If you're under 17 and have never been licensed in Idaho, you go through driver training and the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program. It builds supervised experience before you drive alone, and early licenses come with limits on time of day and passengers.
GDL supervised instruction period
A minimum 6-month, violation-free period of supervised driving that anyone under 17 must finish, after an approved driver's training program, before getting a license.
Handbook p. 19 ↗During the supervised instruction period you must:
- Have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat beside you (no other front-seat passengers)
- Make sure all occupants wear seat belts or child restraints if required
- Observe all laws on alcohol and other intoxicating substances
- Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night
Minimum supervised driving time in the GDL period, including 10 hours at night
Handbook p. 19 ↗Know the rule
A traffic conviction during the supervised period cancels the permit. You must reapply, and the minimum 6 months start over with the new permit.
Handbook p. 19 ↗Know the rule
Once you meet the GDL requirements, you must pass a knowledge test and a skills test before a license is issued.
Handbook p. 19 ↗Idaho Driver Training (DT) program
| Part | Hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom instruction | 30 |
| In-car, observing other student drivers | 6 |
| Behind-the-wheel with a DT instructor | 6 |
Know the rule
DT is required for anyone under 17 applying for a license. Buy a Driver Training Instruction Permit before attending any class. Public-school courses are open to Idaho residents aged 14 1/2 to 21.
Handbook p. 20 ↗Know the rule
Under 17 and finished DT in another state while living there but never licensed? Bring proof of that approved course. If you aren't surrendering an out-of-state license, you also complete a supervised driving period.
Handbook p. 20 ↗Know the rule
Under 16: daylight driving only, unless a licensed driver at least 21 sits in the front seat beside you.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Idaho's definition of 'daylight' for drivers under 16 (local time)
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
Under 17: for the first 6 months after the license is issued, you may carry no more than one passenger under 17, unless they are related to you by blood, adoption, or marriage.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Age notes printed on your card
| Your age | Card shows | Card expires |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 17 | Under 18 until (date) | 5 days after 18th birthday |
| 18 to 20 | Under 21 until (date) | 5 days after 21st birthday |
Put it into practice
You're 16, licensed for three months, and want to drive two friends (both 16) and your 15-year-old brother to a game. Your brother doesn't count because he's related, but two unrelated passengers under 17 break the one-passenger limit. Take only one friend.