Navigating Your Commercial Driver’s License in Idaho: A Comprehensive Guide from the Idaho Transportation Department

Understanding the requirements and processes for obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is crucial for anyone operating commercial vehicles in Idaho. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is the authoritative source for all CDL-related information, ensuring safety and compliance on Idaho roads. This guide, based on official ITD resources, provides a detailed overview of Idaho’s CDL program, designed to help you navigate every step of the process.

Who Needs an Idaho CDL?

Idaho’s CDL program, administered by the Idaho Transportation Department, adheres to federal standards aimed at enhancing highway safety by regulating commercial drivers. You are required to obtain a CDL from the Idaho Transportation Department if you operate any of the following commercial motor vehicles (CMVs):

Combination Vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Heavy Single Vehicles: A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
Large Passenger Vehicles: Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
School Buses: Yellow and black buses of any size used to transport children to school or school-related events.
Hazardous Materials Vehicles: Vehicles of any size that require hazardous material placards according to federal regulations.

It’s important to understand the difference between GVWR and GCWR. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the manufacturer’s designated maximum weight for a single vehicle. This rating is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door of trucks or on the trailer tongue or frame for trailers. In Idaho, if a GVWR is not specified, the GVWR is considered the actual weight of the vehicle plus its heaviest possible load. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is calculated by adding the GVWR of all units in a combination vehicle.

CDL Exemptions in Idaho

Even if your vehicle meets the commercial vehicle definition, the Idaho Transportation Department recognizes certain exemptions under which a CDL may not be required. These exemptions are categorized as follows:

Recreational Vehicle Exemption: This applies to drivers operating vehicles exclusively for personal recreational purposes, transporting personal possessions or family members without any commercial intent.
Military Vehicle Exemption: Active-duty military personnel and uniformed civilian personnel subject to the Code of Military Justice operating military vehicles are exempt from CDL requirements, as per Idaho Transportation Department guidelines.
Emergency Vehicle Exemption: Drivers of firefighting and other emergency equipment used for immediate response to emergencies involving life or property preservation are exempt. This exemption is in line with Idaho Transportation Department regulations for emergency services.
Farm Vehicle Exemption: The Idaho Transportation Department provides a farm vehicle exemption under specific conditions for farmers, their families, and farmhands. This exemption applies to vehicles:
- Controlled and operated by a farmer.
- Used to transport agricultural products, farm supplies, and machinery to or from a farm.
- Not used for common or contract carrier operations.
- Operated within 150 miles of the farm (“as the crow flies”).

This farm exemption is designed for small, local farm-to-market operations. It’s crucial to note that unless Idaho has a reciprocity agreement with another state, this exemption is limited to Idaho’s borders. Farmers receiving compensation for transporting other farmers’ products are not included in this exemption, as clarified by the Idaho Transportation Department.

Idaho CDL License Classes

The Idaho Transportation Department issues three classes of CDLs, each tailored to the type of commercial vehicle you intend to operate: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Vehicles not falling into these classes are operated with a Class D (non-commercial) license.

Class A CDL: Required for combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle(s) have a GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds. A Class A CDL, with appropriate endorsements from the Idaho Transportation Department, allows operation of Class B, C, and D vehicles as well.
Class B CDL: Necessary for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such vehicles towing another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. A Class B CDL, with proper endorsements from the Idaho Transportation Department, permits operation of Class C and D vehicles.
Class C CDL: For vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR under 26,001 pounds. This class is specifically for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or those transporting hazardous materials that require placards. A Class C CDL, as regulated by the Idaho Transportation Department, also covers Class D vehicles.

CDL Endorsements from the Idaho Transportation Department

To operate certain types of commercial vehicles, specific endorsements are required on your CDL, as mandated by the Idaho Transportation Department. These endorsements signify that you have met additional knowledge and skill requirements:

Double/Triple Trailers (T): Needed for drivers pulling two or three trailers. (Note: a dolly or load divider is considered a trailer).
Hazardous Materials (H): Required for transporting hazardous materials that necessitate placards under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Obtaining this endorsement involves a written test and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment (background check), which must be renewed at each CDL renewal with the Idaho Transportation Department.
Passenger (P): Necessary for operating vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This endorsement requires both written and skills tests administered according to Idaho Transportation Department standards.
School Bus (S): Required for drivers transporting pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to and from school or school events. In Idaho, a School Bus endorsement, as per Idaho Transportation Department regulations, necessitates both Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, along with written and skills tests.
Tank Vehicles (N): For drivers of commercial vehicles designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks with an individual capacity over 119 gallons and an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. This applies to tanks permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. The Idaho Transportation Department clarifies that empty storage containers not designed for transportation are not considered tank vehicles.
Tank Vehicles/Hazardous Materials (X): This combination endorsement (X) encompasses both Tank Vehicle (N) and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements. An Idaho CDL will show either ‘X’ or ‘N’ and ‘H’ on the endorsement line, as determined by Idaho Transportation Department licensing practices.

CDL Restrictions in Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department may place certain restrictions on your CDL based on your testing and qualifications. These restrictions limit the types of commercial vehicles you are permitted to operate:

K Restriction – Intrastate Operation Only: For drivers who will only operate commercial vehicles within Idaho. This restriction is also automatically applied to CDL holders aged 18, 19, and 20, as per Idaho Transportation Department regulations.
L Restriction – No Air Brakes: This restriction is applied if you do not pass the air brakes knowledge test and skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes. The Idaho Transportation Department requires specific testing for air brake operation.
M Restriction – Except Class A Bus: For passenger endorsement holders who did not use a Class A bus for their skills test. This restriction, managed by the Idaho Transportation Department, prevents operating Class A buses.
N Restriction – No Class A or B Passenger Vehicles: Applied to Class A or B CDLs with a passenger endorsement if the skills test was not completed in a Class B passenger vehicle (bus). The Idaho Transportation Department enforces this to ensure proper skills for operating larger passenger vehicles.
O Restriction – No Tractor-Trailer (Fifth Wheel): If the skills test for a Group A CDL was performed using a non-fifth wheel connection (like a pintle hook), this restriction is added. Removal requires a skills test in a tractor-trailer with a fifth wheel, as specified by the Idaho Transportation Department.
P Restriction – No Passengers on CLP: Holders of a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with P or P and S endorsements are prohibited from carrying passengers, except for authorized personnel like federal/state auditors, inspectors, examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder, according to Idaho Transportation Department CLP guidelines.
V Restriction – Medical Variance: If the Idaho Transportation Department is notified of a medical variance by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or a registered doctor, this restriction indicates the existence of such a variance on the CDL.
X Restriction – CLP Tank Vehicle (Empty Only): A CLP holder with an N endorsement can only operate an empty tank vehicle and cannot operate any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials unless purged, as per Idaho Transportation Department safety protocols.
Z Restriction – No Full Air Brake System: If the skills test is performed in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes, this restriction is applied, prohibiting operation of CMVs with full air brake systems. The Idaho Transportation Department defines air over hydraulic brakes as any system partially air and partially hydraulic. A full skills test in a vehicle with full air brakes is required to remove this restriction.

Seasonal CDL in Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department offers a Seasonal CDL for drivers in specific farm-related service industries, such as custom harvesters, farm retail outlets, agri-chemical businesses, and livestock feeders.

A Seasonal CDL is valid only within 150 miles of the serviced business or farm and is valid (with a Class D license) for 180 days within a 12-month period. It can only be obtained twice in a lifetime from the Idaho Transportation Department.
This CDL is not valid for Class A vehicles or passenger vehicles designed for 16 or more occupants, and it restricts hazardous materials transport to certain exceptions like diesel fuel, liquid fertilizers, and solid fertilizers under specific quantities and conditions, as outlined by the Idaho Transportation Department.

For more details on the Seasonal CDL, you should contact the Idaho Transportation Department directly.

Idaho CDL Fees

The Idaho Transportation Department sets the following fees for CDL-related services:

CDL license (4-year): $40.00
CDL license (8-year): $60.00
Commercial Learner’s Permit: $29.00
Duplicate CDL or permit: $20.00
License upgrade: $30.00
Endorsement addition: $20.00
Written tests (each): $5.00
Skills Test: $10 fee to the Driver’s License Office, and up to $190 fee to the Skills Tester (Total combined Skills Test/Tester fees not to exceed $200). Rental vehicle costs provided by testers are not regulated by the Idaho Transportation Department.

How to Obtain an Idaho CDL from the Idaho Transportation Department

To apply for a CDL in Idaho, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Idaho non-commercial license (Class D) or have passed all necessary tests for one. The Idaho Transportation Department allows concurrent testing for Class D and CDL licenses. However, you must have one year of licensed driving experience to obtain a CDL.

