Idaho Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

As Idaho's senior population grows, so does the number of older drivers on the road. In 2010, 16% of the state's drivers were 65 or older. By 2023, that number had climbed to more than 23%.

Seniors are statistically the safest drivers in Idaho. But as their numbers increase, so do the number of injury and fatal collisions involving drivers 65 and older—up 3% from 2010 to 2023.

While the rules and regulations enforced by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages, the state has added some special rules for seniors.

These senior driver laws in Idaho focus on identifying and handling older drivers who've become unsafe drivers. That includes more frequent drivers' license renewals for seniors in Idaho and investigations into unsafe driver reports from family members, doctors, and law enforcement.

Idaho License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

In Idaho, adults 21 and older can renew their Class D or commercial driver's license (CDL) up to 25 months before it expires. But once drivers turn 63, some special older driver renewal rules apply.

How Often Must Older Drivers Renew Their Idaho Licenses?

Most adults have the option to renew their Idaho driver's licenses every eight years. But drivers 63 and older must renew every four years. (Idaho Code § 49-319(1).)

Most drivers can renew their licenses by mail or online, but the Idaho DMV requires drivers 70 and older to renew in person.

Do Older Idaho Drivers Need a Vision Test to Renew?

All drivers in Idaho must pass a vision screening to renew their licenses. If you fail a vision screening, the examiner might require you to submit a Vision Exam form filled out by an eye doctor or vision specialist.

Do Idaho Seniors Need to Retake the Written License Test?

Idaho doesn't require anyone to pass the written test to renew their driver's licenses because of age. But if your license has been expired for more than 25 months (12 months for a CDL), you'll need to retake the knowledge test.

How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License as a Senior

Take these steps to renew your driver's license:

• Visit your local DMV office.

• Bring proof of identity and Idaho residency, as well as your Social Security number.

• Pass a vision test.

• Pay the renewal fee (currently $30 for a four-year license for seniors).

• Take a new photo.

For more information, visit the Idaho DMV website:https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/

Do Senior Drivers Have to Pass a Road Test to Renew Their License?

The state doesn't require older drivers to pass a road test based on age. But you'll need to retake the driving skills test to renew your license if it's been expired for more than 25 months (12 months for a CDL). The Idaho DMV can also require a road test if any of the following are true:

• You have a mental or physical impairment that might affect your ability to drive safely.
• The license examiner has concerns about your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• The DMV receives a safe driver investigation request from law enforcement or a family member.

Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles can refuse to issue or renew a license if the examiner has good cause to believe the individual can't safely operate a motor vehicle. (Idaho Code § 49-303(10).)

Possible Driver's License Restrictions for Idaho Seniors

The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license based on medical or vision test reports or after administering a driving test.

The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses. In fact, if you wear corrective lenses when you take the vision test, you'll have this restriction on your license.

Other common restrictions older Idaho drivers might face include:

• no freeway driving
• additional outside mirrors on a vehicle
• no nighttime driving
• time-of-day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic
• physical supports to ensure a proper driving position
• geographic area restrictions
• having another adult driver ride along, or
• wearing bioptic telescopic lens when driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Idaho

The DMV will accept written requests from immediate family members, doctors, or law enforcement personnel. Some area offices accept any written request, while others require individuals to complete forms they provide. For more information, contact your local driver's license office.

You can also complete a Family Request Re-Evaluation of Driving Privileges (Form ITD 5539) and mail it to the state Department of Transportation Driver Services Section at the address on the form or email it to: [email protected].

How to Get a License Reinstated

It's sometimes possible to get your driver's license back after the Idaho DMV has suspended or revoked it. You can check your license status online or by calling Driver Services at 208-334-8736 to ask about your specific situation.

If you're eligible, you can get your license reinstated by:

• applying for reinstatement online, or
• completing a Reinstatement Application (Form ITD 3786) and mailing it to the address on the form.

Do Seniors Need to Renew Parking Placards or License Plates?

Seniors with certain disabilities may also need to renew their temporary parking placards. Temporary placards expire after six months and need to be renewed. Permanent placards and plates do not expire.

Idaho's DMV issues disabled parking placards and license plates to drivers with impaired mobility if a medical professional certifies the condition. A vehicle displaying a "persons with disabilities" placard or plates can park in disabled parking spaces, and the driver doesn't have to pay parking meter fees or adhere to parking time limits.

In Idaho, placards and plates are available for those who meet the state's definition of "person with a disability." To qualify, you must be:

• unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• unable to walk without a brace, a cane, a crutch, another person, a prosthetic device, a wheelchair, or other assistive device, or
• severely limited in your ability to walk because of a neurologic, orthopedic, respiratory, cardiac, arthritic condition, or because of blindness or the loss of function of one or more limbs. (Idaho Code § 49-117(7)(b).)

To get a disabled placard or license plate in Idaho, take the following actions:

• Complete and sign form ITD 3392, Disability License Plates, and Placards.
• Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or advanced-practice professional nurse sign the Medical Certification Section of the form.
• Email the completed form to [email protected]

You can also mail the completed original form to:

Idaho Transportation Department
Vehicle Services—Special Plates
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129

Learn More About Idaho Driving Rules for Seniors

The DMV website contains basic information for Idaho drivers, including license rule updates and news about recent legislation, information about driver's license testing, and practice tests you can download in English and Spanish.