Idaho motorcycle permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 27 Idaho numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 15 number questions in our Idaho bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
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Numbers flashcards
15 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
If you refuse an evidentiary breath test in Idaho for the first time, and the court upholds the officer's findings, what happens?
A one-year suspension with no driving privileges of any kind
Under implied consent, refusing a requested test brings a one-year absolute suspension for a first offense, and two years for a second refusal within 10 years.
Fines, points & penalties
If you fail the Idaho motorcycle knowledge test, when can you retest?
After a 3-day wait, and you must pay the $5 fee again
Failing the motorcycle knowledge test means waiting 3 days and paying the $5.00 fee again.
Speed limits
On a 2-lane Idaho highway posted at 55 mph or more, you are passing a vehicle going below the limit. What does Idaho law allow?
Exceeding the posted limit by up to 15 mph while passing, except in work zones
Idaho allows you to go up to 15 mph over the posted limit while passing a slower vehicle on a 2-lane highway posted at 55 mph or more, but never in a work zone.
Every Idaho motorcycle number, by topic
Official Idaho laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
10 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | legislature.idaho.govQuoteor who has an alcohol concentration of 0.08, as defined in subsection (4) of this section, or more, as shown by analysis of his blood, urine, or breath, to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state |
| 0.02% | BAC limit for drivers under 21 | legislature.idaho.govQuoteIt is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years who has an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but less than 0.08 |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | legislature.idaho.govQuoteor who has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher but less than 0.08, as defined in subsection (4) of this section, as shown by analysis of his blood, urine, or breath, to drive or be in actual physical control of a commercial motor vehicle |
| 1 year | Drunk driving (DUI)Ignition interlock for 1 year after the suspension | legislature.idaho.govQuoteIt is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years who has an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but less than 0.08 |
| 90-day, 30 days | Drunk driving (DUI)Separately, a failed test brings a 90-day administrative suspension (no driving for the first 30 days) | itd.idaho.govQuoteFor a first failure, driving privileges are suspended for a period of ninety (90) days with absolutely no driving privileges during the first thirty (30) days of that ninety (90) day suspension. |
| $250 | Drunk driving (DUI)$250 civil penalty | legislature.idaho.govQuoteHe shall be fined a civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250); |
| 1 year, 2 years, 10 years | Drunk driving (DUI)License suspended with absolutely no driving privileges for 1 year (first refusal) or 2 years (second within 10 years) | legislature.idaho.govQuotesuspend the defendant’s driving privileges for one (1) year for a first refusal and two (2) years for a second refusal within ten (10) years, during which time he shall have absolutely no driving privileges of any kind |
| one-year | If you refuse an evidentiary breath test in Idaho for the first time, and the court upholds the officer's findings, what happens?Answer: A one-year suspension with no driving privileges of any kind | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 81Quotethe license will be suspended for one year with absolutely no driving privileges of any kind, if it is a first offense. |
| 90 days, 30 days | For a first failed evidentiary test in Idaho, what administrative license suspension applies?Answer: 90 days, with no driving privileges during the first 30 days | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 82QuoteFor a first failure, driving privileges are suspended for a period of ninety (90) days with absolutely no driving privileges during the first thirty (30) days |
| 2 hours | How often should you stop and get off the motorcycle on a long ride to fight fatigue?Answer: At least every 2 hours | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 84QuoteTake frequent rest breaks – Stop and get off the motorcycle at least every two (2) hours to stretch and hydrate. |
Fines, points & penalties
2 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day, $5 | If you fail the Idaho motorcycle knowledge test, when can you retest?Answer: After a 3-day wait, and you must pay the $5 fee again | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 17QuoteFailing the test will require a waiting period of 3 days before retesting and repaying the $5.00 fee. |
| $15,000 | What minimum liability insurance must an Idaho motorcycle carry for property damage in one accident?Answer: $15,000 | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 25Quote$50,000 bodily injury to or death of 2 or more persons in any 1 accident and $15,000 injury or destruction of property of others in any 1 accident. |
