A step-by-step guide to getting your Idaho Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
Idaho's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is required for anyone licensed before age 17. It has three stages: a Driver Training (DT) Permit at age 14½ (drive only with the instructor), a Supervised Instruction Permit (SIP) period (drive only with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat), and finally a Class D license at age 15 with restrictions until 17. All applicants under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to sign as the liability signer (Idaho Driver's Handbook, p.15-19, 26).
Minimum age: 14½. Must be enrolled in an approved driver training program (30 classroom + 6 BTW hours). Fee: $21.50. Drive only with the instructor.
After completing DT. Hold for at least 6 months, violation-free, while accumulating 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). Drive only with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat.
At age 15. Drive 5 a.m.–10 p.m. only (unless 21+ adult in front seat). Fee: $30 (3-year, age under 18). Valid until 5 days after 18th birthday.
You must be at least 14½ years old and enrolled in an Idaho-approved driver training program. The DT permit allows you to attend any public school or private driver training program.
Idaho driver's licenses, ID cards, and instruction permits are issued through county sheriff's driver license offices. Find office locations and phone numbers at itd.idaho.gov/dmv (click on the Driver's License/ID Cards tab).
Bring proof of identity, lawful presence, Idaho residency, and Social Security number. All applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the liability statement, plus a Verification of School Compliance (VOC) form.
A vision exam will be given — minimum 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without correction. The knowledge test has 40 questions; you must answer at least 34 correct (~85%) — you may miss up to 6 (p.32).
The knowledge test fee is $5.00. The Driver Training Instruction Permit / Supervised Instruction Permit fee is $21.50 (includes $6.50 prepaid skills-test receipt). Class D Instruction Permit (age 17+): $20.00 (p.5).
Be at least 15 years old with completed Driver Training and at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) over a minimum 6-month, violation-free supervised period (p.3, 19).
Idaho uses third-party contractors to administer all Class D skills tests. Find an examiner at itd.idaho.gov/dmv (DRIVER'S LICENSE / ID CARDS → SKILLS TEST). Bring proof of identity, vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, and a written or in-person verbal vehicle-permission statement (p.34).
The skills test covers commercial/residential driving, intersections (controlled, uncontrolled, railroad, roundabout), interstate, lane changes, parking, and turns. 12 or fewer errors is a passing score. A Critical Driving Error (CDE) — like a dangerous action, traffic-sign disobedience, or speeding — is an automatic FAIL (p.36-37).
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual