Idaho Online Driver Education and Idaho Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Idaho?  Congratulations! 

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous.  Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Idaho has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Idaho.

Idaho Supervised Instruction Permit (aka--Learners' Permit)

To apply for a supervised instruction permit in Idaho, you must be at least 15 years old and have completed or be currently enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course.

When you make your trip down to the driver's license office to get your supervised instruction permit, you will need to take the following items with you:

• A liability form, signed by your parents
• Proper ID's (for a list of acceptable ID's please visit the Idaho DMV website)
• Proof of residency in Idaho

After you receive your supervised instruction permit, you may begin driving under certain restriction(s):

• You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age, sitting next to you in the front passenger seat any time you drive.

After you've had your learner's permit for at least six (6) months, you will be eligible to apply for an Idaho provisional driver's license.

Your First Idaho Driver's License or Idaho Provisional License

• To become eligible for a provisional drivers license, you need to meet the following prerequisites:
• Have an Idaho supervised instruction permit
• No traffic violations over the past six (6) months
• Completed 30 hours of state-approved classroom instruction (with at least 10 hours of night driving)
• Six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified driving instructor

To get your Idaho provisional license, you will first need to pass both a written test and a road test.  When you feel you're ready to go for it, you will need to take your supervised instructional permit plus the same required ID forms you took when you went to get your supervised instructional permit.

After you earn your provisional license, a few restrictions will still apply:

• All passengers must wear seat belts
• Adhere to all alcohol and substance abuse laws pertaining to driving
• No driving between 11pm and 5am without the supervision of a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

First violation of learner's permit or provisional license restrictions results a written warning letter. Upon the second violation, your license will be suspended for one (1) month.  Further violations will result in two (2)-month suspensions.

When you turn 17, your provisional drivers license can be converted into a full license provided you have had no traffic violations during the time you've had your provisional license.

Idaho Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

Idaho law requires that you have a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive.  Failure to carry this mandatory insurance can result in your license being suspended plus a hefty fine.

The minimum amount of liability coverage you are required to have is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $15,000--property damage

Idaho Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking and driving in Idaho is not tolerated in Idaho and the state's DUI laws are more strict than most other states.  Upon your FIRST conviction of a DUI, you will face the following penalties:

• Jail sentence ranging from 2 to 5 days
• Up to a $1,000 fine
• Suspension of your license for 90 days
• Possible enrollment in a substance abuse or alcohol evaulation and treatment program

Further violations will result in more severe penalties, including an extended jail sentence and the revocation of your Idaho drivers license.

Anyone under the age of 21 who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content level of .02 or higher will have their license suspended for one (1) year and be fined up to $1,000. In fact, if you violate the age-related alcohol laws in Idaho, you could lose your instruction permit or provisional license even if you were NOT driving.

Idaho Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws

Idaho currently does not have any laws regarding the use of cell phones or text-messaging devices while driving. 

Idaho Online Driver Education

Any person applying for a Idaho provisional license is required to take a state-approved driver education course consisting of 30 hours classroom time and 6 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel training.  For al ist of approved drivers education courses, please visit the Idaho Department of Education's website.