How licensing works in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) licenses drivers, with county treasurers also offering services. Iowa uses a three-step graduated driver's license system.
| Step | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction permit | 14 | Pass knowledge and vision tests. Parent consent. Drive any time, but only with a qualified licensed supervisor. Hold 12 months and log 20 hours (2 at night). |
| Intermediate license | 16 | Finish driver education. No unsupervised driving 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. Log 10 more supervised hours (2 at night). |
| Full license | 17 | After 12 months with the intermediate license. |
New drivers are most likely to crash in their first months of driving alone, and night driving and carrying friends make that risk higher. Graduated licensing rules give you time to build skill in safer conditions, so you gain experience before the limits come off.
Who can supervise a permit holder
- A parent, guardian or custodian.
- An immediate family member who is at least 21.
- A driver education instructor.
- A person at least 25 with written permission from your parent, guardian or custodian.
Every supervisor must hold a valid driver's license.
Permit restrictions
- No driving without adult supervision. Driving alone to school or work needs a separate Special Minor's Restricted License.
- No cell phones, tablets or other electronic devices while driving, except equipment built into the vehicle.
- No more passengers than seat belts.
- No commercial vehicles, vehicles rated at 16,001 pounds or more, or motorcycles unless licensed for them.
Violations
A first violation brings a warning letter and possible suspension. A second brings a 30-day suspension. Every conviction, crash or restriction violation delays your next step by 6 months.
The Iowa knowledge test
To get a permit you must pass a knowledge test and a vision test. Iowa gives you three ways to take the knowledge test.
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| DMV or county treasurer | Schedule an appointment. |
| At home | A parent applies to proctor (7 to 14 days to process). Use a computer, not a phone or tablet. The email link expires after 72 hours. Then visit a DMV or county treasurer to get the permit. |
| At school | Some schools offer the test through the Skip the Trip – DOT Test Program. |
What to bring
Bring a primary form of identification, proof of Iowa residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your parent's written consent (or have your parent come with you).
Rules specific to Iowa
Phones
Iowa permit holders may not use any phone or electronic communication or entertainment device while driving.
Seat belts
A permit holder may not carry more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle.
Rural roads
Much of Iowa is farmland. Watch for slow-moving farm equipment, especially at planting and harvest times, and pass only when it is safe and legal.
Pass only where the center line allows it and you can see far enough ahead.
- Your car behind slow equipment.
- The broken yellow line on your side allows passing.
- The solid line ahead means do not pass.
Key numbers to remember
Many test questions ask for an exact age, time or number. Use this table as a quick review before you practice.
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Permit age | 14 |
| Permit holding period | 12 months |
| Permit practice hours | 20, including 2 at night |
| Intermediate age | 16 |
| Intermediate night limit | 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. |
| At-home test link | Expires after 72 hours |
| Second permit violation | 30-day suspension |
| Delay per violation or crash | 6 months |
Test tips
- Read the Iowa Driver's Manual all the way through.
- Learn the numbers: 14, 16, 12 months, 20 and 2 hours, 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m., 21 and 25 for supervisors.
- Take these practice tests until you score 90% or more.
- Choose the test option that works best for you.
On test day
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your test. Get a good night's sleep, eat something before you go, and arrive early so you do not feel rushed.
- Bring every document on the official checklist, plus your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see.
- Turn off your phone and put it away before the test starts.
- Read each question all the way through, then read every answer before you choose.
- If you are not sure, first rule out the answers you know are wrong.
- Change an answer only if you are sure you misread the question.
If you do not pass, do not give up. Look at the topics you missed, study those parts of the handbook again, and take more practice tests before you try again.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Iowa. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking, alcohol and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your test.