Full practice exam
- 25 questions, 20 to pass, like the real written test
- No answers until you finish
- Your score, every answer explained, and what to study next
Free learning aid · Based on the Iowa Driver's License Manual (M1170 (07/23/2026))
Iowa Permit Practice Test
A free study aid for the Iowa (IA) DOT knowledge test: practice in the real test format, with every answer explained and the guide page to study. Not the official test. Always verify with the official guide.
- 25questions
- 20to pass (80%)
- $0full exam here
Practice by topic
- The answer and why, right after each question
- 10 questions a round, a new mix every time
- Every answer shows the guide page to read
Road sign test
Know every sign on sight
Learn the signs from pictures one at a time, then test yourself on 20 signs.
Study mode
Iowa permit test topics
The answer and explanation after every question. Each round is a new random mix, so practice as often as you like.
- Signs, signals & railroad crossingsSign shapes and colors, lights and arrows, railroad crossings, work zones.
- Lanes, right of way & parkingMarkings, lane use, who yields, emergency vehicles, school buses, parking.
- Intersections, highways & sharingRoundabouts, gravel roads, night driving, deer, trucks, motorcycles, bikes.
- Weather, emergencies & crashesRain, fog, floods, tornadoes, ice, breakdowns, crashes and traffic stops.
- Driving skills, phones & alcoholSpeed limits, following distance, turns, passing, phones and OWI.
- Your license & your carWho needs a license, what to carry, vehicle upkeep and driver-assist tech.
- Practice my weak spotsA round from the topics you miss most.Fills in automatically as you practice on this device
About the Iowa permit test
The basics, in plain English, from the Iowa Driver's License Manual.
Instruction permit at 14
Teens can get an instruction permit from age 14 after passing the knowledge and vision tests, with a parent or guardian's written consent. (Iowa DOT: Instruction Permit for Under Age 18)
The test can be taken at home
Under 18, the knowledge test can be taken at a DOT or county treasurer location, at a participating school, or at home with a parent who holds an Iowa license as the proctor. (Iowa DOT: Instruction Permit for Under Age 18)
Driver education before 18
Applicants under 18 must finish an Iowa-approved driver education course; doing so usually replaces the DOT driving test. (Iowa Driver's License Manual, p. 5)
A year on the permit
The intermediate license comes at 16 at the earliest, after 12 months with a permit, driver education and six months in a row with no violations. (Iowa DOT: Intermediate License)
No phones for teen drivers
Drivers under 18 on a permit, intermediate or school license may not talk on a phone unless parked off the road. Every driver must keep the phone hands-free. (Iowa Driver's License Manual, p. 36)
Late-night limit after the permit
With an intermediate license, teens may drive alone from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.; outside those hours they need a supervising adult or a parent's waiver for school or work. (Iowa DOT: Intermediate License)
Iowa permit test FAQ
Can I take the Iowa permit test at home?
Yes, if you are under 18. A parent or guardian with a valid Iowa license applies to proctor the test; once approved (allow 7 to 14 days) you get an emailed link that works for 72 hours, and you need a computer, not a phone or tablet. After passing, you still visit a DOT or county treasurer location to have the permit issued. (Iowa DOT: Online Permit Test (Skip the Trip))
How old do you have to be for an Iowa instruction permit?
14. You also pass the knowledge and vision tests, bring a parent or guardian's written consent (in person or on form 430018), and show proof of identity, Iowa residency and your Social Security number. (Iowa DOT: Instruction Permit for Under Age 18)
When can an Iowa teen get an intermediate license?
At 16 or older, after driver education, a total of 12 months with an instruction permit and the last six months free of violations, with a parent's consent. (Iowa DOT: Intermediate License)
What is Iowa's hands-free law?
Drivers may use a phone or other electronic device only hands-free: no holding it, typing, scrolling, entering a GPS address, or watching or streaming video while the car is moving. (Iowa Driver's License Manual, p. 36)
Read the official Iowa Driver's License Manual
Our questions are written from the guide (m1170 (07/23/2026)). Always study the official handbook from the state. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.
New driver? How to get your instruction permitWhat to bring, the tests and the rules while you practice →