Idaho 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 63 Idaho numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 47 number questions in our Idaho bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    You fail an evidentiary alcohol test for the first time in Idaho. What is the administrative license suspension?

    90 days, with no driving at all for the first 30 days

    For a first test failure, ITD suspends your license for 90 days, and for the first 30 days you have absolutely no driving privileges.

    Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 126

  • Fines, points & penalties

    Under the Idaho point system, how many points in any 12 months lead to a 30-day suspension?

    12 to 17 points

    Idaho's point table is: 8 to 11 points in 12 months, warning letter; 12 to 17 in 12 months, 30-day suspension; 18 to 23 in 24 months, 90 days; 24 or more in 36 months, 6 months.

    Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 123

  • Speed limits

    You are driving a car, not towing anything, on a two-lane highway posted at 55 mph. Outside any work zone, you pass a truck going 45. How much over the limit may you go while passing?

    Up to 15 mph, then slow back to the limit

    In a passenger vehicle, motorcycle or pickup not towing, you may exceed the limit by up to 15 mph to pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road posted 55 mph or higher.

    Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 77

Every Idaho number, by topic

Official test facts and 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

12 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driverslegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
or 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 21legislature.idaho.gov
Quote
It 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 vehiclelegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
or 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 yearDrunk driving (DUI)Ignition interlock for 1 year after the suspensionlegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
It 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 daysDrunk driving (DUI)Separately, a failed test brings a 90-day administrative suspension (no driving for the first 30 days)itd.idaho.gov
Quote
For 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.
$250Drunk driving (DUI)$250 civil penaltylegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
He shall be fined a civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250);
1 year, 2 years, 10 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)License suspended with absolutely no driving privileges for 1 year (first refusal) or 2 years (second within 10 years)legislature.idaho.gov
Quote
suspend 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
90 days, 30 daysYou fail an evidentiary alcohol test for the first time in Idaho. What is the administrative license suspension?Answer: 90 days, with no driving at all for the first 30 daysIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 126
Quote
For a first failure, your driving privileges will be suspended for a period of ninety (90) days. You will have absolutely no driving privileges during the first thirty (30) days
7 daysAfter receiving a Notice of Suspension for failing an alcohol test in Idaho, how long do you have to request an administrative hearing?Answer: 7 days from the date on the noticeIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 125
Quote
You have the right to request an administrative hearing on the suspension within seven (7) days of the date on the notice of suspension
$250Under Idaho's implied consent law, what happens if you refuse an officer's request for a BAC or drug test?Answer: A $250 civil penalty and a license suspensionIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 126
Quote
If you refuse to take the test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer, you are subject to a driver’s license suspension and a civil penalty of $250.00
two-yearWhat penalty does Idaho impose for a second refusal of an evidentiary test within 10 years?Answer: A two-year absolute suspensionIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 127
Quote
A second refusal within 10 years will result in a two-year absolute suspension.
$1,000What is the maximum fine for a first DUI conviction in Idaho?Answer: $1,000Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 132
Quote
For a first conviction: Up to six months in jail; up to a $1,000 fine; and mandatory driver’s license suspension of at least 90 days and up to 180 days

Fines, points & penalties

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$10Seat beltsFine $10, no pointslegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
A person issued a citation pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to a fine of ten dollars ($10.00).
$300School busesFirst offense: $300 infractionlegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this subsection for the first time shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300).
$75Speed limits: School zonesThe posted school zone limit applies (minimum $75 fine)legislature.idaho.gov
Quote
Seventy-five (75) miles per hour on interstate highways, unless otherwise posted in accordance with section 49-201 (4), Idaho Code, and provided that this speed may be increased to eighty (80) miles per hour
12 to 17 pointsUnder the Idaho point system, how many points in any 12 months lead to a 30-day suspension?Answer: 12 to 17 pointsIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 123
Quote
NUMBER OF POINTS 8 to 11 in any 12 months 12 to 17 in any 12 months 18 to 23 in any 24 months 24 or more in any 36 months PENALTY Warning letter 30-day suspension
3 pointsWhat is the most points an ITD-approved Defensive Driving Course can remove from your Idaho record?Answer: 3 pointsIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 123
Quote
A maximum of three (3) points may be removed from your driving record upon completion of an ITD-approved DDC.
30-dayAn Idaho driver who is 16 is convicted of a second moving traffic violation. What GDL penalty applies?Answer: A 30-day suspension of driving privilegesIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 125
Quote
A 30-day suspension of driving privileges for a second conviction for a moving traffic violation.
$1,500You are in a crash in Idaho. When must it be reported to police?Answer: When someone is injured or property damage is more than $1,500Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 121
Quote
You must report to police any motor vehicle crash in which someone is injured or property damage is more than $1,500.
$15,000Idaho requires at least $25,000 of liability coverage for injury to one person and $50,000 for injury to two or more people in one crash. What is the minimum coverage for damage to other people's property?Answer: $15,000Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more persons in any one (1) accident, and in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one (1) accident.

