Idaho Phones & Distraction practice test

Practice phone rules and other distractions: 18 questions based on the Idaho Driver's Handbook, 11 of them on Idaho's own rules.

Key Idaho facts: Phones & Distraction

  • No one may drive while using a mobile electronic device such as a phone or tablet, including while stopped in traffic or at a light; voice-operated or hands-free use with at most one touch is allowed. Idaho Code 49-1401A(1)(b), (2)(e)
  • Exceptions include calling 911 or reporting an emergency, crash, crime or impaired driver, and hands-free GPS use without typing into it. Idaho Code 49-1401A(2)(b)-(c)
  • A driver may not watch video on a device screen, other than images for operating or navigating the vehicle. Idaho Code 49-1401A(3)
  • A device violation is a moving infraction: $75 the first time, $150 for a second within three years and $300 after that; with three convictions in three years a court may suspend the license up to 90 days. Idaho Code 49-1401A(4)-(5)
  • A first device conviction adds no points, and officers may stop a driver for this violation alone. Idaho Code 49-1401A(7), (9)

Sample Phones & Distraction questions

Which phone use is allowed while driving in Idaho?

  • Reading a text at a red light
  • Calling 911 to report a crash
  • Holding the phone to talk
  • Typing an address into a map app
Show the answer

Calling 911 to report a crash

Emergency calls and reports are exceptions.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(2)(b)-(c)

What can a court do after three device-law convictions within three years?

  • Revoke the license for life
  • Suspend the license up to 90 days
  • Order a new driving test only
  • Seize the phone
Show the answer

Suspend the license up to 90 days

Each later offense in that period carries a $300 fine.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(4)-(5)

Does Idaho's phone law apply while you are stopped at a red light?

  • Only on highways, not city streets
  • Only for drivers who are under 18
  • No, it applies only while moving
  • Yes, stopped in traffic still counts
Show the answer

Yes, stopped in traffic still counts

It stops applying once you are lawfully parked off the road.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(1)(b), (2)(e); Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(1)(b)

May you hold your phone to talk while driving in Idaho?

  • Yes, while stopped at a red light
  • No, only hands-free use is allowed
  • Yes, if you are 18 or older
  • Yes, outside of school zones
Show the answer

No, only hands-free use is allowed

Idaho bans using a hand-held mobile device while driving.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(1)(b), (2)(e)

How many points does a first conviction under Idaho's device law add to your record?

  • Three
  • One
  • Two
  • None
Show the answer

None

It is still a moving violation with a fine.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(7), (9)

Is it legal to watch a video on a screen while driving in Idaho?

  • No, unless it is for navigation
  • Yes, if the screen is mounted
  • Yes, on rural roads
  • Yes, at speeds under 25 mph
Show the answer

No, unless it is for navigation

Images that help operate or navigate the vehicle are allowed.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(3)

May a city in Idaho pass its own stricter phone-use rules for drivers?

  • Only cities with over 50,000 people
  • No, the state law replaces local rules
  • Only for streets in school zones
  • Yes, any city may pass its own rules
Show the answer

No, the state law replaces local rules

The state law covers phone use while driving statewide.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(10)

How may you use your phone's GPS while driving in Idaho?

  • Not at all, GPS use is banned
  • Hands-free, without typing in information
  • By typing in the address while you drive
  • Only while holding it up where you can see it
Show the answer

Hands-free, without typing in information

Enter the destination before you start.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(2)(b)-(c)

What is the fine for a first violation of Idaho's hand-held device law?

  • $75
  • $25
  • $300
  • $150
Show the answer

$75

A second offense within three years costs $150 and later ones $300.

