Permit With Motorcycle License
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Getting an Idaho Class D Permit With a Motorcycle License
Your Idaho motorcycle license does not allow you to drive a car.
Your Idaho motorcycle license does not allow you to drive a car. You need a separate Class D Instruction Permit to practice driving a passenger car or truck.
Requirements for a Car Permit with a Motorcycle License
You must obtain a Class D Instruction Permit. Your motorcycle endorsement only covers two-wheeled vehicles. The process involves specific testing.
| Class D Requirement | Waived by Motorcycle Credential? | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Class D Instruction Permit | No | Use the Class D permit path for car practice. |
| Class D Knowledge Test | No | Pass the Class D knowledge test. |
| Vision Screening | No | Meet the Class D vision requirement. |
| Class D Skills Test | No | Pass a car skills test before the Class D license is issued. |
Testing and Process for a Class D Permit
Visit a county sheriff's driver's license office. You cannot skip the permit phase.
- Knowledge Test: Pass the Class D written exam. You must take and pass the full Class D written exam; having a motorcycle licence does not reduce the required test content.
- Vision Screening: A new test is required, meeting the 20/40 standard.
- Skills Test: A road test in a car is mandatory. Motorcycle skills do not transfer.
Fees and Documentation
- Knowledge Test Fee: $5.00 per attempt.
- Instruction Permit Fee: $20.
- Skills Test Fee: $35.00 total.
- License Upgrade Fee: Refer to the current ITD driver-fee schedule for classification-change or endorsement-addition fees.
Bring your current Class M license, proof of identity, and Idaho residency documents.
Holding Both a Car and Motorcycle Permit Simultaneously
Yes, you can hold a Class D (car) and a Motorcycle Instruction Permit at the same time in Idaho. They are independent authorizations with separate rules.
Do I have to surrender my motorcycle license to get a Class D permit?
No. Adding Class D driving privileges does not by itself require you to give up a valid motorcycle endorsement. The DMV can reissue the credential as your classes and endorsements change.
How Dual Permits Work
If applied for together, they may appear on the same credential. Current Idaho law gives both the motorcycle endorsement instruction permit and the Class D Instruction Permit a one-year validity period.
Complete Idaho permit details are on the Idaho permit guide.
- Getting Both: Apply in person, pass both written exams ($5.00 each), and pay separate permit fees (~$20.00 for Class D, ~$15.00 for Motorcycle).
- Under 18: You must complete driver's education before applying for a motorcycle permit.
A student holding both permits should track each credential's expiration and complete any required testing before it expires.
Critical Restrictions for Each Permit
| Restriction | Class D Permit (Car) | Class M Permit (Motorcycle) |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | ? Allowed with supervisor. | ? No passengers allowed. |
| Supervision | Licensed adult age 18+ in the front seat. | ? No on-bike supervisor, but no night riding. |
| Time of Day | Day and night (with supervision at night). | Daylight hours only. |
| Roads | All public roads allowed. | ? No interstate/freeway riding. |
The Idaho STAR Course Rule
Riders under 21 must complete the Idaho STAR safety course to get a motorcycle endorsement, which waives the skills test. For those over 21, it is optional but recommended.
Quick check: Complete Form ITD 3340 (STAR course completion certificate) in blue or black ink only before going to the DMV in Coeur d'Alene; pencil or faint ink often leads to rejection and rescheduling.
Does the Idaho STAR motorcycle course waive the Class D road test? No. A qualifying STAR or other accepted motorcycle-safety course can waive the motorcycle endorsement skills test; it does not waive the separate Class D car skills test.
How Motorcycle and Class D Driving Privileges Differ
A full motorcycle license does not grant car driving privileges. You need a separate permit and must pass a car road test.
No Exemptions from the Permit Phase
There is no shortcut. You cannot skip the instruction permit with a motorcycle license. The permit phase is required for all new Class D drivers.
A Meridian resident with 10 years of motorcycle experience was turned away at the Ada County DMV for attempting to schedule a car road test without first obtaining a Class D Instruction Permit.
Upgrading to a Full License
After holding your Class D permit, you must pass the car skills test. Then, your license will be reissued showing both Class D and Class M endorsements.
Will adding a Class D license remove my motorcycle endorsement?
Normally, no. If your motorcycle endorsement is valid, the reissued Idaho credential can show both the Class D privilege and the motorcycle endorsement.
LAST MODIFIED:JUN 12, 2026
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