Idaho Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 40
- Passing score
- 85% (34 of 40 correct; up to 6 missed…
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Idaho Transportation Department
The Idaho Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam every new driver must pass before getting a permit or license in the state. It is administered by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Motor Vehicles at county driver's license offices statewide.
Overview
The knowledge test blends road-sign recognition with rules of the road and safe-driving questions rather than splitting signs into a standalone section. Idaho's driver manual groups signs into several types classified by color and shape:
- Regulatory signs
- Warning signs
- Work zone signs
- Guide signs
- Other special-purpose signs
Studying each category by shape and color is one of the fastest ways to prepare, since many questions ask you to identify a sign's meaning from its appearance alone.
Cost and registration
The knowledge test fee is $5.00. Related permit fees include $20.00 for a standard Instruction Permit and $21.50 for a Driver Training/Supervised Instruction Permit. If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 3 days before retesting and pay the $5.00 fee again. Anyone budgeting for the full licensing process, including the skills test, should confirm current totals against the official Idaho driver's manual fee schedule.
Exam format
The knowledge test consists of 40 questions, and you can miss up to 6 and still pass — about an 85% passing standard. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and American Sign Language, among others.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the real Idaho DMV knowledge test and what score do I need to pass?
The knowledge test consists of 40 questions, and you can miss up to 6 before failing. That works out to roughly 85% correct.
How much does the Idaho knowledge test cost?
The knowledge test fee is $5.00, paid at the county driver's license office. If you fail, you'll owe the fee again when you retest.
What is the minimum age to get an instruction permit in Idaho?
A Driver Training or Supervised Instruction Permit can be issued starting at 14 ½ years of age. A standard instruction permit application should still be confirmed against the official Idaho Driver's Manual for any additional requirements.
How many supervised driving hours does Idaho require before a road test?
Idaho requires 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. These hours are logged over at least six calendar months of practice.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test?
You must wait 3 days before retesting, and you'll need to pay the knowledge test fee again. Use the waiting period to review the sign types and rules you missed.
Can I take the Idaho knowledge test in a language other than English?
Yes, Idaho offers the knowledge test in English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language. Check with your local county driver's license office to confirm availability at that location.
Sources
- 1.Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026) — Idaho Transportation Department — Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Motor Vehicles (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Idaho's Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) Program — ITD 3506 (Rev. 4/24) — Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Motor Vehicles (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026) — Idaho Transportation DepartmentIdaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Motor Vehiclesitd.idaho.gov
- Idaho's Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) Program — ITD 3506 (Rev. 4/24)Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Motor Vehiclesitd.idaho.gov
- Taking the Driver's Test — Idaho Transportation DepartmentIdaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Motor Vehiclesitd.idaho.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: