Idaho Drivers Ed Guide

Guide to Obtaining Your Driver's License in Idaho

Embarking on the journey to acquire your first driver's license can be an exciting chapter in a teenager's life. In Idaho, the process includes several key steps and requirements. As of September 2021, Idaho reported over 1.25 million licensed drivers. If you're a teen in the Gem State, from Boise to Idaho Falls, and from Coeur d'Alene to Nampa, here's your guide to earning your driver's license.

Table of Contents

Best Online Drivers Education - Idaho - DriversEd.com - ID DMV Approved

Age Requirements for Driving in Idaho

Your journey to becoming a licensed driver in Idaho can start as soon as you turn 15, when you're eligible to apply for a learner's permit. At 16, you can apply for your first driver's license, given that you meet all other requirements.

Driver's Education in Idaho

A crucial step for Idaho teens under 18 is to complete a driver's education course. This program includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, forming a comprehensive introduction to safe driving and traffic laws. One of the cool things about Idaho is that it's one of the more technologically friendly states in the Union. It allows you to take driver's education online with an approved provider. The #1 provider of Drivers Education in Idaho is DriversEd.com. They've educated more than 20 million drivers nationwide. Will you be next?

DriversEd.com

The team over at DriversEd have been educating teens successfully for decades. They're one of the only reliable online course providers in Idaho that is officially state approved. DriversEd.com boasts decades of experience and has helped over 13 million drivers learn the ropes. With 3D animated driving scenarios and case studies, it offers an immersive learning experience. Try DriversEd.com, one of the most trusted names in the space.

Aceable

***Aceable is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Idaho*** While this is my favorite company in the space, they're still not available in Idaho. Aceable offers an interactive, mobile-friendly course that allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The course includes engaging, multimedia content to make learning fun and easy. Get an Aceable discount today!

I Drive Safely

***IDriveSafely is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Idaho*** My first job in the Drivers Education space, I Drive Safely, is time-tested and has been around since 1998. The company is basically as old as the internet itself. I Drive Safely prides itself on delivering top-quality, easy-to-understand courses. Their engaging, interactive content is designed to help you retain information and pass your exams on the first try.

Idaho Learner's Permit

Upon completing your driver's education, you can apply for a learner's permit. Passing a vision and written test will grant you this permit, allowing you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

Driving Practice: Where Knowledge Meets the Road

Practice is where your classroom knowledge turns into real-world skills. With a learner's permit, you can navigate Idaho's diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Meridian to the scenic routes of Twin Falls, or the suburban roads of Caldwell. Always remember to wear a seatbelt and abide by the passenger restrictions applicable to learner's permit holders.

Idaho Driving Test

After a minimum of 6 months of driving practice, you're eligible to take the driving test. This exam assesses your skills in a range of driving situations. Successful completion of this test is your gateway to obtaining a provisional license.

Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program in Idaho

Idaho's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program operates in three phases and is designed to curb teen driving accidents. The GDL program aims to ensure that young drivers gradually gain experience under controlled, low-risk conditions.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) prior to September 2021, Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) programs like the one in Idaho have been successful in reducing teen accidents. The CDC noted that when properly implemented, GDL programs can reduce teen crashes by up to 40%.

Additionally, research from the IIHS found that the greatest reductions in fatal crashes and insurance claim rates for teens occurred in states with the strongest licensing laws, which include having a learner's permit phase, an intermediate phase with a limit on night driving and passenger restrictions, and a minimum age of 17 for obtaining an unrestricted license.

ID Learner's Permit

You can practice driving with a licensed adult in the passenger seat, while observing all traffic laws and adhering to specific driving hours and passenger limitations.

ID Provisional License

This stage grants certain driving privileges, but still includes some restrictions, such as a curfew and passenger limitations.

Unrestricted Driver's License in Idaho

After maintaining your provisional license for 12 months without any violations, you can apply for an unrestricted license.

Adherence to the rules of the GDL program and the adoption of safe driving habits contribute to your safety and that of other road users. Always remember to buckle up, avoid distractions like texting, and never drink and drive. Your journey from a new driver to a confident motorist is an exciting venture, be it in Pocatello, Post Falls, Rexburg, or any corner of Idaho. Enjoy the ride!

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