Idaho Permit Practice Test

How to use this ID practice test

1. Take the 40 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Idaho Driver's Handbook, which is what the examiners use.
4. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

ID practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable ID practice test with answer key

40 sample practice questions from the ID bank

Every question below comes from the Idaho question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. You are in a left-turn lane facing a steady red arrow. When may you make the turn?

   1. Not until a green or yellow light indication allows movement
   2. After stopping, if no cars are coming
   3. Right away, if pedestrians are clear
   4. Whenever the through traffic has a green light
   Show answer

   Not until a green or yellow light indication allows movement. A steady red arrow works like a stop sign that does not let you go on your own judgment. Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals

2. 2. When may opposite-direction traffic pass a stopped school bus without stopping?

   1. Whenever the bus is stopped less than one minute
   2. On any rural road with a visible bus
   3. On a highway with four or more lanes when two lanes travel in each direction
   4. Only when the bus driver waves traffic through
   Show answer

   On a highway with four or more lanes when two lanes travel in each direction. A stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights normally requires approaching traffic to stop. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Yielding to pedestrians and funeral processions

3. 3. Under Idaho's basic rule, which driving behavior can violate the law even when the vehicle is below the posted limit?

   1. Driving at the posted limit during clear weather
   2. Driving 5 mph below the limit on an empty road
   3. Driving slowly enough to impede the safe flow of traffic
   4. Driving below the limit while leaving extra space
   Show answer

   Driving slowly enough to impede the safe flow of traffic. Idaho treats speed as a safety judgment, not merely a comparison with a sign. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the basic rule

4. 4. Why might the pictured traffic-signal-ahead sign be installed on a road?

   
   1. The intersection or signal view is blocked or traffic speeds are higher
   2. The road has no intersections for several miles
   3. Streetlights are permanently out of service
   4. A police checkpoint is guaranteed beyond the sign
   Show answer

   The intersection or signal view is blocked or traffic speeds are higher. Idaho uses the traffic-signal-ahead warning on higher-speed roads or where a driver’s view of the intersection or light is blocked. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Warning signs

5. 5. When turning left on a green circular signal, which traffic must you yield to before turning?

   
   1. No one, because a green signal protects every left turn
   2. Vehicles approaching from behind and from the right
   3. Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in crosswalks
   4. Oncoming traffic but not pedestrians in crosswalks
   Show answer

   Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in crosswalks. A green circular signal permits movement, but it does not protect a left turn from conflicts. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals

6. 6. Which Idaho vehicles must have flashing electric turn signals?

   1. All vehicles regardless of age
   2. Only vehicles built after 1980
   3. Only commercial vehicles
   4. All motor vehicles built after January 1, 1955, visible from 100 feet front and rear
   Show answer

   All motor vehicles built after January 1, 1955, visible from 100 feet front and rear. All motor vehicles built after January 1, 1955 must have flashing electric left and right turn signals on the front and rear, visible from 1 Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, seat belts and child seats

7. 7. What does Idaho require of a driver during the GDL supervised instruction period?

   1. Observe all laws regarding alcohol and other intoxicating substances
   2. Avoid alcohol only while carrying passengers
   3. Follow alcohol rules only after dark
   4. Carry a zero BAC permit from the county
   Show answer

   Observe all laws regarding alcohol and other intoxicating substances. The supervised period carries a broad obligation concerning alcohol and intoxicating substances. Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Driver training and instruction permits

8. 8. Why does the Idaho handbook say a 12 foot lane cannot be shared with a bicyclist?

   1. Bicycles are banned from 12 foot lanes
   2. Bicyclists must ride on the sidewalk
   3. It is not wide enough to pass safely, so change lanes to pass
   4. Because cyclists ride in the center by law
   Show answer

   It is not wide enough to pass safely, so change lanes to pass. A typical 12 foot wide travel lane is not wide enough to safely share with a bicyclist, and cycling instructors teach riders to stay away fr Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, children, horses and bicyclists

9. 9. After stopping for a flashing red indication, when may a driver proceed?

   1. Immediately, because flashing signals do not control traffic
   2. After yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians, when the way is clear
   3. Only after another driver waves the vehicle through
   4. Only when the signal changes to solid green
   Show answer

   After yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians, when the way is clear. A flashing red indication has the same stopping effect as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals

10. 10. Which Idaho license applicants are required to complete an approved Driver Training program?

