Where to get your driver's license in Post Falls

Post Falls does not have its own Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office. To get a driver's license, you will need to visit the ITD office in Coeur d'Alene, which is about 15 minutes away. The office is located at 2600 Ironwood Parkway, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

You can also visit any other ITD office in Idaho if that is more convenient for you. The nearest alternatives to Coeur d'Alene are in Sandpoint (about 30 minutes north) and Lewiston (about 90 minutes south). All ITD offices handle the same services: written tests, driving tests, and license renewals.

Before you go to any office, check the ITD website or call ahead. Some offices have wait times that vary by day and time, and a few locations require you to book an appointment online through the ITD scheduling system.

Key Takeaways

  • Post Falls residents must go to the Coeur d'Alene ITD office at 2600 Ironwood Parkway to get a driver's license, since Post Falls has no local office.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the office.
  • Idaho offers both a standard driver's license and an enhanced license that works for travel to Canada and Mexico by land; the enhanced license costs more and requires additional documents.
  • The written test covers Idaho traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free practice test on the ITD website before your visit.
  • If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

What documents you need to bring

Idaho requires three categories of documents when you get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot get a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice that shows your name and a Post Falls or Idaho address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your current address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an ITIN letter from the IRS. You will also need to fill out an affidavit if you cannot produce the original document.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 40 questions and covers Idaho traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the ITD office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.

The test includes questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Idaho also tests on distracted driving, impaired driving, and motorcycle safety if you are getting a motorcycle endorsement. You can study using the free practice test on the ITD website, which covers the same topics and question types as the real test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices. You will have to pay the test fee again, which is currently $15 for a written test. Bring the same documents you brought the first time.

The driving test and how it works

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on local roads near the Coeur d'Alene ITD office. An examiner will sit in your car and ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also test your ability to handle traffic, obey signs, and respond to other drivers.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the examiner finds a safety problem during the test, they will stop and you will not be able to continue.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day if the office has time and you pay the fee again. The current driving test fee is $15. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they practice between tests.

Standard license versus enhanced license

Idaho offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and an enhanced license. The main difference is that an enhanced license can be used to cross the border into Canada and Mexico by land, while a standard license cannot.

A standard license costs less and requires only the documents listed above. An enhanced license costs more and requires additional proof: a certified copy of your birth certificate (not just a photocopy), a valid passport, or a Trusted Traveler Program card such as NEXUS or SENTRI. You will also need to answer questions about your citizenship and travel history.

If you only plan to drive within the United States and fly to other countries, a standard license is sufficient. If you cross into Canada or Mexico by car, you will need either an enhanced license, a passport, or a passport card.

License renewal and expiration

In Idaho, a driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes (such as a name change or address change). To renew by mail, fill out the form on the ITD website, pay the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Mail renewal takes about two weeks.

If you need to change your address, name, or other information, or if your license is suspended, you must renew in person at an ITD office. Bring the same documents you brought when you first got your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. Most people take the written test first, and if they pass, they can take the driving test the same day if the office has an available appointment slot. You will pay both test fees. Call the Coeur d'Alene office ahead of time to ask about wait times and availability.

What if I fail the driving test because of a vehicle problem, not my driving?

If the examiner stops the test because of a safety issue with the vehicle, you will not be charged a second test fee. Bring the vehicle back after it is repaired and you can retake the test. Bring proof of the repair if the examiner asks for it.

Do I need an appointment to take the test at the Coeur d'Alene office?

It depends. Some ITD offices require appointments and some accept walk-ins. The Coeur d'Alene office may have changed its policy, so check the ITD website or call 208-334-8736 to find out the current system before you go.

Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Idaho?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Idaho offers Real ID licenses at no extra cost. You will need the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number. Ask for a Real ID when you explore.

What if I move out of Post Falls after I get my license?

Your license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. If you move within Idaho, you can update your address by mail or in person at any ITD office. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state.