# Free Idaho DMV practice test 1 25 free questions drawn from every topic on the Idaho written test, mixed like the real exam. Practice tests 1 to 4 never repeat a question. Interactive version with answers, hints and explanations: https://dmv-iq.com/idaho-dmv-practice-test/test-1/ ## About the Idaho written test - Issuing agency: ITD - Questions on the real test: 40 - Passing score: 85% (34 of 40) - Test fee: $25 - Source: the Idaho Driver's Handbook ## The 25 free questions ### 1. What is the fine for failure to properly restrain a child under 7 in Idaho? - A. $50 - B. $75 - C. $84 - D. $100 Hint: This fine amount is an unusual dollar figure that is specific to Idaho's child restraint statute. Explanation: The fine for failing to properly restrain a child under 7 in Idaho is $84. ### 2. Compared with a sedan, a loaded pickup or SUV generally has: - A. A higher center of gravity - B. A shorter total stopping distance - C. Less body roll in a fast corner - D. Better visibility directly behind it Hint: Think about how tall the vehicle is, not how heavy. Explanation: Taller vehicles carry their weight higher, which makes them lean more in turns and more prone to rolling over in a sudden maneuver. ### 3. What does this sign mean? - A. A new lane is being added. Entering traffic does not need to merge. - B. The road ahead becomes narrower. Proceed with caution. - C. Bicyclists may be crossing or entering the road ahead. - D. A side road enters from the right ahead. Watch for turning traffic. Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this warning sign. Explanation: The Side Road (Right) sign (W2-2) indicates: A side road enters from the right ahead. Watch for turning traffic. This sign warns that a road joins from the right. Be alert for vehicles entering or crossing from that direction. ### 4. An X painted on a pavement indicates: - A. Intersection ahead - B. No parking - C. Pedestrian crossing - D. Railroad crossing ahead Hint: This pavement marking uses a distinctive letter shape associated with a specific type of crossing. Explanation: An X marked on the pavement, often with the letters RR, indicates a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, look, and listen for trains. ### 5. A car ahead of you in the next lane has stopped at a crosswalk. You should: - A. Sound your horn and drive around it - B. Change lanes and continue at your speed - C. Pass on the right if the lane is clear - D. Stop, because a pedestrian may be crossing Hint: Ask yourself why that driver stopped, and what their car is hiding from you. Explanation: A vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is very likely yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see. Stop and wait until the crosswalk is clear. ### 6. When passing another vehicle, you must return to your lane: - A. Immediately after passing the other vehicle's bumper - B. Whenever you feel like it - C. Before coming within 200 feet of oncoming traffic - D. Within 100 feet of oncoming traffic Hint: Consider how much space you need to safely return to your lane without endangering oncoming drivers. Explanation: You must complete your pass and return to your lane before coming within 200 feet of any oncoming vehicle. Never cut back in too quickly after passing. ### 7. What does this sign mean? - A. A roundabout is ahead. Slow down and prepare to yield to traffic already in the circle. - B. A crossroad intersection is ahead. Watch for cross traffic. - C. A stop sign is ahead. Begin slowing down. - D. There is a significant drop-off at the edge of the road. Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this warning sign. Explanation: The Stop Ahead sign (W3-1) indicates: A stop sign is ahead. Begin slowing down. This advance warning sign tells drivers to prepare for a stop sign that may not be visible until close range. ### 8. A front tire blows out at highway speed. Your first action should be: - A. Grip the wheel and ease off the gas - B. Brake hard and pull off the road at once - C. Steer sharply toward the nearest shoulder - D. Pump the brake pedal to shed speed quickly Hint: The blown tire is already pulling you. Do not add a second force to it. Explanation: Hold the wheel firmly and let the vehicle slow on its own. Braking or steering hard while a tire is deflating can turn a blowout into a spin. ### 9. How long must an Idaho permit holder hold a Supervised Instruction Permit before being eligible for an intermediate license? - A. 3 months - B. 9 months - C. 6 months - D. 12 months Hint: The holding period is designed to ensure adequate experience before driving independently. Explanation: Idaho permit holders must hold their Supervised Instruction Permit for a minimum of 6 months before advancing to an intermediate (underage driver's) license. ### 10. This road sign indicates: - A. An electric vehicle charging station is available at the next exit. - B. Gasoline and fuel services are available at the next exit. - C. Two-way traffic ahead; stay to the right of the centerline - D. The facility at this exit is wheelchair accessible. Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this service sign. Explanation: The Handicapped Accessible sign (D9-6) indicates: The facility at this exit is wheelchair accessible. This sign indicates that services at the upcoming exit include handicapped-accessible facilities. ### 11. When making a left turn from a two-way street, you should: - A. Begin from the right lane - B. Make a wide turn - C. From the lane closest to the centerline - D. Turn from any lane Hint: The starting position for a left turn is determined by which lane is nearest to the road's center divider. Explanation: Begin a left turn from the lane closest to the centerline. Turn into the left lane of the cross street. Don't swing wide into other lanes. ### 12. You approach an intersection and see this sign with a red light. What must you do? - A. Stop anywhere before the red light - B. Stop after entering the intersection - C. Stop at the stop line before the intersection - D. Slow down but continue if safe Hint: This sign works with traffic signals to show exactly where your vehicle's front bumper must be when stopping. Explanation: The Stop Here on Red sign indicates exactly where you must stop when the traffic signal is red. Stop at the stop line, not in the crosswalk or intersection. ### 13. The recommended order of child restraint stages is: - A. Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt - B. Forward-facing, rear-facing, booster, seat belt - C. Booster, rear-facing, forward-facing, seat belt - D. Rear-facing, booster, forward-facing, seat belt Hint: Each stage is outgrown before the next one begins. Explanation: Children move through rear-facing, then forward-facing with a harness, then a booster, and finally the adult seat belt alone. ### 14. Children playing near the street are unpredictable. You should: - A. Maintain speed - parents should watch them - B. Honk to warn them - C. Speed up to pass quickly - D. Slow down and be ready to stop Hint: Children near the road lack the developmental ability to judge traffic speed and distance accurately. Explanation: Children are unpredictable and may run into the street without looking. Slow down significantly in areas where children are playing and be prepared to stop. ### 15. A space cushion around your vehicle: - A. Is unnecessary in light traffic - B. Gives you time and space to react to hazards - C. Only matters behind your vehicle - D. Should be maintained only at highway speeds Hint: Keeping space around your vehicle in all directions provides a buffer against unexpected hazards. Explanation: Maintain space on all sides of your vehicle when possible. This space cushion gives you room to maneuver if a hazard develops and prevents being boxed in. ### 16. What action is required when you see this sign? - A. Vehicles exceeding the posted weight are prohibited from using this road or bridge. - B. Every approach to this intersection must stop. Proceed in the order you arrived; if two vehicles arrive together, yield to the vehicle on your right. - C. Bicycles are not allowed on this roadway or path. - D. Stop at this line when the traffic signal is red. Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this regulatory sign. Explanation: The Weight Limit sign (R12-1) indicates: Vehicles exceeding the posted weight are prohibited from using this road or bridge. Weight limit signs protect roads and bridges from damage by heavy vehicles. Overweight vehicles must use an alternate route. ### 17. Safety authorities recommend that children ride in the back seat until they are at least: - A. 7 years old - B. 10 years old - C. 16 years old - D. 13 years old Hint: The recommendation is tied to reaching the teenage years, not to starting school. Explanation: Children under 13 should ride in the back seat. A front passenger airbag deploys with enough force to injure a child. ### 18. Grooming (applying makeup, shaving, etc.) while driving: - A. Is acceptable at red lights - B. Is dangerous and should never be done while moving - C. Is safe on familiar roads - D. Only dangerous for new and younger drivers Hint: Personal grooming tasks require looking away from the road and using your hands for something other than driving. Explanation: Grooming while driving takes your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. These activities should only be done when parked, never while driving. ### 19. A Flash Flood Warning is issued while you are driving through a canyon. What does the Idaho handbook tell you to do? - A. Get away from low areas and seek higher ground - B. Park along the stream and wait for the water to pass - C. Drive through any water on the road before it rises - D. Stop in a dry creek bed, since it is already empty Hint: Think about the kinds of places the handbook lists as likely to flood. Explanation: Get far away from areas likely to flood, such as dips, low spots, canyons, dry creek beds or along a stream, and seek higher, safer ground. Never drive through flooded roads, and do not park or camp along streams or dry stream beds during threatening conditions. ### 20. What does a single solid white line mean? - A. The traffic beyond the line moves toward you - B. You may pass slower vehicles across this line - C. Stay in your lane; crossing is discouraged here - D. A bicycle crossing is painted just ahead of you Hint: White line and solid means hold your lane. Explanation: A solid white line marks the edge of the road or a lane where changing lanes is discouraged. Cross only when necessary and safe. ### 21. What is the maximum speed limit that can be posted on rural interstates in Idaho? - A. 65 mph - B. 70 mph - C. 75 mph - D. 80 mph Hint: Idaho is among a small number of states that allow speeds above 75 mph on certain highways. Explanation: Idaho is one of the few states that allows an 80 mph maximum speed limit on rural interstates. The Idaho Transportation Department may increase the limit from 75 to 80 mph after completing an engineering and traffic study. ### 22. After parking on any street, you should always: - A. Leave the transmission in neutral - B. Turn the front wheels straight ahead - C. Set the parking brake before leaving the car - D. Leave a window open for ventilation Hint: One step protects the car even if the transmission lets go. Explanation: Set the parking brake every time you park, then leave an automatic in Park or a manual in gear. The brake is what holds the car if the transmission slips. ### 23. What does this sign mean? - A. An overhead structure has limited vertical clearance. Check your vehicle height. - B. Two lanes of traffic are merging into one. Be prepared to allow vehicles to merge. - C. The divided highway ends ahead. Prepare for two-way traffic. - D. The road surface may become slippery when wet. Reduce speed. Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this warning sign. Explanation: The Merge sign (W4-1) indicates: Two lanes of traffic are merging into one. Be prepared to allow vehicles to merge. The merge sign warns that traffic from another road will join your lane ahead. ### 24. Rural roads can be dangerous because: - A. There are far too many street lights on rural roads - B. They're too well maintained - C. They often have sharp curves and fewer safety features - D. There's too much traffic Hint: Rural roads have unique hazards that differ significantly from urban and highway environments. Explanation: Rural roads often have higher speed limits but may have sharp curves, narrow lanes, no shoulders, poor lighting, and wildlife. Drive cautiously and adjust speed for conditions. ### 25. Before towing, the load in a trailer should be positioned so that: - A. Most weight sits ahead of the trailer axle - B. Weight is spread evenly front to back - C. Most weight sits behind the trailer axle - D. Heavy items ride on top of lighter ones Hint: Weight forward keeps the tongue pressed down. Explanation: Loading with more weight forward of the axle keeps downward pressure on the hitch, which is what holds the trailer tracking straight. ## More - [Idaho DMV practice test](https://dmv-iq.com/idaho-dmv-practice-test/) - [Free Idaho practice test 2](https://dmv-iq.com/idaho-dmv-practice-test/test-2/) DMV IQ builds its questions from each state's official driver handbook.