Speed limits

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
35 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts35 mph in any residential, business or urban districtlegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
Thirty-five (35) miles per hour in any residential, business or urban district, unless otherwise posted
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph in other locations unless posted (up to 70)legislature.idaho.gov
Quote
Fifty-five (55) miles per hour in other locations, unless otherwise posted, up to a maximum of seventy (70) miles per hour.
75 mphSpeed limits: Interstates75 mph unless postedlegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
Seventy-five (75) miles per hour on interstate highways, unless otherwise posted in accordance with section 49-201 (4), Idaho Code, and provided that this speed may be increased to eighty (80) miles per hour
80 mphSpeed limits: InterstatesUp to 80 mph where ITD sets it after an engineering studylegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
Seventy-five (75) miles per hour on interstate highways, unless otherwise posted in accordance with section 49-201 (4), Idaho Code, and provided that this speed may be increased to eighty (80) miles per hour
15 mphYou are driving a car, not towing anything, on a two-lane highway posted at 55 mph. Outside any work zone, you pass a truck going 45. How much over the limit may you go while passing?Answer: Up to 15 mph, then slow back to the limitIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 77
Quote
you 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 two-lane roadway.
35 mphUnless a different limit is posted, what is the maximum speed in an Idaho residential, business or urban district?Answer: 35 mphIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 68
Quote
Maximum speed in any residential, business, or urban district is 35 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.
75 mphUnless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed on an Idaho interstate?Answer: 75 mphIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 68
Quote
75 miles per hour on interstates unless otherwise posted. (80 may be allowed where posted).
65 mphUnless a higher limit is posted, what is the maximum speed on an Idaho state highway?Answer: 65 mphIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 68
Quote
Vehicles shall not exceed 65 miles per hour on state highways (70 may be allowed where posted).
55 mphIn Idaho, what is the speed limit on a road that is not an interstate or a state highway and is outside any residential, business or urban district, unless signs say otherwise?Answer: 55 mphIdaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
Fifty-five (55) miles per hour in other locations, unless otherwise posted, up to a maximum of seventy (70) miles per hour.

Distances & following gaps

13 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
100 feetIn a business or residential area in Idaho, how far ahead must you begin signaling before a turn?Answer: At least 100 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 72
Quote
Signals must start at least 100 feet (in business or residential areas) or five seconds (on freeways or highways) before you turn or change lanes.
500 feetNear the crest of a hill, approaching drivers could see your car from only 300 feet away. May you make a U-turn there?Answer: No, approaching drivers must be able to see you within 500 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 73
Quote
U-turns may not be made on any curve, or the approach of or near the crest of a hill, where the vehicle cannot be seen by approaching vehicles from either direction within 500 feet
200 feetWhen passing on a two-lane road, how far from oncoming traffic must you complete the pass?Answer: Before coming within 200 feet of itIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 78
Quote
Complete a pass before coming within 200 feet of oncoming traffic.
100 feetOn a two-lane road, how close to an intersection or railroad crossing may you be when passing, unless traffic-control devices say otherwise?Answer: No closer than 100 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 76
Quote
Within 100 feet of an intersection, unless otherwise indicated by traffic-control devices Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing
Three secondsWhat following distance does the Idaho handbook give as the minimum in good conditions?Answer: Three secondsIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 79
Quote
The three-second following distance rule is the minimum recommended safest procedure to use.
three secondsHow should you change your following distance in bad weather?Answer: Increase the three seconds several times overIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 80
Quote
In bad weather, the three seconds should be increased several times to give an extra margin of safety.
three secondsWhat following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?Answer: More than three secondsIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 104
Quote
Allow more than three (3) seconds following distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle.
3 feetWhat is the minimum space the Idaho handbook says to leave when passing a bicyclist?Answer: 3 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 98
Quote
A safe margin is at least three (3) feet. This may require waiting for a break in oncoming traffic.
50 feet, 15 feetWhen you are required to stop at a railroad crossing in Idaho, where should you stop?Answer: Within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet from the nearest railIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 60
Quote
When required to stop, you should do so within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the crossing.
7,000 feetAbout how far does a 150-car freight train going 50 mph need to stop?Answer: About 7,000 feet, or more than a mileIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 60
Quote
The stopping distance for a 150-car freight train traveling 50 miles per hour is 7,000 feet or 1 and 1/3 miles.
500 feetWhen does Idaho require headlights?Answer: From sunset to sunrise and when you cannot see 500 feet aheadIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 109
Quote
Turn on your headlights (not just your parking lights) when driving between sunset and sunrise, or when visibility has been reduced to below 500 feet.
500 feet, 200 feetIdaho law requires you to dim your high beams how far before meeting an oncoming vehicle, and how far before overtaking one?Answer: 500 feet before meeting and 200 feet before overtakingIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 43
Quote
Headlamps must be dimmed 500 feet before meeting and 200 feet before overtaking another vehicle.
100 feetAt night with low beams on, about how far ahead can you see, according to the Idaho handbook?Answer: About 100 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 109
Quote
350 feet when using the high beams of your headlights and about 100 feet when using the low beams.

