How to Get Your Idaho Driver’s License in 2023 (Step-by-Step Guide)

As a teenager or young adult, receiving your driver’s license is a symbol of freedom and independence that you won’t experience until after childhood. This process involves a few steps but is not overly complicated if you know what you’re doing.

Similar to many states, Idaho requires teenagers to complete the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program in order to receive full driving privileges statewide. This gives younger drivers ample experience under controlled and supervised conditions before hitting the road alone.

In this guide, we’ll go through all the steps to getting your Idaho driver’s license!

Step 1: Apply for Supervised Instruction Permit

Step 2: Enroll in Driver’s Education

Step 3: Complete Supervised Driving Requirements

Step 4: Obtain your Underage Driver’s License

Step 5: Apply for your Unrestricted Driver’s License

Step 1: Apply for Supervised Instruction Permit

The first step towards getting your driver’s license is to get your permit.

• You need to be at least 14 years and 6 months old to apply.
• Everyone under the age of 17 are required to obtain the Supervised Instruction Permit (SIP).
• You need to apply in person at an Idaho DMV office.
• You need parental consent and proof of secondary school. enrollment/completion before you can obtain the SIP.
• You will need to drive under supervision, among other restrictions.

If you would like to know more about this part of the licensing process, we recommend that you read our in-depth Idaho learner’s permit guide.

Step 2: Enroll in Driver’s Education

Taking an approved driver’s education class is the next step towards gaining your full Idaho driver’s license. If you attend a public school in the state, your campus may offer an in-person driver’s education class free of charge. Private school students or those attending high schools that do not offer driver’s ed are eligible to take a number of DMV approved courses throughout the state. This class must consist of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction, and 6 hours of in-car observation.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Driving Requirements

As the name suggests, supervised driving requirements are also mandated for those holding a Supervised Instruction Permit. We recommend practicing with a parent or sibling over the age of 21, as they’ll be able to supervise and provide feedback in a way that is familiar to you. You must complete 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving as part of this requirement.

As mentioned earlier, you will also need to hold your Idaho driver’s permit for at least six months after completion of driver’s education or up until your 17th birthday.

Step 4: Obtain your Underage Driver’s License

After holding your permit for the required amount of time, you will be eligible for applying for your Underage Driver’s License, also known as the Idaho Class D driver’s license. This license allows you to operate a motor vehicle with a bit more freedom than a SIP, but still comes with restrictions.

How to Get Your Underage Driver’s License

You must meet these requirements to obtain your underage driver’s license in Idaho:

• You are at least 15 years of age
• You have held a SIP for at least 6 months
• You have completed 50 hours of behind the wheel practice (including 10 hours of nighttime driving)
• You have not committed any traffic violations during your 6 month SIP period

You’ll need to apply for your underage driver’s license at your local Idaho DMV. You’ll need to bring the following documents with you.

• Proof of Idaho residency
• Proof of US citizenship and/or legal presence
• Proof of age and identity (two forms)
• Proof of social security
• Proof of completed Driver’s Education course
• Proof of school enrollment

A parent or legal guardian will be required to accompany you in order to obtain your underage drivers’ license. You will also be assessed a $15 driver’s license fee, $17.50 testing fee, and $6.50 administrative fee.

Pass Required Tests

At this point, you will also be required to pass two tests:

1. The Idaho knowledge exam covering important information about Idaho road signs, traffic laws, and other core driving concepts
2. The road exam to prove your practical driving skills to the DMV. This exam will be taken with a certified skills tester

You’ll receive an underage driver’s license after passing both exams. On your 18th birthday, you’ll be allowed to upgrade your license to an unrestricted Idaho driver’s license!

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You can also try our free Idaho practice tests to see what you need to study.

Step 5: Apply for an Unrestricted Idaho Driver’s License

If you have completed the Idaho GDL, you will simply need to upgrade to an unrestricted license at your local DMV.

How to Get an Unrestricted License as an Adult

If you’re an adult driver over the age of 17 who has never previously held a driver’s license, this part is for you!

To begin the process, you’ll need to visit your local Idaho DMV in order to complete a driver’s license application form and provide the necessary documentation:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of birthdate
• Proof of social security
• Proof of US Citizenship and/or lawful presence
• Proof of Idaho residential address

At this time, you’ll be required to complete three tests: the vision exam, the knowledge exam, and the driving skills test.

Vision Test

The vision test is assessed to ensure your eyesight is suitable to operate a motor vehicle. You must meet a minimum standard of 20/40 in at least one eye.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test assesses a driver’s ability to identify road signs, as well as their understanding of traffic laws within the state. While this test does not require an appointment, you will want to make sure you have ample practice before sitting for the exam. There are 40 questions and you must answer 34 correctly to pass.

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Skills Test

The driving skills test is often known as one of the more difficult parts of the driver’s license application process. You will take the driving skills portion of the exam with a certified skills tester within the state of Idaho.

How To Get an Idaho Driver’s License as a New Resident

Welcome to the state! If you’re under 17 and moving to Idaho, you must apply for a new driver’s license, whether you obtained one in your previous state or not. However, if you completed driver’s education as part of the licensing process, you will not be required to repeat this course in Idaho.

Adult drivers moving to Idaho will need to transfer their license within 90 days of establishing residency within the state. If you haven’t gotten around to getting a driver’s license start at Step 5!

That’s it! That’s all you need to get an Idaho driver’s license! While the process is a bit lengthy, especially for teens, it ensures that everybody is fully prepared to exhibit safe driving techniques while traveling streets and highways. Be sure to reference this guide early and often on your journey to receive your license!