Getting your Idaho learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose the right Idaho permit for your age.
• You can gather the documents the county office will ask for.
• You can explain what a liability signer does and who can be one.
• You can describe the vision standard and permit fees.

What you need to know and understand

• Driver Training Permit: ages 14 1/2 to under 17, valid only with a driver training instructor until the course is finished. Fee $21.50.
• Class D Instruction Permit: age 17 or older, valid for one year, requires a passed knowledge test. Fee $20, plus $5 for the knowledge test.
• Under-18 applicants need a parent or legal guardian to sign as liability signer, accepting legal responsibility for their driving.
• Under-18 applicants must show proof of school enrollment and attendance, or graduation, often a verification of compliance slip.
• The vision standard is at least 20/40 in one eye, with or without glasses or contacts.
• Photocopies and faxes of identity documents are not accepted.

What to take to the county office

• Proof of age and identity, such as a certified US birth certificate. Under-18s can rely on a parent's photo ID plus their own birth certificate.
• Your Social Security number, which is verified electronically and not printed on the card.
• Proof of your Idaho physical address, dated within the last year.
• Proof of lawful presence if ITD does not already hold it.
• Under 18: your liability signer in person and school compliance proof.
• Payment for the permit fee (all fees are non-refundable).

The liability signer

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian signs at the office and takes on legal responsibility for your driving. If the signer is not a parent named on your birth certificate, they must bring legal papers such as guardianship documents. A signer who cannot attend can give someone power of attorney to sign instead.

The signer can withdraw consent at any time while you are under 18, and ITD will then cancel your permit or license. A married applicant's spouse aged 18 or older may sign.

Vision and medical checks

Your vision is screened at the office. If you need glasses or contacts to reach 20/40, a lens restriction goes on your permit and later your license, and you must wear them every time you drive. If you have a condition that could affect driving, the office may ask for a form completed by your doctor.

Common mistakes

• Bringing photocopies. County offices only accept original or certified documents.
• Going without the liability signer. Under 18, they must sign in person or by power of attorney.
• Applying for an Instruction Permit at 16. Under 17 the route is the Driver Training Permit and an approved course.
• Forgetting school proof. A verification of compliance letter is only accepted within a year of its date.

Test yourself: Getting your Idaho learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Idaho Permit Test
• Learning to Drive in Idaho
• Idaho GDL Rules and the Supervised Instruction Permit