    1. Every first time applicant, whatever their age
    2. Anyone under 18 who is applying for an Idaho driver's license
    3. Anyone under 17 who is applying for an Idaho driver's license
    4. Anyone under 16 who is applying for an Idaho driver's license
    Show answer

    Anyone under 17 who is applying for an Idaho driver's license. Idaho requires Driver Training for anyone under 17 years of age who applies for a driver's license. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Driver training and instruction permits

11. 11. In an Idaho school zone, which speed must you observe?

    1. Five miles per hour over the posted limit.
    2. The speed limit posted for the previous road.
    3. Any speed when no crossing guard is present.
    4. The posted school zone limit.
    Show answer

    The posted school zone limit.. Drivers must observe the posted speed limit in an Idaho school zone. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Stopping at red lights and pedestrian beacons

12. 12. What risk can a long stretch of freeway travel create?

    1. It can encourage boredom and fatigue that the driver must guard against.
    2. It requires a full stop at every entrance ramp.
    3. It causes tires to lose traction because traffic travels one way.
    4. It removes the need to watch for changes in traffic.
    Show answer

    It can encourage boredom and fatigue that the driver must guard against.. The handbook warns that long freeway travel can encourage boredom and fatigue. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the basic rule

13. 13. At night, how fast is slow enough for safe driving?

    1. Slow enough to stop within the distance you can see
    2. Five miles per hour below the posted limit
    3. Exactly the same speed used during daylight
    4. Fast enough to keep up with traffic ahead of you
    Show answer

    Slow enough to stop within the distance you can see. About ninety percent of driving choices rest on what the driver sees. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Mountains, open range and winter driving

14. 14. A 16 year old holds an Idaho driver license. When does that license expire?

    1. On the last day of the month it was issued
    2. Thirty days after the 18th birthday
    3. On the 19th birthday at midnight
    4. Five days after the 18th birthday
    Show answer

    Five days after the 18th birthday. Licenses held by drivers who are 15 to 17 years old carry the marking for under 18 status, and that license expires five days after the hold Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Expiration, renewal, extensions and address changes

15. 15. Unless otherwise posted, when may a driver turn left at a steady red light in Idaho?

    1. From any two-way street onto a one-way street after yielding to traffic
    2. Only when a green arrow is displayed for the turn
    3. From a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping and yielding
    4. Never, because left turns on red are prohibited
    Show answer

    From a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping and yielding. A left turn on red is allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a full stop and a yield to cross traffic, unless a sig Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, signals and U turns

16. 16. You pulled right and stopped for an approaching emergency vehicle. When may you move again?

    1. As soon as its siren becomes quieter
    2. Once you can no longer see its lights
    3. Immediately if your turn is very close
    4. After the emergency vehicle has passed ahead
    Show answer

    After the emergency vehicle has passed ahead. After pulling to the right edge and stopping for an emergency vehicle, remain stopped until it has passed ahead of you. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles and the move over law

17. 17. When may an Idaho driver temporarily enter the left lane under the keep-right rule?

    1. To cruise beside traffic moving at the limit
    2. To prepare for a right turn in two miles
    3. To pass a vehicle by driving on the shoulder
    4. To avoid an obstruction, a pedestrian, or an animal
    Show answer

    To avoid an obstruction, a pedestrian, or an animal. Drivers stay as far right as possible, with a short list of exceptions. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way between drivers

18. 18. What does Idaho law say about texting while driving?

    1. Texting is allowed below thirty miles per hour
    2. Texting is legal if the phone is mounted
    3. Reading or sending texts while driving is illegal
    4. Only writing texts is banned, reading is fine
    Show answer

    Reading or sending texts while driving is illegal. Idaho makes reading, writing, or sending written communication while driving illegal and treats it as an infraction. Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Defensive driving, distractions and fatigue

19. 19. When worn, how effective are safety belts at preventing crash deaths in the studies Idaho cites?

    1. About 25 percent effective at preventing crash deaths
    2. About 40 percent effective at preventing crash deaths
    3. About 60 to 70 percent effective at preventing crash deaths
    4. About 90 percent effective at preventing crash deaths
    Show answer

    About 60 to 70 percent effective at preventing crash deaths. Idaho requires every occupant to wear safety belts in a vehicle equipped with them. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, seat belts and child seats

20. 20. What lighting must every vehicle in a funeral procession use?

