Idaho Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

You need a valid Idaho driver's license, then add a motorcycle 'M' endorsement to it. Pass the written motorcycle knowledge test, get an instruction permit to practice, and then pass the on-cycle skills test (or have it waived with an approved rider training course).

The Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook does not publish an official question count or passing score — it includes only a 10-question practice test. Our practice test uses a 25-question, 84%-to-pass format so you can prepare in an exam-style way. The real test is given at a county driver's license office.

The motorcycle knowledge test can be taken at any county driver's license office. The fee is $5.00, paid to the county. The questions are based on information and concepts found in the Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook.

Failing the knowledge test requires a waiting period of 3 days before you can retest, and you must repay the $5.00 fee.

A motorcycle instruction permit is valid for 180 days. It costs $15.00, and it may be renewed once without retaking the knowledge test, provided your previous knowledge test was taken within the past 12 months.

A motorcycle instruction permit has three restrictions: daylight riding only, no freeway riding, and no passengers.

Yes. Everyone must pass the written motorcycle knowledge test before applying for an instruction permit.

Yes. Successful completion of an approved motorcycle rider training course waives the skills test, as long as you obtain the endorsement within 25 months of taking the course. Idaho STAR Basic or Intermediate Rider Training will waive the skills-test portion.

The skills test fee is $25.00, paid directly to the third-party Skills Test Examiner. The test is given in a controlled, off-street area. Failing the skills test requires a 3-day wait before retesting and repaying the fee.

Yes. Anyone under 21 must take the knowledge test and successfully complete an approved motorcycle rider training course before they can apply for a motorcycle endorsement.

Idaho law requires every person under the age of 18 to wear a DOT-compliant protective helmet while riding a motorcycle, on or off highway. Riders 18 and older may legally ride without one, though a securely fastened DOT helmet is the single most important thing for surviving a crash.

Eye or face protection is strongly recommended but is not required by Idaho law. A shatter-resistant face shield gives the most protection; a windshield, eyeglasses, or sunglasses are not adequate substitutes.

No. The practice of lane filtering or lane splitting is not legal in the State of Idaho. Motorcycles need a full lane to maintain a space cushion and an escape route.

Keep a minimum 3-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead, and increase it to 4 seconds or more at night, in heavy traffic, on slippery roads, or when sight distance is limited.

Yes. If you renew a license with an M endorsement that has been expired for 25 months or longer, you must pass both the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests again. The same applies when surrendering an out-of-state license with an M endorsement expired 25 months or longer.

Idaho Code allows a rider, after coming to a complete stop, to proceed with caution through a red light only if the signal fails to operate after waiting through one complete cycle. You must yield to all traffic in or approaching the intersection.

Idaho requires a standard 'M' endorsement or a three-wheel restricted endorsement to ride a three-wheel motorcycle. A three-wheel restricted endorsement requires the same knowledge test plus a skills test modified for three-wheeled vehicles. Testing on a three-wheel vehicle adds a three-wheel-only restriction.

Study the Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook (July 2025), published by the Idaho Transportation Department. It was compiled using Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Idaho STAR material, and the knowledge test questions are based on it.