DMV Info

DMV Checklist for CDL Idaho Requirements 

Required by the DMV

• Birth Certificate (no photo copies accepted) or Passport
• Official State-Issued Driver’s License
• Social Security Card (no copies)

• Applicant must provide two documents. Documents must display the applicant’s name and principal Idaho residence address. Acceptable documents (must not be laminated) include:

  • Lease/rental agreement, mortgage or deed
  • Account statement from one or two different public utilities. Must show service address of residency and customer’s name; 3⁄4 statement page accepted. Cell phone bills are not accepted.
  • Account statement from bank or financial institution
  • Tax document Form W-2 or Form-1099 (may be the same document used in Step 3 above if dated within current year)
  • Medical or insurance provider statement, invoice, or explanation of benefits
  • Pay stub or employment verification (must list the customer’s legal name)
  • Idaho school enrollment records with current address or VOC for current school year and current address (college ID not accepted)
  • Motel, hotel, campground or RV park receipt on letterhead that indicates 30 days or more of residency
  • Military Leave and Earning Statement (LES) to evidence Idaho residency of applicant deployed outside of Idaho while on active duty
  • Relief agency or shelter certification
  • Residency affidavit (must be signed by adult over 18)
  • Court documents (original or non-altered, and must have current address on the document for proof of Idaho residency)
  • Record of property taxes assessed or paid (receipt date within one year)
  • A vehicle, homeowner’s, or renter’s liability card, binder, or bill issued by an Idaho-based carrier (must be valid and unexpired, must have current residential address, and can be original paper, print, or photocopy of e-document)

Must have one year of driving experience to obtain a CDL, based on the issue date of your current driver’s license. Out of state applicants with a license issue date of less than one year must provide a driving record or an expired license to satisfy the one year experience rule.

OUT OF STATE APPLICANTS UNDER 21 YEARS OLD ONLY:  You will need to take the Class D driver’s license written test first and make sure to bring all required documents listed above.  Let the DMV know you are going to also obtain a Class A CLP with air brakes as well.

START THE CDL PROCESS: At the DMV, tell the Examiner you are there to begin the process of obtaining a Class A CDL with air brakes . They will have you complete an application for a CDL, and will help you declare a driving category—a federal rule to determine whether you plan to drive only in Idaho or interstate, and whether you are medical card required (“non-excepted”) or not required (“excepted”).  If you have completed a DOT physical (highly recommended) and were issued a DOT medical card give them this at this time. 

Effective today (04-02-2020), the county DMV offices and you CDL examiners are notified of a new requirement, as follows:

Any time a skills test is required, the customer is required to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), wait 14 days, then take a skills test. This includes:

• New issuance
• Upgrading class of license
• Removing restrictions: Air Brakes(L), Automatic Transmission(E), No Tractor-Trailer(O).  

At the DMV you will take 3 written test to obtain a Class A (Commercial Learner’s Permit) prior to the start of class:

1. General Knowledge
2. Combination Vehicles
3. Air Brakes 

Locations and times for CDL Testing in the Treasure Valley:

Ada County:
400 Benjamin Lane Boise, ID 83704

7:30 to 12 for CDL Testing
7:30 to 5:30 for Class D Testing
7:30 to 5:30 to issue CDL

Canyon County:
6170 Graye Lane Caldwell, ID 83607

8:00 to 12 for CDL Testing
8:00 to 4:00 for Class D Testing
8:00 to 4:00 to issue CDL

Gem County
410 E 1st St, Emmett, ID 83617

8:00 to 12 for CDL Testing
8:00 to 4:00 for Class D Testing
8:00 to 4:00 to issue CDL

Payette County:
205 N 12th St, Payette, ID 83661

8:00 to 12 for CDL Testing
8:00 to 4:00 for Class D Testing
8:00 to 4:00 to issue CDL