The Idaho road test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can book a skills test with an approved examiner.
• You can prepare the documents and a vehicle that will pass inspection.
• You can list the maneuvers and skills that are scored.
• You can recognize the critical errors that cause an automatic fail.

What you need to know and understand

• The skills test fee is $35: $6.50 paid at the county office and up to $28.50 to the examiner.
• Tests are given only in daylight and acceptable weather.
• You pass with 12 or fewer errors and no critical driving error.
• Making the same scored mistake 5 or more times counts as a critical error.
• If you fail, wait 3 days and pay both parts of the fee again.
• Passengers are not allowed, except one parent or guardian of a minor, a translator, a missionary companion or a law enforcement officer, who must sign a waiver.

Booking and what to bring

Find an examiner on ITD's driver's test guide and call them. If you reach voicemail, leave your name and number, or they will not call back.

• Photo identification, such as your permit or another state-issued ID
• Valid registration (not a photocopy) and paper or digital proof of insurance in the car; an SR-22 is not accepted
• Owner permission, in writing or in person, if the car is not yours
• Your skills test receipt if you have no state-issued credential

Vehicle checks before you drive

The examiner checks the passenger door and belt, mirrors, an uncracked windshield, tires with at least 2/32 inch of tread and no critical dashboard warning lights. Studded tires are not allowed from May 1 to September 30. Rental cars cannot be used if you are unlicensed or under 25.

You then show that the driver door, seat belt, brake lights, turn signals, headlights, wipers, hazard lights, window, horn, parking brake and defroster work, and demonstrate all three arm signals. You can miss no more than 3 items and still go on to the drive.

On the route

Expect residential and business streets, curves, controlled and uncontrolled intersections, a railroad crossing, a roundabout, freeway driving, lane changes, a parking lot, right and left turns, a U-turn, and both stall and curb parking. You are scored on acceleration and braking, attentiveness, complete stops, lane position, right-of-way, signaling, spacing, speed control, steering, unnecessary stops and traffic checks.

• Critical errors that end the test: a dangerous action, disobeying emergency vehicles, police or a sign or signal, driving onto a curb or sidewalk, examiner intervention, a lane violation, passenger interference, speeding, curb parking more than 18 inches out while blocking traffic, and striking an object.

Common mistakes

• Arriving with expired registration or insurance, or a car with a warning light on.
• Rolling stops. Stop fully behind the line every time.
• Weak traffic checks. Turn your head for blind spots on every lane change and before pulling away.
• Parking too far from the curb. Stay within 18 inches.
• Opening the sealed results envelope. Take it unopened to the county office.

Test yourself: The Idaho road test

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

Go deeper

• Idaho Parent-Led Driver Training
• Idaho Driving Test
• Idaho GDL Rules and the Supervised Instruction Permit