Top Idaho Graduated Driver License Program

Idaho's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program requires all driving hopefuls between the ages of 15-17 to successfully complete an approved driver-training program and obtain a driver training permit and a supervised instruction permit (SIP), before they can even begin testing for a regular Idaho driver license.

You've made it to the necessary age. Now you just need to make it through the necessary steps.

Step 1: Get Your Driver Training Permit

Enroll in a driver-training program. While you're in this program, you'll be allowed to drive with the instructor, thanks to your driver training permit.

Once you're able to confirm you're enrolled in a training program, you can apply for your driver training permit at your local county driver's license office. Be sure to take:

• A certified copy of your original birth certificate.

• Your Social Security card.

• Photo identification.

• Proof of school enrollment.

• Someone to sign as your liability signer.

• $30 fee.

The driver training permit becomes your supervised instruction permit, once you complete the training program.

Step 2: Start Practicing

Since June 30, 2007 all SIP-holders must obtain no less than six months of supervised driving time. They must also have 50 hours of supervised driving time, 10 of which were during the night.

Step 3: Pass Your Tests

After six months of driving practice, it's time to take the written knowledge and road skills tests. Make an appointment with a skills tester. The written knowledge test costs $3 and the road skills test costs $15.

If you fail your tests, you can take them again after three days. You'll have to pay the test fees again.

Remember, you'll need a parent or legal guardian to sign off stating that you indeed have the required driving practice hours under your belt, so take one with you.

Remember to make sure you're up to par with Idaho's regulations when it comes to teens and driving. The Idaho Driver's Manual does a great job of outlining requirements, as does our Idaho Teen Drivers section.

Top Expired Permits

If you're under the age of 17, have completed your required six months of driving practice, but aren't yet ready to try for your full license, you can continue driving with your SIP as long as it isn't expired. Note, however, that you'll still be under the same restrictions.

Once you turn 17 and your SIP expires, you must apply for your full license or instruction permit. Otherwise, you'll be at risk for being cited.

Top Lost Permits

If you lose your SIP, or it becomes damaged or destroyed, you must purchase a new one. Just as with applying for your first SIP, a parent or legal guardian will have to sign for you. A duplicate SIP costs $11.50.

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