Idaho Driver's Handbook: study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

1. Introduction, Fees, One Driver One License, Credentials, GDL, Requirements, Renewals

• You can be licensed in Idaho at 15, but if you're under 17 you must complete approved driver training and the GDL program.
• Driver Training permits allow anyone 14½ and under 17 to attend a public or private driver training program.
• Class D Instruction Permits let applicants 17 or older practice for one year with a licensed adult (18+).

2. Required Testing

• Idaho's vision minimum is 20/40 in at least one eye. Glasses or contacts may be used, but then a lens restriction goes on the license.
• The knowledge test consists of 40 questions.
• You can miss up to six questions before failing the test.

3. Vehicle Equipment & Safety

• There is no yearly safety inspection in Idaho, but an officer who finds an unsafe vehicle or missing equipment can still ticket you.
• Foot brakes must stop a vehicle traveling 20 mph on dry pavement within 25 feet; the parking brake within 55 feet.
• Your high beams must reveal people and vehicles 350 feet or more ahead; low beams must light the road at least 100 feet ahead.

4. Highway & Vehicle Knowledge (signs, signals, markings, intersections)

• Only local residential or commercial traffic with a reason to stop in the work zone may enter; continuous trips through are prohibited.
• Open range means livestock may roam freely and unfenced and have the right-of-way.
• Two lanes will become one; merging traffic must yield.

5. Traffic Laws & the Rules of the Road

• Leave enough room to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front where they touch the ground.
• The handbook says over 90% of highway crashes come down to driver error.
• Driving too slowly for conditions and impeding the safe flow of traffic, even under the posted limit, violates the basic rule.

6. The Driving Task

• The handbook says over 90% of highway crashes come down to driver error.
• Keep your eyes about 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your car (roughly one city block) so you can avoid last-second moves.
• If you're not in the exit lane yet, signal and move over roughly half a mile ahead of your exit.

7. Sharing the Road (incl. weather, emergencies)

• Livestock under controlled movement over a highway have the right-of-way; cooperate with the workers in charge.
• Allow more than three seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle.
• Stay back two car lengths for each 10 mph of speed behind a snowplow; the sand it spreads can also damage your car.

8. Be Prepared

• Anyone in a crash on an interstate or major divided highway without death or injury must safely move the vehicle out of traffic.
• Put flares 200 to 300 feet behind your car to warn approaching drivers.
• Leave a note with your name and number; also notify police if damage is more than $1,500 or someone was injured.

9. What Affects Your Driving Privilege and Record (points, ALS, DUI)

• The ALS notice gives you seven days from the date printed on it to ask for an administrative hearing.
• Drivers under 17 get a warning letter for the first conviction, 30 days' suspension for the second, and 60 days for the third or more.
• A second moving-violation conviction brings a 30-day suspension of driving privileges.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to Idaho, which are where most people lose points.