Meridian Idaho Online Driver Education and Meridian Idaho Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Meridian Idaho? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Meridian Idaho has implemented a graduated driver license program for Meridian Idaho drivers who are under the age of 18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Meridian Idaho.
Meridian Idaho Supervised Instruction Permit (aka--Learners' Permit)
To apply for a supervised instruction permit in Meridian Idaho, you must be at least 15 years old and have completed or be currently enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course.
When you make your trip down to the driver's license office to get your supervised instruction permit, you will need to take the following items with you:
- A liability form, signed by your parents
- Proper ID's (for a list of acceptable ID's please visit the Meridian Idaho DMV website)
- Proof of residency in Meridian Idaho
After you receive your supervised instruction permit, you may begin driving under certain restriction(s):
- You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age, sitting next to you in the front passenger seat any time you drive.
After you've had your learner's permit for at least six (6) months, you will be eligible to apply for an Meridian Idaho provisional driver's license.
Your First Meridian Idaho Driver's License or Meridian Idaho Provisional License
- To become eligible for a provisional drivers license, you need to meet the following prerequisites:
- Have an Meridian Idaho supervised instruction permit
- No traffic violations over the past six (6) months
- Completed 30 hours of state-approved classroom instruction (with at least 10 hours of night driving)
- Six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified driving instructor
To get your Meridian Idaho provisional license, you will first need to pass both a written test and a road test. When you feel you're ready to go for it, you will need to take your supervised instructional permit plus the same required ID forms you took when you went to get your supervised instructional permit.
After you earn your provisional license, a few restrictions will still apply:
- All passengers must wear seat belts
- Adhere to all alcohol and substance abuse laws pertaining to driving
- No driving between 11pm and 5am without the supervision of a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.
First violation of learner's permit or provisional license restrictions results a written warning letter. Upon the second violation, your license will be suspended for one (1) month. Further violations will result in two (2)-month suspensions.
When you turn 17, your provisional drivers license can be converted into a full license provided you have had no traffic violations during the time you've had your provisional license.
Meridian Idaho Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
Meridian Idaho law requires that you have a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. Failure to carry this mandatory insurance can result in your license being suspended plus a hefty fine.
The minimum amount of liability coverage you are required to have is as follows:
- $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
- $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
- $15,000--property damage
Meridian Idaho Drunk Driving Laws
Drinking and driving in Meridian Idaho is not tolerated in Meridian Idaho and the state's DUI laws are more strict than most other states. Upon your FIRST conviction of a DUI, you will face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence ranging from 2 to 5 days
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Suspension of your license for 90 days
- Possible enrollment in a substance abuse or alcohol evaulation and treatment program
Further violations will result in more severe penalties, including an extended jail sentence and the revocation of your Meridian Idaho drivers license.
Anyone under the age of 21 who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content level of .02 or higher will have their license suspended for one (1) year and be fined up to $1,000. In fact, if you violate the age-related alcohol laws in Meridian Idaho, you could lose your instruction permit or provisional license even if you were NOT driving.
Meridian Idaho Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws
Meridian Idaho currently does not have any laws regarding the use of cell phones or text-messaging devices while driving.
Meridian Idaho Online Driver Education
Any person applying for a Meridian Idaho provisional license is required to take a state-approved driver education course consisting of 30 hours classroom time and 6 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel training. For al ist of approved drivers education courses, please visit the Meridian Idaho Department of Education's website.