Study the CDL Manual: Obtain and study Idaho’s “Commercial Driver’s License Manual” from a county driver’s license office or download it online from the Idaho Transportation Department website. This manual contains essential information for passing the CDL written tests and details on skills test requirements.
Visit a County Driver’s License Office: Go to your local county driver’s license office with your current driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of Idaho residence, and payment for fees. As per Idaho Transportation Department requirements, all applicants must provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S., typically a certified original birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued documents.
Self-Certification and Declarations: You will be asked to self-certify your driving type (interstate or intrastate) and whether you are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 391, and if you need a DOT medical card. Your driving record will be checked, fees collected, and you’ll need to pass vision and knowledge tests as part of the Idaho Transportation Department application process.
Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): After passing the written tests, purchase a CLP. You must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test, allowing time for practice and preparation, as mandated by the Idaho Transportation Department.
Schedule a Skills Test: Make an appointment with a CDL Skills Tester. A list is available at the County DMV and on the Idaho Transportation Department website under the “Skills Testers” tab. Confirm vehicle rental options if needed. Bring your Driver’s License, CLP, and proof of insurance and registration for your test vehicle, which must be in good working condition as per Idaho Transportation Department standards.
Complete the Skills Test: The skills test includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and a road test, lasting 2-3 hours. It must be taken in a vehicle representative of the license class you are seeking. Note that the vehicle’s brake system will determine potential restrictions on your CDL, as managed by the Idaho Transportation Department.
Receive Your CDL: After passing all tests, you will receive a temporary license from the county DMV. Your permanent CDL will be mailed to you. Ensure your mailing address is current with the Idaho Transportation Department. Address changes must be reported to the Idaho Transportation Department Driver Services.

Test results are valid for one year. If a license is not issued within this period, tests must be retaken. Failing a test requires a three-day waiting period before retesting, and test fees must be repaid to the Idaho Transportation Department. CDL tests, except for the Hazardous Materials test, are not required at renewal time.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Details from the Idaho Transportation Department

A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), required by federal law to obtain a CDL, allows you to practice driving a CMV on public roads under supervision. The Idaho Transportation Department specifies the following CLP requirements:

You must be at least 18 years old.
Hold a valid Idaho Class D driver’s license or surrender a CDL from another state.
Provide evidence of one year of driving experience.
Provide proof of lawful presence and Idaho residency to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Pass the General Knowledge CDL and other required written tests administered by the Idaho Transportation Department.
Purchase an Idaho CLP and hold it for a minimum of 14 days before CDL issuance.
Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course for the appropriate vehicle class.
Pass the CDL skills test in the desired vehicle class and type, as evaluated by an Idaho Transportation Department certified tester.
Purchase the Idaho CDL from the Idaho Transportation Department.

When using a CLP, you must be accompanied by a properly licensed CDL holder, who must be seated beside you or in the row immediately behind if in a bus, as per Idaho Transportation Department CLP usage rules.

Other Laws Affecting CDL Drivers in Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department emphasizes that CDL drivers are subject to various state and federal laws beyond standard driving regulations. These include participation in drug and alcohol testing programs and enrollment in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, encompassing pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.

Further key legal obligations for CDL holders in Idaho, as enforced by the Idaho Transportation Department, include:

Single License Rule: You are only allowed to hold one driver’s license, issued by your state of residence. Upon moving to Idaho, you must obtain an Idaho CDL within 30 days from the Idaho Transportation Department.
Address Updates: Maintaining a current address with the Idaho Transportation Department is mandatory. Address changes must be reported in writing within 30 days.
Self-Certification: You must self-certify your driving type (interstate/intrastate) and DOT medical card requirements to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Medical Card Submission: If required, you must submit a copy of your DOT medical card to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Traffic Violation Reporting: Notify the Idaho Transportation Department Driver Services within 30 days of any traffic violation convictions in any state (excluding parking), regardless of the vehicle type driven.
Employer Notification: Inform your employer within 30 days of any traffic violation conviction (excluding parking) or if your license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.
Past Employment Disclosure: When applying for a commercial driving job, you must provide your potential employer with details of all driving jobs held in the past 10 years.
Consequences of Driving Without a CDL: Driving a CMV without a valid CDL can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or jail time. Employers who permit driving without a valid CDL or with a suspended/revoked CDL also face penalties up to $5,000 and/or jail time, as enforced by the Idaho Transportation Department.

