Idaho ITD DMV road test: what to expect
Given by third-party skills test examiners in daylight and acceptable weather; it takes about 30 minutes. The examiner first inspects the vehicle. Then you show you know the vehicle, including arm signals. Key items (such as driver door, seatbelt, brake lights, turn signals, headlights, wipers, hazards, driver window and horn) must work and you must show them, or the test stops. Then you drive. Check with ITD before you go.
What the examiner checks
- commercial/residential driving
- curve
- controlled, uncontrolled, railroad and roundabout intersections
- interstate
- lane changes
- parking lot
- right, left and U-turns
- stall and curb parking
How it's scored
12 or fewer errors to pass; five errors on the same skill count as a critical driving error (automatic fail). Failed test: wait 3 days and pay both test fees again (county and examiner).
Mistakes that end the test
- Dangerous action
- Disobeying emergency/safety vehicle
- Disobeying police or safety personnel
- Disobeying traffic sign or signal
- Driving up onto curb or sidewalk
- Examiner intervention or disobeying examiner
- Habitual violation (5 or more of the same skill)
- Lane violation
- Passenger interference
- Speeding (more than 10 mph over the limit, or an unsafe speed)
- Street parking more than 18 in. from the curb and impeding traffic
- Striking an object
Your car
- Passenger door and seatbelt
- Mirrors
- Windshield without cracks/obstructions
- Tires with 2/32 in. tread; no studded tires May 1-Sept 30
- No critical dashboard warning lights
- No dealer plates (unless dealer); no rental cars if unlicensed or under 25
After you pass
Drivers under 17 (GDL restrictions end); license shows 'Under 18' / 'Under 21' until those ages get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:
- Under 16: daylight only (5 a.m.-10 p.m.) unless a licensed driver 21+ is in the front seat
- Under 17, first 6 months: no more than one passenger under 17 unless related by blood, adoption or marriage
- GDL penalties under 17: warning letter (1st moving violation), 30-day suspension (2nd), 60-day suspension (3rd+)
How to prepare
- Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
- Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
- Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
- On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.
Questions
How long do I need my permit before the Idaho road test?
At least Minimum 6-month violation-free supervised instruction period (under 17), with 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
How old do I have to be to take the Idaho road test?
15 (after driver training and GDL) for a provisional or junior license; restrictions end at 17 (GDL restrictions end); license shows 'Under 18' / 'Under 21' until those ages.
What makes you fail the Idaho road test straight away?
Dangerous action; Disobeying emergency/safety vehicle; Disobeying police or safety personnel; Disobeying traffic sign or signal.
Source: Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles (licenses issued through county sheriff driver's license offices), checked 2026-10-27.