Idaho permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 4 questions.
Under Idaho law, which of these is illegal while you are driving?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
Under Idaho law, which of these is illegal while you are driving?
- A Talking through a hands-free device without using either hand
- B Holding your phone in your hand to talk on a call
- C Listening to the radio at a low volume
- D Following directions read aloud by a passenger
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B. Holding your phone in your hand to talk on a call
Since 2020, Idaho Code 49-1401A bars every driver from using a handheld phone or other mobile device while driving, for calls as well as texts. Voice or hands-free use is allowed, with at most one touch to start or end a feature, and so is calling for an emergency.
Source: Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles website
An Idaho driver is convicted for the first time of holding a phone while driving, in violation of the state's hands-free law. How does it affect the driving record?
- A It adds four points to the driving record
- B It brings an automatic 30-day license suspension
- C It is a misdemeanor that carries jail time
- D It brings a fine but no points on the record
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D. It brings a fine but no points on the record
Idaho's hands-free law makes using a handheld phone or other mobile device while driving an infraction and a moving violation. A first conviction brings a $75 fine but no points, a second within three years brings $150, and later ones $300. Three or more convictions in three years can lead to a license suspension of up to 90 days.
Source: Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles website
According to the Idaho handbook, how does texting while driving compare with driving impaired?
- A It is about half as dangerous
- B It is about equally as dangerous
- C It is six times more dangerous
- D It is twice as dangerous
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C. It is six times more dangerous
The Idaho handbook warns that texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving impaired. If you must use a phone, park in a safe place first.
Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 93
You feel drowsy on a long interstate drive. What should you do?
- A Pull off at the first rest stop and take a nap
- B Drink an energy drink and keep going
- C Open the window and turn up the radio
- D Speed up a little so you finish the trip sooner
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A. Pull off at the first rest stop and take a nap
Drowsiness is one of the greatest killers on interstates. Stop at the first rest stop or service area and take a nap; do not rely on stay-awake drugs or energy drinks.
Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook, page 93