DMV Idaho · Fees, age, and practice test
Idaho Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Idaho DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Idaho permit test cost?
Knowledge test costs $5; the instruction permit fee is $21.50 total
- Learner permit / application fee: $20.00 Instruction Permit
- Knowledge (written) test fee: Knowledge test costs $5; the instruction permit fee is $21.50 total
- Initial driver license fee: $30.00 for a 3-year license (age 15 to 21); $35.00 for a 4-year license (age 21 and over)
Source: Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Division of Motor Vehicles · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Idaho practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
14.5 years old for a Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permit
Knowledge test fee
Knowledge test costs $5; the instruction permit fee is $21.50 total
Permit fee
$20.00 Instruction Permit
Initial license fee
$30.00 for a 3-year license (age 15 to 21); $35.00 for a 4-year license (age 21 and over)
Questions on the knowledge test
The knowledge test consists of 40 questions
Passing score
34 of 40 correct; you can miss up to six questions before failing the test
Retake fee
$5.00 knowledge test fee paid again after a failed test (3-day wait to retest; all retest fees are the same as the original test fees)
Retake wait after failing
Must wait at least 3 days before retaking a failed test; fee must be repaid
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) over at least 6 months, for applicants under 17
Documents to bring
Certified birth certificate, photo ID, Social Security card or number, and proof of Idaho residency
Find an office / appointment
Use the ITD DMV Locations directory (101 offices by county) for addresses, hours, and appointment links. Policy varies: many driver-service offices are appointment-only, others accept walk-ins.
REAL ID status
Idaho's REAL ID is the Star Card, requiring proof of identity, SSN, and two residency documents at a DMV office; use the 'Add the Star' tool for a personalized document list. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Applicants under 21 must complete an approved motorcycle rider training course to add the M endorsement
Commercial license (CDL)
Minimum age 18 (K-restricted intrastate only for ages 18 to 20); requires a valid Class D license, 1 year of driving experience, and knowledge and skills tests
Official source: Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Division of Motor Vehicles
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles site.
How much is the Idaho permit test?
Idaho knowledge test fee: Knowledge test costs $5; the instruction permit fee is $21.50 total (official source). Permit fee: $20.00 Instruction Permit (official source).
How many questions are on the Idaho permit test?
The official Idaho knowledge test: The knowledge test consists of 40 questions (official source). Passing score: 34 of 40 correct; you can miss up to six questions before failing the test (official source).
Idaho DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | Knowledge test costs $5; the instruction permit fee is $21.50 total | source |
| Permit fee | $20.00 Instruction Permit | source |
| Initial license fee | $30.00 for a 3-year license (age 15 to 21); $35.00 for a 4-year license (age 21 and over) | source |
| Retake fee | $5.00 knowledge test fee paid again after a failed test (3-day wait to retest; all retest fees are the same as the original test fees) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Idaho DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Idaho driver license covers
Initial license fee: $30.00 for a 3-year license (age 15 to 21); $35.00 for a 4-year license (age 21 and over) (official source)
REAL ID status: Idaho's REAL ID is the Star Card, requiring proof of identity, SSN, and two residency documents at a DMV office; use the 'Add the Star' tool for a personalized document list. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Idaho DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Idaho
Getting your first permit
In Idaho, the minimum permit age is 14.5 years old for a Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permit. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: certified birth certificate, photo ID, Social Security card or number, and proof of Idaho residency. Use the ITD DMV Locations directory (101 offices by county) for addresses, hours, and appointment links. Policy varies: many driver-service offices are appointment-only, others accept walk-ins.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
Knowledge test costs $5; the instruction permit fee is $21.50 total. If you fail the knowledge test: must wait at least 3 days before retaking a failed test; fee must be repaid. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) over at least 6 months, for applicants under 17.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
Idaho's REAL ID is the Star Card, requiring proof of identity, SSN, and two residency documents at a DMV office; use the 'Add the Star' tool for a personalized document list. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: applicants under 21 must complete an approved motorcycle rider training course to add the M endorsement. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18 (K-restricted intrastate only for ages 18 to 20); requires a valid Class D license, 1 year of driving experience, and knowledge and skills tests.
The Idaho bank has 180 questions across 8 topics
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