A black-and-white 'ONE WAY' sign with an arrow means:

Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow

Leaving a child or pet alone in a parked car on a warm day is dangerous because:

The temperature inside can become deadly within minutes

Iowa Permit Test Practice

Iowa is one of the few states where you can start driving at 14. The Iowa Department of Transportation issues the instruction permit to teens who pass the knowledge and vision tests and have a parent's written consent. Iowa also lets you take the knowledge test at home, with a parent or guardian proctoring on a computer (not a phone or tablet). You still visit a DOT driver's license service center to get the permit itself.

Iowa has a few unusual steps. Students 14½ and older may qualify for a minor school license to drive to and from school. To move up to an intermediate license at 16, you need 12 months on the permit, driver's education, six months with a clean record and 20 supervised hours, 2 at night. Practicing free on DMV Permit Prep is an easy way to get ready for the at-home test.

To pass: 80%
Permit age: 14
Practice: 20 hours, 2 at night (plus driver's education)

Start a free Iowa practice test

5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.

Iowa permit test sample questions

Tap an answer to check yourself.

1. How many hours of supervised driving does Iowa require for an intermediate license?
2. What is the youngest age at which you can get an instruction permit in Iowa?
3. How often should you check your mirrors while driving?
4. A black-and-white 'ONE WAY' sign with an arrow means:
5. Leaving a child or pet alone in a parked car on a warm day is dangerous because:

How to get your learner's permit in Iowa

1Turn 14 and study the Iowa Driver's Manual.
2Take the knowledge test at home with a parent proctoring, or at a DOT service center.
3Gather proof of identity, Iowa residency and Social Security number.
4Visit a DOT driver's license service center with a parent or guardian for written consent.
5Pass the vision test and receive your instruction permit.
6Hold the permit 12 months, complete driver's ed and log 20 hours (2 at night) before the intermediate license at 16.

Intermediate drivers may drive alone 5 a.m.–12:30 a.m. and can carry only one non-family passenger for the first 6 months unless a parent waives it. Permit holding period: 12 months.

The Iowa knowledge test

Multiple-choice test that teens can take at home with a parent or guardian proctoring on a computer, or in person at an Iowa DOT driver's license service center.

Study tips for Iowa

For the at-home test, set up a laptop or desktop in advance: phones and tablets aren't allowed, and a parent must proctor.
Learn when Iowa's minor school license applies (14½+, driving to and from school).
Study rural road topics like slow-moving farm vehicles and uncontrolled gravel-road intersections.

CDL in Iowa

Iowa CDL applicants take the general knowledge and endorsement tests at an Iowa DOT driver's license service center to get a Commercial Learner's Permit, complete federal ELDT for a first Class A or B license, and hold the CLP 14 days before the skills test.

Motorcycle in Iowa

Iowa issues a motorcycle instruction permit after the motorcycle knowledge test; riders under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle rider education course, and passing a course waives the DOT skills test for the Class M endorsement.

Iowa permit test FAQ

Can you take the Iowa permit test at home?

Yes. Iowa lets teens take the knowledge test at home with a parent or guardian proctoring, on a computer rather than a phone or tablet. You then visit a DOT service center to get the permit.

How old do you have to be to get a permit in Iowa?

You can get an instruction permit at 14 after passing the knowledge and vision tests, with a parent's written consent.

What is a minor school license in Iowa?

It's a restricted license for students 14½ and older that allows driving to and from school, for families who meet Iowa's eligibility rules.

When can you get an intermediate license in Iowa?

At 16, after holding the permit 12 months, completing driver's education, staying violation-free for 6 months and logging 20 supervised hours, 2 at night.

Official information: Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division.

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