Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Idaho. You can apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 15 years old and have successfully completed an approved driver training program and the Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL). If you have not completed the driver training program and the GDL, then you must wait till you are 17 to get an instruction permit.
New residents who have just moved to Idaho must apply for a permit within 90 days irrespective of whether their current license has expired or not.
[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT
- Download a copy of the Idaho Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a birth parent or guardian with you to sign consent for you to be licensed. The parent's/guardian's identity will be verified at the license center.
- Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
- Proof of identity, age and Idaho residency, as specified by the Department of Transportation. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
- Your Social Security card.
- Proof of school enrollment or completion if you are under 18 years of age.
- If under 17 provide proof of completion of driver training program and requirements of the supervised instruction permit.
- The correct fee.
- You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, with which you have to complete a minimum of six months of violation free supervised driving before you can get your license.
[edit] GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING PROGRAM (GDL)
Under the Graduated Licensing Program anyone under 17 years of age has to successfully complete a driver training program and other requirements of the GDL to get an instruction permit and driver's license in Idaho. At 14 years 6 months you can enroll in a driver education course and get a driver training permit. The documents required for a driver training permit are the same as required for the instruction permit. Driver Training permits allow you to drive only when accompanied by a driving training instructor. [http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/driverservices/young_drivers.htm ] Once you successfully complete the course you are eligible for a Supervised Instruction Permit (SIP). You should complete a minimum of six months of violation free supervised instruction period before you can get your license. The permit expires when you are 18 years of age. Other restrictions when driving with SIP are:- You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.
- You must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving time, ten of which is at night.
- All passengers in the car must wear seat belts and child restraints (if needed)
[edit] THE FULL CLASS D LICENSE
If you are under 17, you must wait at least six months after being issued your Supervised Instruction Permit, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving time including ten at night, before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a Class D license. Restriction for underage drivers:- If you are under 16 and have a valid driver license, you can only drive during day time unless accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older who is sitting beside you.
- If under 17, you cannot have more than one passenger under 17 during the first six months of operation.
[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
- See also Applying for a Drivers License.
- See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests
- Learn more about Idaho's Young Drivers Program.
- Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Idaho, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.
