After Failing the Idaho Knowledge Test: 3-Day Wait, $5 Retake Fee and Next Steps

Failing the Idaho knowledge test means you did not answer at least 34 of the 40 questions correctly. You must wait at least 3 days before another attempt, and each new knowledge-test attempt costs $5.

After a Failed Idaho Knowledge Test

You cannot retake the Idaho knowledge test the same day. Idaho requires a minimum 3-day wait after a failed attempt before you can test again.

The passing standard is still 34 correct answers out of 40. For a full explanation of the score itself, see the Idaho permit-test guide.

Do I have to wait 3 days after every failed Idaho knowledge test?

Yes. After each failed knowledge-test attempt, you must wait at least 3 days before testing again.

What if I fail the Idaho permit test by only one question?

The same rule applies. If you do not reach the required passing score, the attempt is a failure even if you miss it by only one question. You must wait at least 3 days and pay for a new test attempt.

3-Day Retest Wait and $5 Fee

Do not add a generic county administrative fee to Idaho's statewide knowledge-test retake cost. The statewide test fee is $5 per attempt.

Do I have to pay $5 every time I retake the Idaho knowledge test?

Yes. Each new knowledge-test attempt requires another $5 test fee. A failed test does not carry the previous payment forward. Detailed refund rules are covered on the dedicated test-fee refund page.

Do I have to pay for a new permit after failing the knowledge test?

The definite charge for another knowledge-test attempt is $5. Permit timing depends on your licensing path:

• Age 17+ Class D Instruction Permit applicant: you must pass the knowledge test before the Class D Instruction Permit can be issued.
• Under-17 SIP/GDL applicant: driver training and the supervised SIP period come first; the knowledge test is part of the later licensing process before the skills test.

Because the two paths work differently, do not treat a $20 Class D Instruction Permit fee as a universal charge after every failed knowledge test.

Preparing for Your Idaho Knowledge-Test Retake

Use the 3-day wait to review the Idaho Driver's Handbook sections you struggled with. Focus on the rules or signs you missed rather than repeating the same practice questions from memory.

For more practice strategy, use the dedicated Idaho practice-test resources. If language or accessibility is affecting the test, review the separate language and accommodation guidance before your next attempt.

Before your test, practice with Shoro AI's Idaho learner's permit prep to prepare better and give yourself a stronger chance of passing on your first attempt. If you are retaking the test, use the same practice to focus on the topics you missed.

Idaho Permit Test Attempt Limits and Repeated Failures

Idaho's current public knowledge-test guidance gives the same basic retest rule after a failed attempt, but it does not state a statewide maximum number of Class D knowledge-test attempts or failed attempts. The required wait and new test fee still apply before each retake.

How many times can I take the Idaho permit test? ITD's current public guidance does not state a statewide maximum number of Class D knowledge-test attempts.

How many times can I fail the Idaho permit test? ITD does not publish a separate statewide maximum number of failed knowledge-test attempts in its current public guidance.

What happens if I fail the Idaho permit test 2 times? Current ITD guidance does not list a special second-failure penalty. You follow the normal retest rules before trying again.

What happens if I fail the Idaho permit test 3 times? The normal retest rules still apply. If language is the problem, a separate ITD rule may become relevant: after at least three failed attempts in a language Idaho offers, you may qualify to use an authorized translator.

Is there a maximum number of failed attempts? The current Idaho Driver's Handbook and ITD testing guidance reviewed here do not state a statewide maximum for the Class D knowledge test.

What changes after three failed Idaho knowledge tests if language is the problem?

Idaho's translator rules can change after repeated failures. If you have failed at least three times in a language Idaho already offers, you may become eligible to use an authorized translator under ITD's knowledge-test rules. The translator cannot be a family member. See the dedicated test-language page for the full eligibility rules.