CDL Truck Driver in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Idaho
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Idaho, applicants must first obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing knowledge tests and completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). After holding the CLP for at least 14 days, candidates must pass a skills test, which includes a vehicle inspection, basic controls, and a road test. The licensing body is the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), and a valid DOT medical certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner is mandatory. Idaho generally offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs, except for Washington and North Carolina, but a CDL must be transferred to Idaho within 30 days of residency.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Idaho
| Detail | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($200) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate commerce or 21+ for interstate commerce and to haul hazardous materials. A valid DOT medical certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner is required. New applicants must complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). A valid Idaho non-commercial driver's license and one year of driving experience are required. The skills test includes vehicle inspection, basic controls, and a road test. Fees are approximate and can vary by county: CLP application fee is $29, knowledge tests are $5 each, and the skills test is $200 ($10 to the county and up to $190 to the tester). The CDL license fee is $40 for 4 years or $60 for 8 years (for ages 21-62). Endorsements are an additional $15-$20 each. Hazmat endorsements are not available for online renewal due to testing requirements. Idaho allows for a seasonal CDL for agriculture and harvest needs, which requires applicants to be at least 16 years old with one year of driving experience, is valid for 180 days, and is restricted to Class B or C vehicles within 150 miles of the farm. |
License Tiers
Idaho offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Idaho
The median cdl truck driver salary in Idaho is $53,260 per year, which is 7.3% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,620 |
| 25th | $47,460 |
| 50th (median) | $53,260 |
| 75th | $61,530 |
| 90th (experienced) | $71,520 |
Idaho employs approximately 14,860 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Idaho Worth It?
Factors to consider: Idaho's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.