Idaho DMV Permit Test FAQ

You must answer at least 34 of 40 questions correctly — about 85%. The Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2024) states it as "no more than 6 missed" (p.32).

If you fail, you must wait 3 days before retesting and pay the $5 knowledge-test fee again. The same 3-day wait applies to the skills test (you must pay both the county fee and the skills-test-examiner fee again) (p.32-33).

A Driver Training (DT) Permit is available at 14½ to under 17 — must be enrolled in an approved driver training program. The minimum licensing age in Idaho is 15, but drivers under 17 must first complete approved Driver Training (30 classroom + 6 BTW hours) plus the GDL supervised period (50 hours, 10 at night) over a 6-month, violation-free period. All applicants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to sign as the liability signer (p.3, 15-19, 26).

Drivers under 16 may drive only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, unless a valid licensed driver 21+ is in the front seat beside them. During the first 6 months after licensure, drivers under 17 may carry no more than ONE passenger under 17 unless related by blood, adoption, or marriage. GDL penalties for moving violations (under 17): 1st = warning letter; 2nd = 30-day suspension; 3rd+ = 60-day suspension (p.16, 125).

Drivers under 21 in Idaho are guilty of DUI at a BAC of 0.02 or more — much stricter than the adult limit. Driving under the influence is a serious offense at any age, with substantial penalties under Idaho law (p.131).

Drivers 21+: 0.08 or more. Drivers under 21: 0.02 or more. Commercial vehicle operators: 0.04 or more. A BAC of 0.20 or more carries enhanced penalties. Idaho's implied-consent law: simply by driving, you have consented to a BAC or drug test if suspected of DUI (p.131, 126).

Idaho's default in any residential, business, or urban district is 35 mph unless otherwise posted. Rural interstates: 75 mph (80 where posted). State highways: 65 mph (70 where posted). Urban interstates: 65 mph. School zones use the posted limit with increased penalties for violations (p.68-69).

Parking is prohibited within: 15 ft of a fire hydrant; 20 ft of a crosswalk; 30 ft of a stop/yield sign or traffic signal; 50 ft of railroad tracks; 20 ft of a fire station driveway. Parallel-parked vehicles must be within 18 inches of the curb. Bridges/overpasses and double-parking are always prohibited (p.80-81).

1st DUI conviction: up to 6 months jail, up to $1,000 fine, license suspended 90–180 days (no driving the first 30 days). Refusing the evidentiary BAC test brings a $250 civil penalty plus a 1-year absolute suspension. A 2nd refusal in 10 years = 2-year absolute suspension. A BAC of 0.20 or more triggers enhanced penalties (p.126-127, 131-132).

You must notify police if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,500. If you hit an unattended vehicle and cannot find the owner, leave a note with your name and phone number — and notify police if damage exceeds $1,500 or someone was injured (p.119, 121).

Yes — only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after coming to a complete stop and yielding to cross-traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it. Right-on-red is allowed at any steady red after a complete stop and yielding, except where posted otherwise. Always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk (p.73).

You must notify ITD within 30 days of an address change. New residents have 30 days after establishing residency to apply for an Idaho driver's license. Renewals are valid for 4 or 8 years (age 21+) or to the end of your lawful stay in the U.S. — whichever is less. Vision screening is required at every renewal (p.4, 29-30).