    1. Only hazard flashers on every vehicle
    2. High beam headlights throughout the route
    3. Headlights and tail lights turned on
    4. Parking lights on the lead vehicle only
    Show answer

    Headlights and tail lights turned on. Every vehicle in an Idaho funeral procession must run with headlights and tail lights turned on. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Passing and slow vehicles

21. 21. What does proper use of an approved child safety seat require?

    1. Placing the seat loosely so the child can move
    2. Using the seat only on trips over ten miles
    3. Letting an older child hold the seat steady
    4. Fitting the child snugly with the seat straps
    Show answer

    Fitting the child snugly with the seat straps. Proper protection in an approved child safety seat means fitting the child snugly into the seat with the straps attached to the seat, securi Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, seat belts and child seats

22. 22. What can flashing lights on a Pedestrian Crossing sign mean?

    1. The crossing is closed to all pedestrians
    2. A pedestrian is crossing the road there
    3. Drivers may speed up through the crossing
    4. The sign marks a school bus loading zone
    Show answer

    A pedestrian is crossing the road there. Pedestrian Crossing signs warn that people cross the road and hold the right of way, so drivers may have to stop. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Warning signs

23. 23. A large vehicle angles left before turning right. What should you avoid?

    1. Waiting behind until the turn finishes
    2. Squeezing past on its right side
    3. Leaving extra room beside the trailer
    4. Watching for the trailer wheels tracking inward
    Show answer

    Squeezing past on its right side. Large vehicles may angle into the left lane to make a right turn without climbing the curb. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Right hooks, motorcycles and large vehicles

24. 24. Two lanes will soon become one at a Lane Ends sign. Who must yield?

    1. Traffic in the lane that is ending must yield
    2. Traffic in the lane that continues must yield
    3. The larger vehicle in either lane must yield
    4. Both lanes must stop before the merge point
    Show answer

    Traffic in the lane that is ending must yield. A Lane Ends warning tells drivers that two lanes of traffic will soon become one. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Warning signs

25. 25. In Idaho, a vehicle in the right lane stops at an intersection for a pedestrian. You are in the left lane. What should you do?

    1. Pass the stopped vehicle carefully
    2. Sound the horn and continue through
    3. Move into the right lane to get a better view of the crossing
    4. Stop and wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing
    Show answer

    Stop and wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing. When one vehicle stops for a pedestrian, the driver in the next lane must not pass. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, children, horses and bicyclists

26. 26. Who may attend Idaho's Alive at 25 defensive driving course?

    1. Drivers over 65
    2. Only drivers with a DUI
    3. Drivers who are 15 through 24 years old
    4. Only commercial drivers
    Show answer

    Drivers who are 15 through 24 years old. Alive at 25 is a defensive driving course offered for those who are 15 through 24 years old, presented by law enforcement with traffic safet Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Defensive driving, distractions and fatigue

27. 27. What maximum speed may be posted for travel on an urban interstate in Idaho?

    1. 65 miles per hour
    2. 55 miles per hour
    3. 70 miles per hour
    4. 80 miles per hour
    Show answer

    65 miles per hour. Idaho permits travel up to 65 miles per hour on urban interstate highways when the road is designated for that speed and conditions permit, Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the basic rule

28. 28. When may a pedestrian have to yield to a motor vehicle?

    1. Whenever the pedestrian is walking more slowly than traffic
    2. Whenever the driver sounds the horn first
    3. Only when the pedestrian is outside a city
    4. When crossing where there is no crosswalk or intersection, or when directed by a traffic signal
    Show answer

    When crossing where there is no crosswalk or intersection, or when directed by a traffic signal. Idaho lists two circumstances in which a pedestrian must yield to motor vehicles: crossing a street where there is no crosswalk or intersect Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Yielding to pedestrians and funeral processions

29. 29. For a first DUI conviction in Idaho, what are the maximum jail term and fine listed in the handbook?

    1. Up to one year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine
    2. Up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine
    3. Up to ten years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine
    4. No jail and a flat $250 civil penalty
    Show answer

    Up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. A first Idaho DUI conviction carries up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine, plus a license suspension. Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles and the move over law

30. 30. When you stop behind another vehicle, how much space does Idaho suggest leaving?