Parking

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
18 inchesWhen parallel parking on an Idaho street, how close to the curb must your wheels be?Answer: Within 18 inchesIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 80
Quote
you must park parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb or edge of the roadway, facing in the same direction as traffic on your side of the road.
15 feetIn Idaho, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 15 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 81
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
20 feetIn Idaho, how close to a crosswalk may you park?Answer: No closer than 20 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 81
Quote
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk
30 feetIn Idaho, how close may you park to a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal?Answer: No closer than 30 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 81
Quote
Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal
50 feetIdaho bans parking within a set distance of certain places. Which place is paired with its correct distance?Answer: Railroad tracks: 50 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 81
Quote
Within 50 feet of railroad tracks

Ages, permits & the test

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
40Questions on the testitd.idaho.gov
Quote
The knowledge test consists of 40 questions; you can miss up to six (6) questions before failing the test. The knowledge test is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language (ASL).
90 days, 3 yearsPhone useA court may suspend the license up to 90 days for 3 or more convictions in 3 yearslegislature.idaho.gov
Quote
A court may suspend a person’s driver’s license for up to ninety (90) days if the person has three (3) or more convictions for violations of this section within a three (3) year period.
50 hoursUnder Idaho's Graduated Driver's License program, how much supervised driving must a teen log during the supervised instruction period?Answer: At least 50 hours, with 10 of them at nightIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 19
Quote
Accumulate at least 50 hours of supervised driving time, ten hours of which must be at night.
21 yearsDuring Idaho's supervised instruction period, who must ride with the teen driver?Answer: A licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seatIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 19
Quote
Be accompanied by a valid licensed driver at least 21 years of age who is occupying the front seat beside the driver (no other passengers are allowed in the front seat).
6-monthAn Idaho teen is convicted of a traffic violation four months into the supervised instruction period. What happens?Answer: The permit is canceled and a new 6-month period starts with a new permitIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 19
Quote
the permit will be canceled and you must reapply for a new permit. Your minimum 6 months of supervised driving time starts over again with the issuance of a new permit.
age 18You are 17 and hold an Idaho Class D Instruction Permit. Who must be with you when you practice driving?Answer: An adult age 18 or older who holds a valid driver's licenseIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 16
Quote
allow an applicant who is 17 years of age or older to practice safely operating a motor vehicle for one (1) year when accompanied by an adult (someone who is 18 years of age or older) who holds a valid driver’s license.
30 hours, 6 hoursWhat does an approved Idaho Driver Training program require?Answer: 30 hours of classroom, 6 hours observing and 6 hours behind the wheelIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 19
Quote
a required 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of in-car experience observing other student drivers, and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with an approved DT instructor.
three yearsYour Idaho license was suspended for reckless driving. What must you provide, along with the reinstatement fee, to get it back?Answer: An SR-22 proof of liability insurance for three yearsIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 128
Quote
you must also provide proof of financial responsibility for three years. The acceptable form of proof of financial responsibility is a certified statement of liability insurance coverage from your insurer (an SR-22 certificate).

Time limits & deadlines

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,500CrashesReport immediately, by the quickest means, any crash causing injury or death, or property damage to any one person over $1,500legislature.idaho.gov
Quote
or damage to the property of any one (1) person in excess of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a city
30 daysYou move to a new home in Idaho. How soon must you notify ITD of your new address?Answer: Within 30 daysIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 29
Quote
You must notify ITD within 30 days when your address changes.
One yearYou are convicted of driving without insurance in Idaho for the first time. How long must you provide proof of financial responsibility?Answer: One yearIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 128
Quote
if you violate Idaho’s no-insurance laws, you will be required to provide proof of financial responsibility for one year for a first offense.
six yearsAn uninsured driver caused your crash and you cannot collect damages. After a court judgment, how long can ITD suspend that driver's privileges?Answer: Until you are paid, or for up to six yearsIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 119
Quote
After a court judgment has been entered, the department may suspend the driving privileges of the uninsured driver until you have been paid, or for up to six years.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
6 yearsIdaho law requires children of what age to ride in an approved child safety seat?Answer: 6 years old or youngerIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 41
Quote
Idaho law requires anyone carrying children 6 years of age or younger in a non-commercial motor vehicle to properly protect children in approved child car safety seats.
25 feetHow quickly must the foot brakes on an Idaho vehicle be able to stop it from 20 mph on dry pavement?Answer: Within 25 feetIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 38
Quote
Foot brakes must stop a vehicle that is traveling 20 miles per hour on dry pavement within a distance of 25 feet.
18 inchesYour load sticks out 5 feet past the rear of your pickup during the day. What does Idaho require?Answer: A red flag at least 18 inches square at the end of the loadIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 43
Quote
When vehicle loads extend four feet or more beyond the rear of a vehicle, a red flag at least 18 inches square must be displayed at the end of the load.

Other numbers

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
six timesAccording to the Idaho handbook, how does texting while driving compare with driving impaired?Answer: It is six times more dangerousIdaho Driver's Handbook, page 93
Quote
Texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving impaired.

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 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 63 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 Driver'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.

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