IA Permit Practice Test
Based on the 2025 IA DOT Manual
Permit Practice Tests (376 questions)
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01Q 1-42Permit Test 180% needed to pass; 9 mistakes allowed
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02Q 43-84Permit Test 280% needed to pass; 9 mistakes allowed
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03Q 85-126Permit Test 380% needed to pass; 9 mistakes allowed
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04Q 127-168Permit Test 480% needed to pass; 9 mistakes allowed
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05Q 169-218Road Signs Test80% needed to pass; 10 mistakes allowed
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0635 random QDOT Test Simulator80% needed to pass; 7 mistakes allowed
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07Q 219-376Mega Test80% needed to pass; 32 mistakes allowed
Iowa Permit Test FAQ
Basic Eligibility Requirements
How old do I have to be to get my permit in Iowa?
You must be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit in Iowa. This applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.
What documents do I need to bring when I apply for my permit?
To apply for a permit in Iowa you must bring:
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub)
- Two documents proving Iowa residency (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
- Proof of lawful status in the U.S. (if applicable)
- Payment for the application fee
If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license you must provide documentation that meets federal requirements. Check the Iowa DOT website for current accepted documents.
If I'm under 18 do my parents need to be involved in the permit application process?
Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:
- Sign your permit application
- Accept financial responsibility for you
- The parent or guardian who signs must present their own identification
How do I apply for a permit in Iowa?
The application process in Iowa is as follows:
- Complete an Iowa Driver’s License/Nonoperator ID Card application
- Bring all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
- Pass a vision screening test
- Pay the required fee
- Pass the knowledge test
- Have your photo taken for your permit
If you’re under 18 you must also have a parent or guardian sign your application.
Can I apply online?
Iowa does not allow you to complete the entire permit application process online. You must visit a DOT service center or county treasurer’s office in person to:
- Submit your application
- Provide required documentation
- Take your vision test
- Complete your knowledge test
- Have your photo taken
How much does it cost to get a permit?
The Iowa DOT charges a fee for an instruction permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, administering the knowledge test and issuing your permit. Check the Iowa DOT website for current fee information.
What tests do I have to pass to get my permit?
To get your permit in Iowa you must pass:
- A vision screening test to ensure you meet the minimum vision standards for driving
- A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about Iowa traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices
How many questions are on the Iowa permit test?
The Iowa permit knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass.
What's on the Iowa permit test?
The Iowa permit test covers:
- Iowa traffic laws and regulations
- Road signs, signals and markings
- Right-of-way rules
- Safe driving practices and techniques
- Alcohol and drug effects on driving
- Special driving conditions and hazards
- Sharing the road with other users
How can I prepare for the permit test?
The best ways to prepare for your Iowa permit test:
- Study the Iowa Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Iowa Driver’s Manual
- Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
- Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
- Pay special attention to road signs, traffic laws and safe driving practices
What if I fail the permit test?
If you fail the Iowa permit test:
- You can retake the test after waiting one day
- Each additional attempt requires payment of a test fee
- You can continue to retake the test until you pass
- Study the areas where you had difficulty before attempting the test again
What can I do with a permit in Iowa?
With an Iowa instruction permit you can:
- Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience
- This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
- Gain valuable supervised driving experience to prepare you for your driving test and independent driving
What restrictions come with a permit in Iowa?
When driving with an instruction permit in Iowa you:
- Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience sitting in the front passenger seat
- Cannot use electronic communication devices while driving (including phones, even in hands-free mode)
- Must ensure all passengers wear seat belts
- Cannot drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian, family member over 21, or designated adult over 25
How long do I have to practice with my permit before I get a license?
In Iowa, it depends on your age:
If you are under 18:
- You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before applying for an intermediate license
- You must complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice, including 2 hours of night driving
If you are 18 or older:
- There is no minimum holding period for your permit
- Practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your test
Do I need to take a driver education course to get my permit?
Iowa has different requirements based on your age:
If you are under 18:
- No, you don’t need to complete driver education before getting a permit
- But you must complete an approved driver education course before you can get an intermediate license
- The course must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 3-6 hours of observation
If you are 18 or older:
- No, driver education is not required but recommended
What driver education do I need to complete before I get my license?
In Iowa, before you get your license, it depends on your age:
If you are under 18:
- You must complete an approved driver education course that includes at least 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 3-6 hours of observation
- Additionally, you must complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice (including 2 hours at night) with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
If you are 18 or older:
- No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial
How do I find an approved driver education program?
You can find Iowa-approved driver education programs by:
- Contacting your local high school
- Visiting the Iowa DOT website for a list of approved public and private driver education programs
- Looking for programs that meet Iowa’s requirements for classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
What can I expect during the Driving test?
The Iowa Driving test checks:
- Your ability to safely operate a vehicle
- Your compliance with traffic laws and signals
- Basic driving maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
- Your awareness of other road users
- Your decision-making in various traffic situations
Before the test, the examiner will verify that your vehicle is registered, insured and in safe operating condition. They will also review your documentation.
How do I schedule my Driving test?
You can schedule your Driving test in Iowa by:
- Visiting the Iowa DOT website to make an appointment
- Calling your local driver’s license service center
- Scheduling in person at a driver’s license service center or county treasurer’s office
What do I need to bring to my Driving test?
