Idaho Driver’s License Requirements

Eligibility

Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permits may be issued to applicants 14½ years of age and older.

Documents and Requirements for a Permit

Applicants must pass a vision screening and provide the following documentation:

• Certified original birth certificate
  (issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics)
• Acceptable photo identification
• Social Security card or SSN for verification
• Proof of Idaho residency
• Liability signer (if under 18)
  • Must be a birth parent or court-ordered guardian
• Verification of School Compliance (VOC) (if under 18)
• Acceptable lawful presence documents (if applicable)

Where to Obtain a Permit

• Permits may be purchased at any Idaho county driver’s license office
  • Boise – 400 N Benjamin Ln. – 208-577-3100 – Schedule Appointment
  • Meridian – 736 S. Progress Ave. – 208-577-3100 – Schedule Appointment
  • Boise – 10769 W. State St. – 208-577-3100 – Schedule Appointment

Note: All permit fees are non-refundable.

Expiration

• For applicants 14½ to 17½ years old:
  • Permit expires five (5) days after the permit holder’s 18th birthday
• For applicants 17½ years old or older:
  • Permit expires after 180 days

Applicants who are 17 or older may complete driver training using either:

• A Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permit, or
• A Class D Instruction Permit

Note: Driver Training Permits are not renewable.

Permit Cancellation

A Driver Training or Instruction Permit may be canceled for any of the following reasons:

Traffic or Substance-Related Violations

• Conviction of an intoxicating substance offense, including alcohol or drug violations
• Conviction of any traffic violation, such as speeding, running a red light, or other moving offenses

Violation of Permit Restrictions

A permit may be canceled for failing to comply with required permit conditions, including:

• Driver or passengers not wearing seat belts
• Not carrying the permit while driving
• Driving without a properly licensed adult seated beside the permit holder when required

Violations of permit restrictions may also result in a mandatory suspension of driving privileges.

Court or ITD-Ordered Suspensions

A permit may also be canceled due to:

• Non-payment of a traffic citation
• Failure to attend school, when applicable
• Any other suspension ordered by the court or the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)

Permit Cancellations

A Supervised Instruction Permit (SIP) will be canceled if the permit holder violates any SIP requirements during the supervised instruction period. If a permit is canceled, the permit holder must:

• Reapply for a new permit
• Purchase a new permit
• Restart and complete a new six (6) month supervised instruction period

No reinstatement fee is required following a cancellation; however, all steps of the application process must be completed again.

Convictions for Drivers Under 17

Traffic or substance-related convictions for drivers under the age of 17 carry escalating consequences based on the number of offenses:

• First Conviction:
  The driver receives a written warning indicating that any future conviction will result in a suspension of driving privileges.
• Second Conviction:
  A minimum 30-day suspension of driving privileges is imposed.
• Third or Subsequent Conviction:
  A minimum 60-day suspension of driving privileges is imposed.

Requirements:

• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including:
  • 10 hours of nighttime driving
• Hold an instruction permit for a minimum of six (6) months from the date of issuance.

Note: New Idaho residents who hold a valid driver’s license from another state are not required to complete the supervised driving period or provide proof of a driver education course.

Testing Requirements

• Applicants must pass both:
  • A written knowledge test
  • A road skills test
• Applicants must be at least 15 years old to receive an Idaho driver’s license.
• A skills test appointment must be scheduled with an approved skills tester.
• After passing the skills test, applicants must take and pass the written knowledge test at the DMV.

A current list of certified skills testers is available at all county driver’s license offices or online at itd.idaho.gov/dmv.

Retesting: Applicants who fail either the skills test or the written knowledge test must wait at least three (3) days before retesting. All testing fees must be paid again.

Requirements Verification

Before an Idaho driver’s license can be issued, the parent or legal guardian must verify the following:

• Certification that 50 hours of supervised driving have been completed
  • Includes 10 hours of nighttime driving
• Permission for the license to be issued

This process ensures that teens do not receive a driver’s license before they are eligible and prevents issuance without the parent’s knowledge or consent.

ID cards issued to minors expire five (5) days after the licensee’s 18th birthday.

License Restrictions for Minors

Drivers Under 16 Years of Age:

• Restricted to daylight driving only
• May drive at night only if accompanied by a licensed driver:
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Seated beside the driver
• No other passengers are allowed in the front seat

Drivers Under 17 Years of Age:

For the first six (6) months after the license is issued:

• • May transport no more than one (1) passenger under age 17

Exceptions apply if the passengers are related by blood, adoption, or marriage