Special Licenses

Vehicles Accommodating 16 or More Passengers

In order to drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people including you―the driver―you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger ("P") endorsement. These kinds of vehicles include buses, shuttles, and school buses.

DMV.ORG explains CDLs in depth in our Idaho Commercial Drivers section. There, you'll also find:

• Instructions on how to obtain a CDL in Idaho.

• Information about commercial driver education.

• Answers to the most frequently asked questions about CDLs.

Vehicles Accommodating Fewer Than 16 Passengers

If you're interested in driving a vehicle that accommodates fewer than 16 people, such as a taxi or limousine, you only need a regular, valid driver's license.

Depending on the company for which you drive, you may need to engage in some special training. Too, depending on the city and county in which you live, you may need to get a permit stating you're allowed to drive such a vehicle. The hiring company will explain any special requirements.

Sports Vehicles

Motorcycles

In order to legally operate a motorcycle in Idaho, you must have

• A motorcycle permit to practice before you test for your motorcycle license.

• A motorcycle license.

We thoroughly explain these application processes in Idaho Motorcycle License.

Scooters and Mopeds

You only need a valid driver's license to operate a moped in Idaho. For scooters that can go over 30 mph and have engines bigger than 500 ccs, you'll need to get a motorcycle endorsement.

For more information about scooters and mopeds, their required licenses, and even the registration and titling processes, refer to Other Types of Vehicles.

ATVs

If you plan to operate your all-terrain vehicle on private property only, you don't need a license; however, if you plan to operate on public land and roadways, you do need a valid driver's license.

Idaho Parks and Recreation reviews ATV laws to help you determine where you can operate your ATV and your license requirements. You should also check out DMV.ORG's Other Types of Vehicles for information about when you must register your ATV (it depends on where you plan to ride).

Snowmobiles

The same rules that apply to ATVs also apply to snowmobiles (see above).

For information about registering and titling your snowmobile, refer to DMV.ORG's Other Types of Vehicles.

Boats

There are no statewide age or license requirements when it comes to operating a boat in Idaho. However, there are certain circumstances in which you must take a boater education course.

Brush up on your boater knowledge at Boating in Idaho.