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DRVN > Guide > Idaho

Idaho Teen Driving Guide

What parents need to know about the learn-to-drive process in Idaho

Get a teen driving guide
localized to your zip code.
6 steps for your teen to get their license in Idaho.
1
Enroll in an Driver's Ed Program
WHEN: Your teen can start classroom instruction as soon as they are 14 years 6 months old.
DURATION: Idaho law requires 30 hours of classroom instruction.
WHY: By knocking out some classroom hours beforehand, teens will be better prepared for the permit test.
WHERE: Classroom instruction can be done in person at an Idaho driving school or online.
2
Pass the Idaho Learner's Permit Exam
WHEN: Your teen can take the learner's permit exam any time after they turn 14 1/2 years old.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bring proof of identity, residency, social security card, school enrollment and payment for the fee. A guardian must also be present to sign the application.
WHY: This test covers knowledge of the Idaho driver's manual.
WHERE: Take the exam at an Idaho Driver's License Office. Make sure to schedule an appointment in advance.
3
Practice Driving on Idaho Roads with a Parent
WHEN: This takes place during the time when your teen has their permit, and must be competed before taking the driver's license exam.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Your teen should always carry their Idaho learner's permit each time they drive. A parent or guardian is required to be present. Use the DRVN app to guide development and track time.
DURATION: Idaho law requires 50 hours of supervised driving time with 10 of these hours being at night.
WHERE: Practice driving on a range of roads, from residential to city to freeways. Focus especially on roads in and around the area you live in Idaho to build familiarity with local traffic.
MOBILE COACHING APP FOR PARENTS AND TEENS:
DRVN
This Mobile App makes it easy for parents to guide skills development and track practice driving time.

4
Practice Driving with an Instructor in Idaho
WHEN: This takes place while your teen has their Idaho learner's permit, and at the same time as classroom instruction.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Your teen should carry their learner's permit, and you'll need to acquire the services of a licensed Idaho Driving instructor.
DURATION: Idaho law requires 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with an instructor and 6 hours of in car observation.
5
Take the Idaho Driver's License Exam
WHEN: After your teen has turned 16, held their permit for at least 6 months, and completed their supervised driving practice, schedule to take the driver's license test.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bring your learner's permit, birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, completed driver education, school enrollment, and payment for fees.
WHERE: Take the exam at an Idaho DMV. Make sure to schedule the exam in advance.
6
Purchase Car Insurance Coverage in Idaho for Your Teen
WHEN: Your teen is automatically covered under your policy when they have their permit, at no additional cost. However, once they get their full license and start driving, they will need a separate insurance coverage. Be prepared, this can be costly.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: You'll need to provide your insurance agent with a copy of your teen's driver's license, plus information on the primary vehicle that they will be driving. If your teen is a good student with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, many insurers will offer discounts if you provide a copy of their grade card.
WHERE: Start with your insurance agent, but make sure to shop around!

We have even more detailed
driving information available
for specific Idaho Cities.

This information includes local places to assist you in completing each of the steps necessary to drive in Idaho.
Click/tap on the most popular Idaho cities below:

To view the guides for other states, select a state below: