How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Idaho?

You must be at least 14.5 years old to get a learner's permit in Idaho. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Idaho?

Idaho intermediate license holders must be at least 15 years old. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Idaho?

In Idaho, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 16.

Idaho Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Idaho uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

14.5

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14.5
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 15
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 passenger under 17 for first 6 months; family members exempt. Curfew is sundown to sunrise.
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations may result in fines and extension of restricted license period

Idaho-Specific Information

Idaho has one of the youngest permit ages at 14.5. The nighttime restriction is sundown to sunrise rather than fixed hours. Must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Full unrestricted license available at 16 for those who meet all requirements, though some restrictions may continue to 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Idaho gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Idaho at age 14.5. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

With an intermediate license in Idaho, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 passenger under 17 for first 6 months; family members exempt. Curfew is sundown to sunrise..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Idaho at age 16. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.