Gem State Driver: Your Complete Guide to Getting an Idaho Driver's License

Earning a driver's license in the Gem State is a major milestone, unlocking the freedom to explore everything from the vibrant streets of Boise to the stunning landscapes of Sun Valley. The journey to becoming a licensed driver involves several key steps managed by your local county Driver's License Office, under the authority of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down Idaho's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for teens and outlining the process for adults, ensuring you arrive at your appointments confident and prepared.

For Teen Drivers (Under 17): The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

To ensure young drivers gain experience in a safe, controlled manner, Idaho has a mandatory GDL program. This system is designed to gradually introduce teens to more complex driving situations as they gain skills and maturity. [1]

Step 1: Mandatory Driver's Education

Before a teen can even apply for a permit, the process starts with driver's education.

• Who is eligible? You can enroll in a driver's ed course at 14 years and 6 months old.
• Course Requirements: The state-approved course must include 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of in-car observation, and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. [1, 2, 4]

Step 2: The Supervised Instruction Permit (SIP)

Once you've started your driver's education course, you can apply for your first permit.

How to get your Supervised Instruction Permit:

1. Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring several key original documents to the county driver's license office, including proof of identity (like a birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of Idaho residency. For teens, this also includes proof of school enrollment.
2. Visit a Driver's License Office: You must apply in person. At your visit, you will:
   • Submit your application and all required documents.
   • Have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the consent form, accepting financial responsibility.
   • Pay the required fees.
   • Pass a vision screening.
3. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: You must pass a 40-question written test based on the Idaho Driver's Manual. You must answer at least 34 questions correctly (an 85% score) to pass. [2]
4. Receive Your Permit: Once everything is processed and your driver's ed instructor has signed off, you will be issued your Supervised Instruction Permit.

Rules of the Road with a Supervised Instruction Permit:

• You must hold the permit for a minimum of six months without any traffic convictions. [1, 2, 4]
• You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and is seated in the front passenger seat. [1, 2]
• You must complete a mandatory 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. This must be documented and signed by a parent or guardian. [2]

Step 3: The Driver's License (with GDL restrictions)

After holding your permit for six months, completing driver's ed, and logging your practice hours, you are eligible to take your skills test.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 15 years old.
• You must have held your SIP for at least six months, conviction-free.
• You have completed all driver's ed and supervised driving requirements.

How to get your License:

The final step is to pass the behind-the-wheel skills test. This test can be taken with a county skills examiner or, more commonly, with a certified third-party skills tester. Once you pass, you will take your passed test receipt and all your documents to the driver's license office to be issued your license.

GDL Restrictions on a New Teen License (Under age 16):

• Daylight Driving Only: For the first six months, you are only permitted to drive during daylight hours unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older. [1, 2]
• Passenger Restrictions: You are not permitted to have more than one non-family passenger in the vehicle unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older. [2]

These restrictions are lifted once you have held your license for six months or turn 16.

For Drivers 17 and Over

If you are 17 or older and applying for your first Idaho license, you are not required to complete driver's education. The process is more direct.

1. Get an Instruction Permit: You must first obtain a regular instruction permit by passing the written knowledge test and vision screening at a driver's license office.
2. Practice Driving: Use the permit to practice your driving skills. You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver.
3. Pass the Skills Test: Once you feel ready, schedule and pass your behind-the-wheel test with a county examiner or third-party tester.
4. Get Your License: Present your passed test certificate and all your ID and residency documents to be issued your full driver's license.

New to Idaho? Transferring Your License

If you move to Idaho and hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you must obtain an Idaho license within 90 days of establishing residency.

• Make an appointment at a driver's license office.
• Surrender your out-of-state license.
• Provide full documentation for a Star Card (Idaho's REAL ID).
• Pass a vision screening.
• The written test is required for all new residents. [5]
• The skills test is waived if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired.

By understanding these steps and preparing for each one, you can successfully navigate the process and earn the privilege of driving in the Gem State.