Commercial Drivers Self-Certification Reporting to the Idaho Transportation Department

The Idaho Transportation Department requires specific self-certification from commercial drivers. Drivers holding an Idaho CDL but not actively driving commercially can self-certify as “Excepted Intrastate” and are not required to maintain a DOT Medical card. However, they must update their certification and obtain a DOT Medical card before resuming commercial driving in a “non-excepted” category.

Exemption Chart: Certain categories may be exempt from the medical card requirement but not from CDL requirements, according to FMCSA and Idaho Transportation Department regulations. These may include: government transportation, fire trucks, apiarian industries, intrastate farm vehicles, agricultural products transport, livestock, feed, forest products, sand & gravel, tow trucks, airline shuttles, household goods movers, personal property transport, ambulances, hearses, and taxicabs.

Medical certificates can be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 208-584-4343. Self-certification must precede medical certificate submission to the Idaho Transportation Department.

CDL Disqualifications in Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department enforces strict CDL disqualification rules based on various offenses. Disqualification means a temporary or permanent withdrawal of your CDL privileges.

Serious Traffic Violations: Conviction of two serious traffic violations in a CMV within three years results in a 60-day CDL disqualification; three violations within three years leads to a 120-day disqualification. Serious violations include:

Speeding excessively (15 mph or more over the limit).
Reckless driving.
Improper lane changes.
Following too closely.
Texting or hand-held phone use while driving a CMV.
Traffic control law violations resulting in a fatal accident.
Operating a CMV without a CDL or proper endorsements.

Out-of-Service Order Violations: Violating an out-of-service order results in disqualification:

90 days for a first conviction.
One year for a second conviction within 10 years.
Three years for a third or subsequent conviction within 10 years.

If transporting hazardous materials or passengers (16+ people) during the violation:

180 days for a first conviction.
Three years for subsequent convictions within 10 years, as per Idaho Transportation Department rules.

Railroad-Grade Crossing Violations: Violations at railroad crossings result in CDL disqualification:

60 days for a first conviction.
120 days for a second conviction within three years.
One year for a third or subsequent conviction within three years.

Major Offenses (Controlled Substances, Alcohol, Leaving Scene, Felonies): First-time major offenses result in at least a one-year CDL disqualification. These include:

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in a CMV or refusing or failing BAC tests (.04% BAC in CMV, .08% in non-CMV).
Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
Using a CMV to commit a felony.
Driving a CMV when CDL is revoked, suspended, or disqualified due to prior CMV violations.
Causing a fatality through negligent CMV operation (manslaughter, homicide by vehicle).

Disqualification is at least three years if these offenses occur while transporting placarded hazardous materials. A lifetime CDL disqualification applies for a second major offense or using a vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substance manufacture, distribution, or dispensing, as strictly enforced by the Idaho Transportation Department.

Implied Consent in Idaho

Idaho’s Implied Consent law means anyone driving a motor vehicle consents to BAC or drug testing if suspected of DUI. Refusal to test or failing a test can lead to CDL disqualification under Idaho Code.

Driving privileges are suspended if evidentiary tests show:

BAC of .08% or more in any vehicle.
BAC of .04% or more in a CMV.
Presence of drugs or intoxicating substances.

Suspensions begin 30 days from the Notice of Suspension date.

Penalties: First offense (BAC .08%+ in any vehicle or .04%+ in CMV):

CDL: One-year CMV driving disqualification.
Class D: 90-day suspension (no driving for first 30 days, restricted driving possible for the remaining 60).

Second offense (BAC .08%+ in any vehicle or .04%+ in CMV):

CDL: Lifetime disqualification*.
Class D: One-year suspension with no driving privileges.

*Effective July 1, 2022, some “lifetime” disqualified applicants may reinstate CDL privileges via the Idaho Transportation Department CDL Lifetime Disqualification Reinstatement Application (ITD 3127).

**Class D privileges remain valid if CMV failure is BAC .04% to less than .08%. These suspensions are separate from court-imposed penalties. Refer to the Idaho Driver’s Manual for more information from the Idaho Transportation Department.

USA Patriot Act Hazardous Materials Regulations and the Idaho Transportation Department

The Idaho Transportation Department adheres to USA Patriot Act regulations concerning Hazardous Materials endorsements, including stringent security threat assessments for applicants.

Need More Information?

Contact the Idaho Transportation Department CDL Help Desk at 208-584-4343 or [email protected] for further assistance and clarification on any aspect of the Idaho CDL program.