To get a license you pass a vision screening, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. Knowing exactly who must take which test, and how they're scored, avoids wasted trips.
Minimum age to take the knowledge and skills tests
Handbook p. 32 ↗Minimum vision, in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
If you wear glasses or contacts for the screening, you get a lens restriction and must always wear them while driving, or you may be cited and suspended.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
Take the knowledge test if you are a new applicant, are transferring an out-of-state license, or your Idaho license has been expired 25 months or more.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Class D tests at a glance
| Test | Format | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | 40 questions from the handbook | Miss no more than 6 |
| Skills | Drive with a skills test examiner | 12 or fewer errors |
Know the rule
The knowledge test is offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese, and ASL. Only ITD's own sample questions represent it accurately.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
Passing the knowledge test first is beneficial, but the tests may be taken in either order. Skills tests are scheduled only in daylight and acceptable weather.
Handbook p. 33 ↗You must take a skills test if you:
- Have never been licensed before
- Completed driver's training and the SIP (under 17); eligibility dates are strictly enforced
- Are 17 or older on an instruction permit and want to be licensed
- Have vision below minimum standards, or a recurring medical/visual test requirement
- Present a foreign license with no reciprocity agreement
- Present an Idaho or out-of-state license expired 25 months or more (not for CDLs)
- Have a mental or physical impairment that might affect safe driving
- Worry a county agent about your ability to drive safely, whatever your age or experience
Know the rule
Third-party contractors give all Class D skills tests. Find examiners on the ITD website and, if you can't reach one, leave a voicemail with your name and number; they won't call back otherwise.
Handbook p. 34 ↗Restricted skills test
A test for applicants who can't drive outside specific (or proposed) restrictions or only want to drive to certain places. Discuss options with the examiner first; otherwise drive the full route.
Handbook p. 34 ↗Put it into practice
Your Idaho license expired 26 months ago. You're treated as a new applicant: you must pass both the 40-question knowledge test (missing 6 or fewer) and the skills test (12 or fewer errors).