Idaho
Requirements for Driver’s License
While helping their child fill out a driver’s license application, a member family recently called Home School Legal Defense Association with questions regarding the Department of Motor Vehicles’ requirements for minors under age 18.
A minor’s application must be signed by the applicant’s father, mother or legal guardian. Additionally, a home schooled child’s parents must check a box certifying that the child is enrolled in a home school program which is in compliance with the requirements of the Idaho State Board of Education and State Department of Education.
What are those requirements? Neither agency has any requirements specifically relating to home schooling.
However, Idaho law requires a child to be attendance in a public school, a private school or be otherwise comparably instructed. “Comparably instructed” is not specifically defined in the statute, nor does the local school district have authority to determine whether or not comparable instruction is being provided.
According to Idaho Code § 33-202, parents must also cause the child to be instructed in the subjects commonly and usually taught in state public schools and attend the comparably instructed program during a period each year equal to the public school session.
Parents who meet these Idaho code requirements should not have any problem checking the box on their minor’s driver’s license application, indicating that their home school program is in compliance with the requirements of the state board and department of education. Parents must also indicate that the child is in compliance with the Idaho attendance requirements. – J. Michael Smith
