Educational Information
Anyone under 17 years of age who has not been issued a driver's license in Idaho must successfully complete an approved driver training program and comply with the requirements of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program.
Student must be at least 14 1/2 years old to start driver education by going to the DMV and applying for the permit to be issued to the driving school of choice. An online or actual class must be completed along with six hours of driving and observation with an instructor. Once completed, the permit will be issued by the driving school. The student must then drive with the parents for six months unless the student turns 17 or is already 17. The student will then arrange for a road test. Once the road test is passed the student should arrange to take the written test at the DMV office. If all is passed, the student will then get the license. No restrictions if 17 and over. At the DMV, a teen is required to bring a birth certificate, a VOC letter from school and the social security number. If home schooled, the VOC letter is not required. If the teen is under 18, a parent must accompany the student to the DMV and sign for permission.
The written test is based on 40 questions with only 6 errors allowed. This test is based on the DMV Manual. The road test can be arranged with a tester.
Joann Chamberlain 208 660-9930
Diana Howarth 208 290-2766
Mark Worthen 208 964-0424 in Rathdrum
Road Test and Written Test Preparation
The road test should be taken before the written test so that only one trip shall be taken to the DMV. Once the road test is completed, then the student should take the pass notice given by the tester to the DMV. You should call the examiner for the road test appointment about two weeks before the six months are over. Tell the examiner the exact date that the driver training was completed. The examiner will now know what to do and give directions to the test meeting area.
The road test will involve a 30 minute time period of which about 15 to 18 minutes will be drive time. The examiner will have the student do hand signals. The examiner will check the front lights and back lights. The examiner will talk to the student for a few minutes before and after the actual test. The actual driving test will involve some highway driving, a parking along the curb, lane changes, looking both ways at all intersections, a U turn, and a roundabout. Every time the car changes lane positions, the student must signal, check the mirrors, and look over the shoulder before turning the wheel. At every intersection, the student must look both ways with exaggeration. At a stop or red light, the student must stop the car before the stop line. The student will be allowed 12 error points.
The written test will involve a computer screen with three possible answers. There will be 40 questions taken from the DMV Manual. Only six errors shall be allowed. It is advised that the student carefully read the question and the answers that are given. Do not misread the question and do not misread the answers. Upon passing the written test, the student shall receive a temporary license.
Cruise Control:
Do not use cruise control during the winter. When your vehicle hits ice on the road, it will throw the computer program out of control. It will then cause your vehicle to skid either to the right or to the left depending on the amount of ice on the road and where the ice is located.
All-Wheel Drive:
In Idaho the winter can be a challenge for teen drivers. I advise parents to consider getting a vehicle with all-wheel drive and traction control.
Tire Rotation:
Teens should be advised to rotate their tires every 5000 miles to get even wear on the set. Otherwise, the front tires will go bad while the back tires remain good.
In-Person Class Content
There are three facets to our in-person class material. There is an official text book with 15 chapters covering all the requirements of the state of Idaho. There are many videos which reinforce the material in the text. Finally, there are my personal stories involving my experiences of which there are many. I also cover relevant material which may not be in the text such as auto insurance, buying and selling a car, dealing with car mechanics, interacting with police officers during a car stop, the mechanical features of the car, use of jumper cables, etc. I do have extensive experience in all of these areas.
Parents do not realize just how important the class room phase may be. What I teach in the class room is more important than the driving phase. The reason is simple. These teens will only be exposed to the class material one time. Once they leave the class room, they may never hear this material again. This is a one-shot deal. Parents should not think that the class that I do is the same as with other schools. There are some good teachers around the area. However, not all teachers are the same in their presentation of material. The presentation must be effective and done with enthusiasm. Over the decades, I have worked for the Bank of America as a link between the bank and car dealerships. I have also held at some time the following jobs: armored truck driver, Los Angeles taxi driver, college teacher, stock market sales, etc. What makes me an instructor is that I have made every mistake in the book and somehow lived. I try my best to relate all of this to my students and school instructors.