Driver education (driver's training) for drivers under 17
- Who can take it
In Idaho, driver education is required for anyone under 17 who is working toward a driver's license.
What the source says
“In Idaho, Driver Education is required for anyone under the age of 17 who is pursuing their Driver’s License.”
Traditional Driver Education - Idaho Department of Education, read October 7, 2026
Idaho Code 49-307 lets parents with clean driving records teach the driving part of the course, and the student must enroll in and complete one of the approved online driver's training courses.
What the source says
“Idaho Code 49-307 Parent-Student On-Road Driver Training permits parents with clean driving records to teach the driving portion of the Driver Education course. Students must enroll in and complete one of the approved online driver’s training courses listed below.”
Parent-Student On-road Training - Idaho Department of Education, read October 7, 2026
Students and parents or legal guardians in rural districts, or in districts without a driver education program, qualify for parent-student on-road driver training.
What the source says
“Students and parents/legal guardians in rural districts or districts without a Driver Education program qualify for Parent-Student On-road Driver Training.”
Driver Education - Idaho Department of Education, read October 7, 2026
- Age
Students must be at least 14 1/2 years old and may only drive with an instructor during the class.
What the source says
“Students must be at least 14 ½ years of age and are only allowed to drive with an instructor during the class.”
Idaho's Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) Program (ITD 3506) - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
Students 17 or older are not required to take part in a driver education program.
What the source says
“Students 17 or older are not required to participate in a driver education program.”
Traditional Driver Education - Idaho Department of Education, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
Applicants under 17 must pass an approved driver education class of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 6 hours of in-car observation.
What the source says
“All applicants for an Idaho driver’s license who are under the age of 17 must: 1. Pass an approved driver education class consisting of: a. Thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction, b. Six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and c. Six (6) hours in-car observation.”
Idaho's Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) Program (ITD 3506) - Idaho Transportation Department, read October 7, 2026
State standards call for at least 30 clock hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of observation in a driver training car and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice driving.
What the source says
“Such standards shall require not less than thirty (30) clock hours of classroom instruction, six (6) hours observation time in a driver training car, and six (6) hours behind-the-wheel practice driving”
Idaho Code section 33-1702, Minimum standards for courses - Idaho Legislature, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
A student doing parent-student on-road driver's training must complete the 30 hours of classroom instruction through an online driver's training course approved by the state Department of Education.
What the source says
“shall enroll and successfully complete the thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction for driver’s training required under section 33-1702, Idaho Code, through any online driver’s training course approved by the state department of education.”
Idaho Code section 49-307, Class D driver's training instruction permit - Idaho Legislature, read October 7, 2026
A licensed driving business may offer its classroom instruction to students over the internet, in addition to or instead of a physical classroom.
What the source says
“In addition to, or in lieu of offering classroom instruction at a physical classroom location, a business licensee may offer classroom instruction to students via the internet.”
IDAPA 24.25.01, Rules of the Idaho Driving Businesses Licensure Board - Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
The state Department of Education must publish a list of all approved online driver's training programs on its website.
What the source says
“The state department of education shall publish a list of all approved online driver’s training programs on the department’s website”
Idaho Code section 49-307, Class D driver's training instruction permit - Idaho Legislature, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
Students must complete and pass a driver education course with 80% or higher.
What the source says
“Students complete and pass a driver education course (80% or higher).”
Traditional Driver Education - Idaho Department of Education, read October 7, 2026