The Idaho knowledge (permit) test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state how many questions there are and how many you can miss.
• You can explain who must take the test and when.
• You can plan a study routine based on the handbook.
• You can explain what happens if you fail.

What you need to know and understand

• The test has 40 questions and you can miss up to 6, so 34 correct is a pass.
• You take it at a county driver's license office. The fee is $5.
• If you fail, you must wait 3 days and pay the fee again.
• It is offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese and American Sign Language.
• New applicants, drivers moving from another state and holders of an Idaho license expired 25 months or more must take it.
• No foreign driver is exempt from the knowledge test.
• Phones, notes and talking are not allowed during the test.

When you take it depends on your route

If you are 17 or older, you pass the knowledge test first to get a Class D Instruction Permit. If you are under 17, you use a Driver Training Permit and a supervised instruction permit, then take both the knowledge test and the skills test at the end, from age 15.

ITD's test guide says you should pass the knowledge test before the skills test, except for under-17 SIP holders. The handbook says the tests may be taken in either order. If your timing matters, ask your county office.

What the questions cover

• Sign shapes, colors and meanings, including warning, work zone and guide signs
• Traffic signals, flashing yellow arrows and pedestrian hybrid beacons
• Pavement markings and when you may pass
• Right-of-way, turns, roundabouts and parking distances
• Speed limits, following distances and freeway driving
• Alcohol limits, implied consent and the points system
• Required vehicle equipment such as lights, brakes and mirrors

A simple study plan

1. Read the Driver's Handbook one chapter at a time, noting every number (feet, mph, days).
2. Try ITD's own sample questions. The handbook warns that other websites' practice tests do not match the real test well.
3. Re-read the sections where you made mistakes.
4. Take a full timed practice of 40 questions and aim for no more than 6 wrong.
5. Bring the right documents and fee on test day.

Common mistakes

• Relying only on random online quizzes. Study the official handbook first.
• Skipping the numbers. Many questions ask for exact distances, such as parking 15 feet from a hydrant.
• Ignoring Idaho-specific topics such as open range livestock and the passing speed exception.
• Rushing back after a fail. Use the 3-day wait to revise the topics you missed.

Test yourself: The Idaho knowledge (permit) test

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

Go deeper

• Idaho Permit Test
• Idaho Permit Practice Test
• Idaho GDL Rules and the Supervised Instruction Permit