How to get an Idaho Drivers License

Idaho Driver's License Guidelines
How to Prepare for the Written Exam
Required ID and Paperwork

ID Driver's License Rules and Requirements

Find out the steps to get your ID drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.

Try Sample Test!

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.

Get your ID Driver's Permit

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 (Supervised Instruction Permit) which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.

Once you receive a valid supervised instruction permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive an ID driver's license. Applicants under 17 must have held a learners permit for 6 months, complete an approved driver training program and present a certificate of completion for the required 50 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.

Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test

The Idaho DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.

All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Idaho practice test now and test your driving knowledge.

New Idaho 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. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you are required to be licensed in Idaho within 30 days of residing in Idaho. 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 for up to one year from the date of arrival. It is suggested that you also carry an International Driving Permit issued by officials in your country of residence. 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.

Required Paperwork

Before you head to the Idaho IDT 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, you will receive your new:

Restricted Driver's License (15 years to 18 years of age) valid for 3 years.
Full Driver's License (18 years to 21 years of age) valid for 3 years.
Full Driver's License (18 years to 21 years of age) 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.