    1. About one foot
    2. Enough to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead where they touch the ground
    3. Enough to read its license plate number
    4. At least three car lengths in every case
    Show answer

    Enough to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead where they touch the ground. Idaho's safe habit is to stop far enough back that you can see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead where they touch the ground. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, parking and backing

31. 31. Your light is green, but traffic is backed up on the far side of the intersection. When may you enter?

    1. Right away, because a green light gives you the right to go
    2. When at least half your vehicle fits past the intersection
    3. After honking to let cross traffic know you are coming
    4. Only when there is room on the other side for your vehicle to pass completely through
    Show answer

    Only when there is room on the other side for your vehicle to pass completely through. A green light means go, but Idaho adds a limit: do not enter the intersection unless there is enough space on the other side for your whole Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals

32. 32. Under Idaho's open container law, where must an unsealed alcoholic beverage be carried in a vehicle?

    1. In the trunk, or behind the last upright seat if there is no trunk
    2. In the glove compartment
    3. Under the front passenger seat
    4. Anywhere, as long as only a passenger holds it
    Show answer

    In the trunk, or behind the last upright seat if there is no trunk. Idaho's open container law bars both drivers and passengers from drinking or possessing an open container of alcohol. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Administrative suspension and how alcohol affects you

33. 33. When may an Idaho bicyclist proceed through a red light?

    1. After stopping and yielding to vehicles already in or approaching the intersection, with caution
    2. Never
    3. Whenever no car is directly ahead
    4. Only when a police officer waves
    Show answer

    After stopping and yielding to vehicles already in or approaching the intersection, with caution. Idaho law lets bicyclists proceed with caution through a red light after stopping and yielding the right of way to vehicles already in the i Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, children, horses and bicyclists

34. 34. In Idaho's fee table for a commercial driver's license (CDL), what does the skills test cost?

    1. $5 total
    2. $25 total
    3. It is free
    4. $10 to the county DMV plus up to $190 to the skills test examiner
    Show answer

    $10 to the county DMV plus up to $190 to the skills test examiner. Idaho's fee table for a commercial driver's license lists the skills test as $10 paid to the county DMV plus up to $190 paid to the skills t Full explanation in Test 9

35. 35. What does a flashing yellow arrow permit when turning?

    1. A turn only after waiting for a second green arrow
    2. A turn without checking for pedestrians because the arrow has priority
    3. A protected turn that requires oncoming traffic to stop
    4. A turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk
    Show answer

    A turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn, but it is permissive rather than protected. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals

36. 36. At a pedestrian hybrid beacon, the signal is dark. What may you do?

    1. Proceed if the crosswalk is clear
    2. Stop fully every time you pass one
    3. Wait until a pedestrian presses the button
    4. Treat the dark signal as a power failure
    Show answer

    Proceed if the crosswalk is clear. A pedestrian hybrid beacon stays dark until a pedestrian activates it. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Stopping at red lights and pedestrian beacons

37. 37. Why should you avoid using emergency flashers while moving in bad conditions?

    1. Other drivers may think your vehicle has stopped
    2. Flashers drain the battery within minutes
    3. Flashers turn off the headlights automatically
    4. Flashers are allowed only on interstate highways
    Show answer

    Other drivers may think your vehicle has stopped. When conditions turn too bad, Idaho advises pulling off the road and stopping rather than creeping along. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Night, fog, rain and flash floods

38. 38. What does a dashed yellow center line allow drivers to do?

    1. Cross the line from either lane when it is safe
    2. Cross only from the lane beside a solid line
    3. Pass without checking for oncoming traffic
    4. Drive on the line while waiting to turn
    Show answer

    Cross the line from either lane when it is safe. Broken yellow paint separates opposing lanes while still permitting a careful crossing. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings

39. 39. Where should children younger than thirteen ride?

    1. In the front seat with a belt only
    2. Wherever they can see the road best
    3. In the middle seat of any row available
    4. In the back seat
    Show answer

    In the back seat. Children younger than thirteen should ride in the back seat. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, seat belts and child seats

40. 40. You face a solid yellow arrow for your turn and have not entered the intersection. What should you do?

    1. Speed up to finish the turn before the red
    2. Turn at once without stopping for cross traffic
    3. Come to a safe stop before entering the intersection
    4. Treat the arrow as green and proceed through
    Show answer

    Come to a safe stop before entering the intersection. A solid yellow arrow warns that the turn signal is changing. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals