driver’s license, you must be at least 15 years old. You’ll also need to be able to provide valid identification and proof of address. Once you meet those requirements, you can start working through the rest of the checklist, which includes a driver education course, vision test, written exam, and your final road test.

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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Idaho?

Idaho uses a Graduated Driver's Licensing program with different

age restrictions

per each level of the program. New drivers need to need to be at least 15 years old to get a

restricted driver’s license

in Idaho. You’ll also need to gather up these documents before you go to the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

Primary identification: a US birth certificate, US passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Permanent Resident card, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization

Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, paycheck including your full name and complete SSN, or 1099 form

Proof of residential address

: a mortgage statement, lease agreement, account statement from a public utility, account statement from a bank or credit union, school enrollment records, or certification from a relief agency or shelter

For a complete list of acceptable documents you can use in your license application based on immigration and citizenships status, check the Idaho

Department of Transportation website

MORE:

Idaho car insurance laws

What are the requirements for young drivers?

If you are under the age of 18 and want to apply for your driver’s license, you’ll need parental consent and must have held a Supervised Instruction Permit for at least six months with no violations. You’ll also need:

Certification from a legal guardian that you completed at least 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night

Proof of school enrollment

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

If you are a new Idaho resident and hold a valid driver’s license from another state, you are required to apply for your Idaho driver’s license within 90 days of residing in Idaho, whether your out-of-state license has expired or not.

How to get a driver’s license in Idaho

For new drivers: take the TLSAE course

In Idaho, you’re required to take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE) before getting your Supervised Instruction Permit. This course is available either online or in a classroom setting. It covers everything you need to know about traffic laws, especially regarding road safety and alcohol use.

Vision test

You can’t drive safely if you can’t see the road, which is why all states require you to pass a vision test before you can get a driver’s license.

To meet Idaho’s vision requirements, you must have 20/40 or better vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you’ve seen a specialist, but have 20/50 or 20/60 vision, you may still be permitted to drive, but will be required to attend yearly vision screenings.

Knowledge exam

Once you get your TLSAE course and vision test out of the way, you’re ready to take your written exam. This test consists of 40 multiple choice questions on Idaho’s traffic laws, road safety practices, and road signs.

You don’t need an appointment to take the knowledge exam, but be sure to study the

Idaho Driver’s Handbook

and take a practice test online before you go. If you fail the test, you’ll have to wait three days before trying again.

To pass the knowledge exam, you need to get 34 out of 40 questions correct, or 85%.

Road test

If everything else is in order, the last thing you need to do in order to get your Idaho driver's license is take a

road test

. You can schedule your test through your county’s

DMV office

. You’ll need to bring your own vehicle, and it must have:

A working horn, brakes, brake lights, headlights, and turn signals

Functioning doors, seatbelts, windshield wipers, and emergency signals

Good visibility through all windows

At least a quarter tank of gas

Bring all of your documents with you to your road test. The exam may vary depending on your instructor, but you should be prepared to perform the following:

A three-point turn

Approaching an intersection

Observing the right of way

Parking in standard conditions and on a hill

Parallel parking

A quick stop

Moving in reverse

Signaling, turning, and passing

Staying in your lane

During the test, your instructor will pay close attention to whether you correctly follow all traffic signals, including stop signs and red lights. They’ll also be watching to see if you follow other cars too closely and whether you’re sitting with the correct posture.

Once you pass your road test, all that’s left to do is to present your documents and pay a fee, and you’ll get your Idaho driver’s license! The DMV will give you a temporary license the day you pass your test and you’ll get your permanent license in the mail within a few weeks.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about Idaho’s texting and driving laws

How to save money on car insurance in Idaho

So now that you know everything there is to know about getting your license in Idaho, passing your tests should be a breeze. But once you have that coveted license tucked safely into your wallet, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about

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FAQs

What do I need for an Idaho driver’s license?

To get your driver’s license in Idaho, you’ll need valid identification, a Social Security number or equivalent documentation, and proof of residential address.

How much does it cost to get an Idaho driver’s license?

The fees for a non-commercial Idaho driver’s license are:

Supervised Instruction Permit: $20.00

One-year license (age 17): $20.00

Three-year license (under 18): $30.00

Three-year license (age 18 to 21): $30.00

One-year license (age 20): $20.00

Four-year license (age 21 and over): $35.00

Eight-year license (age 21 to 62): $60.00

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