Source: Idaho Code, Idaho Code 49-1401A(4)-(5)

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About these questions

We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Idaho Driver's Handbook (Idaho Driver's Handbook, July 2026 edition (cover dated JULY 2026; driver_manual.pdf in ITD's 2026/04 uploads, 139 PDF pages, form number 01-9530906 on the back cover), the handbook linked from ITD's 'Taking the Driver's Test' guide, read 2026-11-10. The older upload path (wp-content/uploads/2016/06/driver_manual.pdf) served a byte-identical file on 2026-11-10. Page numbers cited are PDF pages, which equal the printed page numbers. PDF page 67 (highway map) and the sign illustrations have no text and were not used. Page 2 states that the handbook paraphrases Idaho statutes and that courts follow the statutes, so every legal rule used in questions was checked against the Idaho Code on legislature.idaho.gov (Title 49, Title 18 chapter 80 and 23-505, read 2026-11-10, with the 2026 amendment history shown on each section). Questions follow the statute. Out-of-date or inconsistent handbook statements and how they were handled: (1) Cell phones (PDF pp. 92-93) describe only a ban on reading, writing or sending text messages, with no points and a moving violation only for commercial drivers. Since July 1, 2020 (fines from January 1, 2021) Idaho Code 49-1401A bans operating a motor vehicle while using any mobile electronic device, including while stopped in traffic, except hands-free or voice use with one touch, emergency calls and hands-free navigation; it is a moving infraction ($75, $150 for a second within three years, $300 after that), three convictions in three years allow a court suspension up to 90 days, a first conviction carries no points, and it is a primary offense. Questions follow the statute; no question uses the handbook's texting-only description. (2) Signal timing: PDF p. 72 says five seconds 'on freeways or highways' and PDF p. 87 'five seconds or 100 feet'; Idaho Code 49-808(2) requires five seconds on controlled-access highways and when leaving a parked position, and the last 100 feet in all other cases. Questions use the statute (100 feet on city streets, five seconds on freeways); signal_before_turn_ft is 100. (3) High-beam dimming: PDF p. 43 says dim 200 feet before overtaking; Idaho Code 49-923(3) requires low beams when following within 200 feet except while actually overtaking and passing. Questions and dim_following_ft use the statute's wording. (4) School bus: PDF p. 70 says opposing traffic need not stop on highways with four or more lanes and two lanes in each direction; Idaho Code 49-1422(1) exempts oncoming traffic on a highway of more than three lanes. The question uses the statute. (5) Passing speed exception (PDF p. 77) covers only two-lane roads; 2026 amendments to Idaho Code 49-654(2)(b) also allow it in passing lanes posted 55 mph or more outside cities. The question is limited to the two-lane case, which both state. (6) Freeway speeds: PDF pp. 83 and 85 say up to 80 mph on rural and 65 mph on urban interstates; Idaho Code 49-654(2)(a) sets 75 mph on interstates unless posted (80 after a study) and 35 mph in urban districts unless posted. Questions use the statute's defaults (PDF p. 68 matches it). (7) Skills test order: PDF p. 33 says the knowledge and skills tests may be taken in either order, while ITD's 'Taking the Driver's Test' page says the knowledge test must be passed first except by applicants under 17 on a supervised instruction permit; not tested. (8) The handbook's bicycle passing distance of at least three feet (PDF pp. 98, 101) is advice; Idaho Code 49-632(1) requires only a safe distance, so bicycle_pass_ft is left open and the one question on it asks what the handbook recommends. (9) Seat belts (PDF p. 41: all occupants) are limited by Idaho Code 49-673 to vehicles up to 8,000 pounds, with secondary enforcement and a $10 fine; the question reflects the statute. Insurance minimums (25/50/15) are not in the handbook and come from Idaho Code 49-117(20) and 49-1229. DUI, test refusal and administrative suspension penalties (PDF pp. 125-127, 131-132), crash reporting over $1,500 (PDF pp. 119, 121), parking distances (PDF p. 81), railroad stopping distance (PDF p. 60), move-over (PDF p. 95), the GDL rules (PDF pp. 15-19) and GDL penalties (PDF p. 125) match the current statutes. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.

DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.