On the day of your Driving test in Iowa, bring:
- Your instruction permit
- A registered, insured, and safe vehicle for the test
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle
- Your completed log of supervised driving practice (if under 18)
- A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience
- If using a rental vehicle, your name must be on the rental agreement and it must allow driving tests
What are the most common reasons people fail the Driving test?
Common reasons for failing the Iowa Driving test include:
- Not checking blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
- Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions
- Improper lane positioning during turns or lane changes
- Not yielding right-of-way to pedestrians or other vehicles
- Poor vehicle control and steering
- Lack of awareness of surroundings
- Inability to parallel park or execute three-point turns
How do I convert my learner's permit to a driver's license?
To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Iowa:
If you are under 18:
- Hold your instruction permit for at least 12 months
- Complete a driver education course
- Complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice (including 2 hours at night)
- Be at least 16 years old
- Pass the Driving test
- Pay the required fees
If you are 18 or older:
- Practice with your permit until you’re ready
- Schedule and pass the Driving test
- Pay the required fees
What are the graduated licensing stages in Iowa?
Iowa’s graduated licensing program has these stages:
- Instruction Permit: Available at 14. Requires supervision by a licensed driver at least 21 years old while driving.
- Intermediate License: Available at 16 after holding an instruction permit for at least 12 months, completing driver education, and 20 hours of supervised driving practice.
- Full License: Available after holding an intermediate license for 12 months with no moving violations, alcohol violations or license suspensions, or upon turning 18.
- Adults 18 and older can go directly from an instruction permit to a full license after passing the Driving test.
What am I restricted from doing as a new driver after getting my license?
As a new driver under 18 in Iowa with an intermediate license, you will be restricted from:
- Driving between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian, immediate family member over 21, or designated adult over 25 (with exceptions for work or school activities)
- Transporting more than one passenger who is not a family member (for the first six months), unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated adult
- Using electronic communication devices while driving
- Ensuring all passengers wear seat belts
These restrictions end when you get your full license or turn 18, whichever comes first.
I have a permit from another state. Is it valid in Iowa?
Iowa does not recognize out-of-state instruction permits for driving in Iowa. If you move to Iowa with an out-of-state permit:
- You will need to apply for an Iowa instruction permit
- If you’re under 18, any time spent holding a valid out-of-state instruction permit may count toward Iowa’s 12-month holding requirement if documented properly
What accommodations are available for permit applicants with disabilities?
Iowa offers the following accommodations for permit applicants with disabilities:
- Audio versions of the driver manual
- Oral knowledge tests
- Interpreters for the hearing impaired
- Extended testing time when necessary
- Use of special adaptive equipment in your vehicle for the test (contact your local Iowa DOT service center before your appointment)
Can I get my permit if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get an instruction permit in Iowa by providing:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Iowa residency
- Proof of lawful presence in the U.S. (foreign nationals must present valid immigration documents)
- Visit the Iowa DOT website for specific documentation requirements for non-U.S. citizens
Where can I download the Iowa Driver's Manual?
You can download a copy of the Iowa Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at Iowa DOT service centers and county treasurer’s offices.
Are there free practice tests available?
Yes! We offer free Iowa-specific practice tests that simulate the actual permit test. Our practice tests help you study the material and get familiar with the test format before your exam.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about the permit process?
For more information about the Iowa permit process:
- Visit the Iowa DOT website at iowadot.gov
- Call the Iowa DOT at 515-244-8725 during business hours
- Visit your local DOT service center or county treasurer’s office
- Email drivers.license@iowadot.us
What if I lose my permit?
If you lose your Iowa instruction permit:
- Go to any Iowa DOT service center or county treasurer’s office
- Bring identification
- Pay the replacement fee
- You may be able to request a replacement online through the Iowa DOT website
How do I cancel a minor's permit or license?
A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can request cancellation of their teen’s permit or license by writing to the Iowa DOT. The request must include the minor’s full name, date of birth, and driver’s license/permit number.
From exploring downtown Des Moines to hiking through Effigy Mounds, there is always something to do in Iowa. But not without a car! In order to become a licensed driver in the Hawkeye State, you must first obtain your learner’s permit.
Prepare for the Iowa Permit Test
Ready to get started? If you’re at least 14 years old, you can begin by taking the written permit test at your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office. The test is designed to evaluate your knowledge of the rules of the road. You’ll need to be familiar with everything from safe driving techniques to common street signs. Start preparing for your test now with our powerful Iowa permit practice tests. Each practice test is packed with powerful features to ensure you don’t leave the testing office empty handed.
- Real Test Simulation: Our Iowa permit practice tests replicate the actual test format and questions.
- Instant Feedback: Receive immediate answers to help you learn quickly and correct mistakes along the way.
- Track Your Progress: Monitor how well you’re doing and identify areas where you need more practice.
- Unlimited Practice: Take the test as many times as needed to feel confident before the real exam.
Want to make preparing easier? Let us help you with our Iowa permit practice tests. We designed our IA permit practice tests to help you master the content and structure of the actual test. Give our permit practice tests a try, and you’ll feel much more confident and ready for test day.
Start Your IA Permit Practice Test Now
Prepare for the written exam with our free Iowa DMV permit practice tests. These tests will give you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the test and become a licensed driver in Iowa.