Updated for 2026

Idaho ITD (Idaho Transportation Department) / DMV

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

40

Passing Score

34

Standard Fee

$3.00 - $5.00 (Test Fee) + $15.00 (Permit Fee)

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

The most common reasons for failing the Idaho test are 'Poor Observation' at intersections (failing to look left-right-left), performing a 'Rolling Stop' instead of a complete cessation of movement, and driving too slowly (impeding traffic) on rural highways.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Idaho's traffic laws reflect its unique rural geography and pioneering approach to traffic management. The most famous regulation is the 'Idaho Stop' law (Idaho Statutes 49-720). Originating here in 1982, this law allows bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign. This means if a cyclist approaches a stop sign and the coast is clear, they are NOT legally required to put a foot down or stop completely; they can roll through. However, drivers must remember this privilege applies ONLY to cyclists; cars must always stop completely. Another critical rural law is the 'Open Range Law'. In many parts of rural Idaho, there are no fences to keep livestock off the road. In these 'Open Range' designated areas, livestock (cattle, sheep, horses) have the right of way. If you hit a cow in an Open Range district, the driver is legally liable for the death of the animal and must pay the rancher for the loss. Conversely, in 'Herd Districts', owners must fence their animals in. Regarding highway safety, Idaho has an expanded 'Move Over' law. It requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down significantly not just for police and ambulances, but for ANY stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, including tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, and even broken-down civilian cars with hazard lights on. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is strict. The 'Supervised Instruction Permit' (SIP) must be held for 6 months. During this time, the teen must log 50 hours of driving, 10 of which must be at night. Once licensed under 17, for the first 6 months, they are limited to one non-family passenger under age 17. Driving is also prohibited from sunset to sunrise (or specific curfew hours depending on local ordinances) unless for work/school. Lastly, Idaho has a 'Permissive Yellow Light' law. This means you can legally enter an intersection on a yellow light. As long as your front bumper crosses the limit line before the light turns red, you are not running a red light, even if the light turns red while you are still in the middle of the intersection.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Idaho presents specific environmental hazards that are statistically significant and heavily featured in safety education. A major fact to know is that Idaho has one of the highest rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the western United States, particularly involving mule deer and elk. These collisions peak during the fall migration (October-November). A unique and somewhat grim fact is Idaho's 'Roadkill Salvage' program. If you accidentally hit and kill a game animal (like a deer or elk) on the highway, it is legal to salvage the meat, provided you report the collision to Fish and Game and obtain a free salvage permit within 24 hours. This law aims to reduce waste. Winter driving is another massive component of Idaho life. The state does not typically mandate chains for passenger cars as strictly as California, but 'Chain Up' signs for commercial vehicles are common on mountain passes like Lolo Pass or Lookout Pass. For regular drivers, studded tires are legal but only between October 1st and April 30th. Using them outside this window results in fines to protect the pavement. The test itself consists of 40 questions, and you must answer 34 correctly (85%) to pass. This is a higher percentage requirement than many other states (which often require 70-80%). The questions are randomly pulled from a large pool, so no two tests are the same. Topics often include the specific distances for signaling (100 feet minimum) and dimming headlights (500 feet for oncoming, 200 feet when following). Additionally, Idaho drivers should be aware of 'Inversion Fog'. In the winter, valleys can trap freezing fog for days, creating 'black ice' that is invisible on the asphalt. The manual advises that if you hit ice, do NOT brake suddenly; instead, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. Finally, despite its rural nature, Idaho enforces strict distracted driving laws. While holding a phone is a primary offense in many places, Idaho's law specifically focuses on the 'hands-free' requirement in city limits where ordinances apply, and generally prohibits texting state-wide. The penalty for a first-time texting offense is an infraction, but subsequent offenses can lead to higher fines.