws, highway signs by shape and symbol, traffic signals, pavement markings, and equipment required on motor vehicles. All of the information needed to pass the written test for a class D license or instruction permit is included in this manual.
The written test consists of forty (40) questions and you are allowed to miss six questions to pass the test. No aids (written, audio, or electronic) are allowed to be used while taking the written test. The test is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Russian, SerboCroatian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
IF YOU FAIL A WRITTEN AND/OR SKILLS TEST, YOU MUST WAIT THREE DAYS TO RETEST. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO PAY THE TEST FEES AGAIN TO RETAKE ANYWRITTEN ORSKILLSTESTS.
Skills Test
The skills test evaluates your ability to drive a vehicle safely, demonstrate good driving habits, and obey traffic laws in a variety of driving situations. You must pass the written test (if required) and obtain a receipt showing you have paid the county portion of the skills test fee to the county for the skills test. A skills test is required for any applicant:
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who has never been licensed before,
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who has completed driver’s training and the supervised instruction period,
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whose license has been expired for one year or more,
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whose vision does not meet minimum standards, or
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who presents or surrenders a driver’s license issued by a foreign country, except Germany.
A skills test may also be required for any applicant:
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having any mental or physical impairment that might affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle, or
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when an examiner has concerns about the applicant’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, regardless of prior license, experience, or age.
To schedule a skills test, you need to make an appointment with a certified skills tester. A list of skills testers in your area will be provided by the driver’s license office when you make application. You must pay the skills tester portion of the fee directly to the tester.
Your skills test will take about 30 minutes to complete. The test consists of two parts: the pre-drive check and the driving test. It is important to make sure the vehicle you bring to the skills test has valid proof of insurance, is properly registered, is in good running condition, and is clean and safe to operate. You must also have authorization to use it if it does not belong to you.
Unless you have valid driving privileges, you should come to the skills test in a vehicle driven by a licensed driver. You will not have driving privileges allowing you to drive at any other time until your driver’s license is issued.
Pre-drive check
During this part of the test, you will be asked to locate and/or demonstrate the items listed below to determine your knowledge and that the equipment is in good working order:
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Tires, they must have at least 1/32” of tread on them
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Brakes, including the emergency brake
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Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals in both the front and back
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Windshield and wipers
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Defroster
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Gauges
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Seat Belts
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Horn
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Rear view mirror(s)
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Driver window in good working order
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Emergency flashers
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Passenger door; must open and close
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Arm signals for stopping and signaling to turn
Driving test
During this part of the skills test, you will demonstrate your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and obey traffic laws while performing the following maneuvers:
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Street parking and backing
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Parking lot driving
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Business and residential driving
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Freeway or highway driving
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Four right turns and four left turns
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Eight intersections
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Driving through a curve
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Lane changes
You will be tested on proper traffic checks, speed, acceleration and deceleration, starting and stopping distances, lane position, and vehicle spacing. You will fail the skills test if you cannot successfully complete the pre-drive check or if you accumulate more than 15 errors. You will fail the skills test immediately for any collision or near collision, any dangerous action, a serious or persistent violation of law, or lack of cooperation. If you fail the skills test you must wait three days before retesting. You will need to get another receipt from the county and pay another skills test fee to the tester. You are not required to retest with the same tester and may retest with any tester you choose.
No passengers or pets are permitted in the vehicle during the test. Car phones or cellular phones must be turned off or disconnected. Loose or valuable items should not be in the vehicle during the test.
When you have passed your skills test, the tester will give you a sealed envelope containing your test results. Do not open the envelope—if you do, the county will not accept your test results.
Fee
Instruction Permit (IP) - $15.00
Knowledge Test - $3.00
Skills Test ($6.50 paid at County, $17.50 to Skills Tester) - $24.00
Driver Training Instruction Permit**/SIP - $15.00
Click Here for Latest Fees
Documents Needed
Idaho considers new applicants to be individuals who either
(1) have never been licensed in Idaho or any other state or jurisdiction,
(2) are returning to daho after getting a driver’s license or ID card in another state or jurisdiction,
(3) is surrendering a license from another jurisdiction, or
(4) their Idaho driver’s license is expired for one year or more.
If you are a new applicant for a driver’s license, instruction permit, identity card, or driver training permit, you are required to provide the following to
the driver’s license examiner: