Online CDL Permit Practice Tests
state Idaho
Ace Your Idaho CDL Exam: Free Practice Tests
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Our free online CDL practice tests cover all the essential topics, including General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. Practice at your own pace, anytime, anywhere, to build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for your CDL exam.
General Knowledge Test
Air Brakes
Test
Combination Vehicle Test
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a CDL in Idaho
Step 1: Determine Your CDL Class and Endorsements
In Idaho, obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) begins with identifying the appropriate CDL class and any necessary endorsements based on the type of vehicle you intend to operate and the cargo you plan to transport.
CDL Classes in Idaho:
Class A: Required for operating combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds. This class typically includes drivers of tractor-trailers and other large combination vehicles.
Class B: Pertains to single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. Drivers with a Class B license often operate large buses, dump trucks, and straight trucks.
Class C: Applies to vehicles that do not meet the definitions of Class A or B but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials requiring placards. This class typically includes small passenger vans and vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
CDL Endorsements in Idaho:
Depending on your specific driving duties, you may need to obtain one or more endorsements to your CDL:
H (Hazardous Materials): Allows the transportation of hazardous materials. Obtaining this endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and undergoing a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, including fingerprinting.
N (Tank Vehicles): Permits the operation of vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in bulk tanks. This endorsement requires passing a knowledge test.
P (Passenger): Authorizes the operation of vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Applicants must pass both knowledge and skills tests specific to passenger transport.
S (School Bus): Allows for the operation of school buses. This endorsement requires passing both knowledge and skills tests and is typically combined with the Passenger endorsement.
T (Double/Triple Trailers): Enables the towing of double or triple trailers. A knowledge test is required for this endorsement.
It’s crucial to determine the specific class and endorsements applicable to your intended commercial driving activities before proceeding with the CDL application process. This ensures compliance with Idaho’s regulations and prepares you for the necessary tests and training.
Step 2: Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):
After determining your CDL class and necessary endorsements, the next step in Idaho is to apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The CLP allows you to legally practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.
To get your CLP in Idaho, you must already hold a valid Idaho Class D (regular) driver’s license and meet age requirements. You must be at least 18 years old to drive commercially within Idaho (intrastate) and at least 21 years old if you plan to drive across state lines (interstate) or transport hazardous materials.
When applying for a CLP, you are required to provide valid proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security Number, and proof of Idaho residency. You can find a full list of accepted documents through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
To receive your CLP, you must pass all required knowledge tests based on your CDL class and any endorsements you wish to obtain. These may include the General Knowledge Test, Air Brakes Test (if applicable), Combination Vehicle Test (for Class A), and any endorsement tests, such as Tanker (N), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H).
Additionally, you must pass a vision test and pay the applicable fees when applying for your permit. Once issued, the CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed one time for an additional 180 days if needed.
While practicing with your CLP, you are only allowed to operate a commercial vehicle when accompanied by a licensed CDL holder who is at least 21 years old and has the same class of license with the appropriate endorsements.
You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you are eligible to take the CDL skills test in Idaho. This practice period helps ensure that you gain enough driving experience before completing the final exam.
For full details on the CLP process in Idaho, visit the official Idaho Transportation Department website:
https://itd.idaho.gov
Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT):
Before taking your CDL skills test in Idaho, you may be required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). This is a federal requirement established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that went into effect on February 7, 2022, and Idaho follows this regulation.
You are required to complete ELDT if you are:
- Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
- Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL.
- Applying for certain endorsements, such as Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements for the first time.
ELDT must be completed through a provider that is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). You can find a list of approved training providers through the FMCSA website or by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
ELDT includes two main parts:
Theory Training – This covers essential knowledge areas such as vehicle operation, safety regulations, hazard awareness, and driver responsibilities. It can be completed in a classroom setting or online, depending on the provider.
Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training – This includes hands-on driving practice on both a closed range and public roads to prepare you for real-world commercial driving situations.
Once you successfully complete your ELDT, your training provider will submit your completion record directly to the FMCSA system. Without this verification, you will not be able to schedule or take your CDL skills test or apply for certain endorsements like Hazardous Materials.
For full details and to locate an approved ELDT provider, visit the FMCSA website at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov or contact the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) through https://itd.idaho.gov.
Step 4: Practice with Your CLP:
Once you have your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in Idaho, you must use this time to gain practical driving experience before taking your CDL skills test. The law requires that you hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you are eligible to schedule the skills test. This practice period is crucial for developing the skills needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
While driving with a CLP, you are only allowed to operate a commercial vehicle if you are accompanied by a qualified CDL holder who is at least 21 years old. This supervising driver must hold a valid CDL for the same class of vehicle you are driving, including any necessary endorsements, and they must sit in the front passenger seat at all times during operation.
During your practice time, it is highly recommended that you focus on the specific skills that will be tested during the CDL skills exam. These include:
- Performing a complete pre-trip vehicle inspection to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate.
- Mastering basic vehicle control maneuvers, such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
- Gaining confidence driving on public roads, including managing turns, intersections, lane changes, and traffic situations.
This practice period is your opportunity to become comfortable and competent behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, ensuring you meet safety standards and are fully prepared for the CDL skills test.
Step 5: Schedule and Pass the CDL Skills Test:
After you have held your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days and completed your required practice, the next step is to schedule and take the CDL skills test in Idaho. This test evaluates your ability to safely and correctly operate a commercial vehicle.
You must take the skills test at an Idaho-approved CDL testing site, which may be a state facility or a certified third-party tester. You can schedule your skills test through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) or by contacting an authorized testing location.
The Idaho CDL skills test has three parts:
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
You must demonstrate your ability to inspect your vehicle before driving. This includes checking important systems and equipment like brakes, lights, tires, and safety features to confirm the vehicle is safe to operate.Basic Vehicle Control Test
In this section, you must show your ability to control the vehicle by completing maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing (left or right), and parallel parking (driver-side or conventional).On-Road Driving Test
For this final part, you will drive the vehicle on public roads while an examiner evaluates your ability to safely handle real-world traffic situations, including turns, intersections, lane changes, railroad crossings, and highway driving.
Before test day, make sure you bring a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are testing for. If the vehicle has special features, like air brakes, you must demonstrate proper use or risk having restrictions placed on your CDL. The vehicle must also pass a safety check before the exam begins.
If you pass all three parts of the skills test, your results will be submitted to Idaho’s DMV system, and you will become eligible to obtain your full Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
For scheduling details, testing locations, and additional information, visit the official Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) website:
https://itd.idaho.gov
Step 6: Obtain Your CDL:
After successfully passing all three parts of the CDL skills test in Idaho, the final step is to officially obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Once your passing test scores are recorded in the Idaho DMV system, you can complete the process at your local Idaho DMV office.
To receive your CDL, you will need to bring the following to the DMV:
- Your valid Idaho driver’s license.
- Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
- Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card), if required, and your self-certification form.
- Proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security Number, and Idaho residency (if not already on file).
- Payment for all applicable CDL fees.
At the DMV, your documents will be verified, and you will pay the necessary fees based on the class of CDL and any endorsements you are adding. Once everything is complete, your Commercial Driver’s License will be issued.
Once you receive your CDL, you are legally authorized to operate commercial vehicles according to the class of license and any endorsements you have earned, such as Hazmat, Tanker, or Passenger.
After obtaining your CDL, you are responsible for:
- Keeping your medical certification up to date.
- Renewing your CDL before it expires.
- Following all state and federal safety regulations to avoid disqualification or suspension.
Additional Considerations:
When obtaining and maintaining your CDL in Idaho, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure you stay compliant and protect your driving privileges:
Medical Certification Requirements
All CDL holders must maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card), unless exempt. You are required to self-certify the type of commercial driving you do (interstate or intrastate) and keep your medical documents current with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). If your medical certification expires and is not updated, your CDL may be downgraded or suspended.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)
If you apply for a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, you must pass a TSA background check, including fingerprinting and a security threat assessment. This endorsement must be renewed every five years, and the background check must be repeated during each renewal.
Military Skills Test Waiver
Idaho participates in the Military Skills Test Waiver Program. If you have recent experience operating large military vehicles, you may qualify to waive the CDL skills test. You must still pass the required knowledge tests and meet all other CDL requirements.
Driving Record and Disqualifications
CDL holders are held to higher safety standards than regular drivers. Serious traffic violations, such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a vehicle to commit a felony, can result in CDL disqualification. Even certain non-commercial vehicle offenses can impact your CDL status.
Renewals and Expiration
Idaho CDLs are valid for four years for drivers under 70 and two years for those aged 70 and older. You are responsible for renewing your CDL before it expires and ensuring all endorsements and medical certifications remain current.
Vehicle Restrictions
Your CDL may have restrictions depending on the vehicle you used during your skills test. For example, if you tested in a vehicle without air brakes, your license will have an air brake restriction. Be sure you test in a vehicle that matches the type of driving you intend to do.
Record Updates
Always notify the Idaho DMV if your address changes, your medical status changes, or if there are updates to your driving record in another state. CDL holders must comply with all federal and state reporting requirements.
For full details on these considerations and to stay updated on Idaho CDL regulations, visit the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) website:
https://itd.idaho.gov
Frequently asked questions
What are the age requirements to get a CDL in Idaho?
You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL for intrastate driving (within Idaho). To drive interstate (between states), transport hazardous materials, or carry passengers, you must be at least 21 years old.
Do I need a regular driver's license before applying for a CDL?
Yes, you must hold a valid Idaho Class D (standard) driver’s license before applying for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or a CDL.
What is a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), and how do I get one?
A CLP allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads while supervised by a qualified CDL holder. To get a CLP in Idaho, you must pass the required knowledge tests, provide proof of identity and residency, meet age requirements, and pay the applicable fees.
How long do I need to have my CLP before taking the skills test?
You are required to hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.
What is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and do I need it?
Yes. ELDT is required if you are applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or applying for certain endorsements such as Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S). ELDT must be completed through a registered FMCSA training provider.
Do I need a medical card to get a CDL in Idaho?
Yes. Most CDL holders must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) and submit their self-certification form to Idaho DMV. You must keep your medical card up to date or risk losing your CDL privileges.
How do I get a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) in Idaho?
To get a Hazmat endorsement, you must pass a knowledge test, undergo a TSA background check, complete fingerprinting, and meet all other federal security requirements.
Can military driving experience help me get a CDL?
Yes. Idaho offers a Military Skills Test Waiver for eligible service members with recent experience operating large military vehicles. You may be able to waive the skills test but must still pass the knowledge tests.
What happens if my medical certificate expires?
If your medical certificate expires and is not updated with Idaho DMV, your CDL may be downgraded, suspended, or canceled. It's important to renew it before it expires.
Where can I find official CDL information for Idaho?
You can find full details, forms, manuals, and updates on the official Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) website: https://itd.idaho.gov