IA Permit Practice Test

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.

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.

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

The application process in Iowa is as follows:

1. Complete an Iowa Driver’s License/Nonoperator ID Card application
2. Bring all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pass a vision screening test
4. Pay the required fee
5. Pass the knowledge test
6. Have your photo taken for your permit

If you’re under 18 you must also have a parent or guardian sign your application.

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

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.

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

The Iowa permit knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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)

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.