Idaho Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Idaho learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Idaho Transportation Department — Idaho's Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) Program ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Idaho
- At 14 1/2+, apply at an Idaho county driver's license office for the driver training or supervised instruction permit with your identity, Social Security, residency, school-compliance, and liability-signer documents
- If you are under 17, complete Idaho driver training and use the supervised instruction permit with a licensed driver age 21+ seated beside you
- Finish the 6-month supervised instruction period and log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
- At 15+, pass the written knowledge and road skills tests and have a parent or legal guardian certify the required driving hours
- Follow Idaho's daylight-only rule if you are under 16 and the first-6-month passenger limit if you are under 17
Idaho GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: During the supervised driving period, the supervising driver must be at least age 21, hold a valid driver's license, and sit in the seat beside the permit holder
- Front seat rule: No other passengers are allowed in the front seat during supervised instruction
- Under sixteen restriction: Drivers under age 16 may drive only during daylight hours unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older seated beside the driver
- Under seventeen passenger rule: During the first 6 months after licensing, drivers under age 17 may carry no more than one passenger under age 17 unless related by blood, adoption, or marriage
- School compliance: Applicants under 18 must provide school-enrollment or completion proof plus a liability signer
Documents you'll need
- Certified original birth certificate
- Acceptable photo identification
- Social Security card or number for verification
- Proof of Idaho residency
- Liability signer if under 18
- Verification of school compliance if under 18
- Acceptable lawful presence documents if applicable
The details
- Permit eligibility: Idaho driver training / supervised instruction permits may be issued to applicants 14 1/2 years of age and older
- Permit fee details: Idaho's fee table lists the Driver Training Instruction Permit / Supervised Instruction Permit at $21.50; the separate Class D Instruction Permit for applicants 17+ is $20.00
- License fee: $30 — Idaho's operator fee table lists the 3-year license for ages 15 to 21 at $30.00
- Permit hold details: Any violation during the supervised instruction period requires the permit holder to start and complete a new 6-month supervised instruction period
- Practice hour details: Before licensing, a parent or legal guardian must certify 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
- Knowledge test: 40 questions; 85% to pass; Web search: computer-adaptive test, 34 of 40 correct (85%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Idaho?
You can get a learner's permit in Idaho at 14½. Idaho driver training / supervised instruction permits may be issued to applicants 14 1/2 years of age and older.
How much does an Idaho permit cost?
The Idaho permit fee is $21.5. Idaho's fee table lists the Driver Training Instruction Permit / Supervised Instruction Permit at $21.50; the separate Class D Instruction Permit for applicants 17+ is $20.00.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Idaho?
Any violation during the supervised instruction period requires the permit holder to start and complete a new 6-month supervised instruction period.
How many practice driving hours does Idaho require?
Idaho requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Idaho permit test?
Right here — take a free Idaho practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
