Iowa Permit Test FAQ

The Iowa knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 20 right (80%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division.

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))

A vision screening and, under 18, proof that you finished Iowa-approved driver education. The DOT driving test is usually skipped once the driver education requirement is met. (Iowa Driver's License Manual, p. 5)

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)

A licensed parent, guardian or custodian, an immediate family member of 21 or older, a driver education instructor, or someone of 25 or older with the parent's written permission. The permit allows driving at any hour with one of them. (Iowa DOT: Instruction Permit for Under Age 18)

Only with a special minor's restricted license, available from 14½ after driver education and six months on the permit with a clean record. It covers direct trips to school, school activities and work within set distances, with one unrelated minor passenger at most. (Iowa DOT: Special Minor's Restricted 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)

No driving alone from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless a parent signs the school or work waiver, no phone or other electronic device while driving, no more passengers than seat belts, and, if the restriction was accepted, only one unrelated minor passenger for the first six months. (Iowa DOT: Intermediate License)

From 17, after 12 months in a row on the intermediate license with no violations and 10 more supervised hours, two of them between sunset and sunrise. (Iowa DOT: Full License)

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)

On roads of three lanes or fewer, traffic from both directions stops once the stop arm is out. On four or more lanes, only traffic behind the bus stops. Passing a stopped bus can cost your license for up to 180 days. (Iowa Driver's License Manual, p. 20)

0.02. Drivers of 21 and older are intoxicated at 0.08 or with any controlled substance in their system. Under 21, losing the license lasts at least 60 days, or 180 at 0.08 or above. (Iowa Driver's License Manual, p. 37)