Idaho Permit Fees: SIP $21.50, Class D $20, $5 Per Test Attempt

How much does a learner's permit cost in Idaho?

The total instruction permit cost in Idaho is $20.00 to $21.50, plus a $5.00 knowledge test fee for each attempt. The final price of a learner's permit depends on your age.

Permit Fees, Testing, and Payment Policies

All fees are paid upfront at your county sheriff's driver licensing office. There is no payment plan. You pay the knowledge test fee to take the exam, and if you pass, you pay the permit fee immediately to receive your permit. Fees are non-refundable.

• Payment Methods: Most offices accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards. Card payments often incur a 3% administrative or flat convenience fee. The Ada County office in Boise, for example, adds a 3% fee for card use.
• Replacement Permit Fees: A duplicate permit costs $20.00 if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Fee Waivers: Idaho does not offer general fee waivers or discounts for the learner's permit cost.

Realistic Total Cost with Test Retakes

Budget for at least one retake. The $5.00 knowledge test fee is charged for every attempt.

• Pass on First Try: $25.00 (Adult IP) or $31.50 (Teen SIP).
• Fail Once, Pass on Second Try: Add $5.00. Total becomes $30.00 (Adult) or $36.50 (Teen).
• Fail Twice, Pass on Third Try: Add $10.00. Total becomes $35.00 (Adult) or $41.50 (Teen).

In Canyon County (Nampa), applicants who arrive without studying often fail the first test, requiring a return trip and an extra $5.00 payment.

Hidden and Unexpected Fees

Beyond the permit application fee, these costs can increase your total.

• Credit/Debit Card Convenience Fees: This 3% fee on your total transaction is a common surprise. Paying a $31.50 teen permit fee with a card in Kootenai County (Coeur d'Alene) adds about $0.95.
• Private Skills Tester Markups: Teens prepay $6.50 toward their future road test with their SIP. However, the remaining $28.50 paid to the tester can be higher. Some third-party testers in Bonneville County (Idaho Falls) charge up to $75 for 'vehicle use' and scheduling, far above the state's base rate.
• Driver Education Course (Teens Under 17): This mandatory course is a separate cost paid to a driving school, ranging from $200 to $400, and is not included in any DMV fee.
• ✗ Document Notarization: If a parent cannot accompany a teen to the office, the Liability Signer form must be notarized. Notary fees are typically $5-$10.
• Passport Photos: Not required. Your photo is taken at the DMV at no extra charge.

Verify your documents with the DMV checklist online before your appointment to avoid rejection for missing a notarized form or proof of residency, which causes rescheduling and delays.

Bring exact cash or a check to avoid the 3% card fee, which some rural offices like in Boundary County (Bonners Ferry) do not waive.

Download the Idaho Driver's Handbook PDF to study all permit rules and test topics.

For practice tests and county office details, visit itd.idaho.gov/dmv/young-drivers/.

📝 Note: A 14-day waiting period applies between knowledge test failures after three attempts. SIP is valid until end of month of your 18th birthday. Teens under 17 must complete mandatory driver education before SIP issuance.