How to get an Idaho Driver's License
Find out how to get a new ID driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Idaho DMV guide.
The Rules
Under ID DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for an Idaho Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Idaho Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license or your license has been expired for more than a year, you will need to apply for an Idaho learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an ID drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 4 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 50 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New ID Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Idaho driver's license within 90 days of establishing a permanent residence in ID. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an ID driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
If your out-of-state driver's license expired more than one year ago, you will be required to pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.
International Drivers
Idaho honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit. Once you establish residency in Idaho, you must apply for an Idaho driver's license and pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Idaho DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class D Driver's License will be valid for 8 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