Speed limits
2 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 mph | On a 2-lane Idaho highway posted at 55 mph or more, you are passing a vehicle going below the limit. What does Idaho law allow?Answer: Exceeding the posted limit by up to 15 mph while passing, except in work zones | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 43QuoteYou may exceed the posted speed limit by up to 15 miles per hour while passing another vehicle that is traveling below the posted speed limit on a 2-lane highway. |
| 30 mph | In Idaho, a scooter that can travel faster than what speed is not a moped and is treated as a motorcycle?Answer: 30 mph | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 10Quoteany scooter or motorcycle (regardless of cc size) that can travel in excess of 30mph is “not a moped” and thus considered a “motorcycle”. |
Distances & following gaps
3 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 3 seconds | What is the normal minimum following distance the Idaho handbook recommends behind the vehicle ahead?Answer: 3 seconds | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 40QuoteNormally, a minimum of a three-seconds following distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead. |
| 4 seconds | At night, what following distance does the handbook recommend?Answer: 4 seconds or more | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 56QuoteIncrease to a four-second following distance or more and allow more distance to pass and be passed. |
| 1½ to 2 seconds | In a staggered group formation, how far behind the leader does the second rider stay?Answer: 1½ to 2 seconds, in the right side of the lane | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 74QuoteThe lead motorcycle rider is in the left side of the lane, while the second motorcycle rider stays 1 1/2 to 2 seconds behind in the right side of the lane. |
Ages, permits & the test
5 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | Motorcycle permitUp to 1 year | legislature.idaho.govQuoteThe permit entitles the applicant, while having the permit in his immediate possession, to operate a motorcycle on the highways for a period not to exceed one (1) year. |
| under 18 | Motorcycle permitUnder 18 must wear a helmet | itd.idaho.govQuoteUnder 18 helmet – A permit holder under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle |
| under 21 | Motorcycle permitRequired for anyone under 21 to get the M endorsement | legislature.idaho.govQuoteNo person under the age of twenty-one (21) years may apply for or obtain a motorcycle "M" endorsement on his driver’s license unless he has successfully completed a motorcycle rider training course |
| 2 years | Motorcycle permitFor any age, a passing Idaho STAR or MSF course dated within 2 years of application waives the skills test | itd.idaho.govQuoteA passing MSF course may be used to waive the skills testing requirement within 2 years of completion of the course. |
| 1 year | How long is an Idaho motorcycle instruction permit valid?Answer: 1 year | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 16QuoteThis permit is valid for 1 year and allows motorcyclists to practice riding |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 18 | HelmetsAnyone under 18 operating or riding on a motorcycle (also motorbikes, UTVs, ATVs) must wear a protective helmet meeting the director's standards | legislature.idaho.govQuoteNo person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride upon or be permitted to operate a motorcycle, motorbike, utility type vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle unless at all times when so operating or riding upon the vehicle he is wearing |
| under the age of 18 | Under Idaho law, which motorcycle rider or passenger must wear a DOT-compliant helmet?Answer: Anyone under the age of 18 | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 19QuoteIdaho law requires all persons under the age of 18 to wear a DOT-compliant protective helmet while riding on a motorcycle or ATV on or off highway. |
| 200 feet | Idaho requires a motorcycle's horn to be heard from at least how far away?Answer: 200 feet | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 25QuoteHorn – Must have a horn that can be heard not less than 200 feet away. |
| 300 feet | At 35 mph or more, an Idaho motorcycle headlight must reveal a person or vehicle at least how far ahead?Answer: 300 feet | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 25Quotenot less than 200 feet when traveling 25-34 mph, and not less than 300 feet when traveling 35 mph or more. |
Other numbers
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | About how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power can the front brake provide?Answer: At least 70% | Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, page 35QuoteThe front brake is more powerful and can provide at least 70% of the total stopping power. |
Memory tips
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Idaho motorcycle permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 27 of them for Idaho, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Idaho Motorcycle Rider's Handbook, Idaho statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.