Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 5

1. Question 1 of 25

   Why should you never try to beat a train to a crossing?

   • AA train cannot stop quickly; at 60 mph it may need a mile or more
   • BTrains must yield to cars at crossings
   • CTrain engineers can steer around cars
   • DTrains always slow down at crossings
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A train cannot stop quickly; at 60 mph it may need a mile or more

   Trains are very heavy and need a long distance to stop. A train at 60 mph may take a mile or more.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What should you do when you see this sign?

   • ATurn right only on a green light
   • BDo not turn right; go straight or turn left if allowed
   • CYield to vehicles turning right
   • DTurn right after a full stop
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Do not turn right; go straight or turn left if allowed

   The black arrow shows the move and the red circle and slash forbid it. You may not turn right at this intersection.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • ARight turns only
   • BThe right lane ends
   • CA side road joins from the right
   • DA sharp turn to the right is ahead; slow down a lot
   Show answer

   Answer: D. A sharp turn to the right is ahead; slow down a lot

   A sharp turn needs a much lower speed than a gentle curve. Look for a yellow speed plate under the sign.

4. Question 4 of 25

   If you double your speed, about how much longer does it take to stop once you brake?

   • AAbout the same distance
   • BAbout half as far
   • CAbout four times as far
   • DAbout twice as far
   Show answer

   Answer: C. About four times as far

   Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling your speed makes it about four times longer.

5. Question 5 of 25

   You are entering a freeway from an on-ramp, as shown. What should you do in the acceleration lane?

   • AMerge right away without checking traffic
   • BDrive slowly so freeway drivers notice you
   • CSpeed up to match freeway traffic, then merge into a safe gap
   • DStop at the end of the ramp and wait for a big gap
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Speed up to match freeway traffic, then merge into a safe gap

   Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic, check mirrors and your blind spot, signal, and merge into a gap.

6. Question 6 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AA highway patrol station is ahead
   • BA helicopter landing pad is ahead
   • CA hospital is nearby
   • DA hotel is nearby
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A hospital is nearby

   Blue signs show services for drivers, such as hospitals, gas, food and lodging.

7. Question 7 of 25

   What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

   • ASpeed up before the light turns red
   • BSlow down and go through with caution
   • CStop and wait for a green light
   • DThe signal is broken, so treat it as an all-way stop
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Slow down and go through with caution

   A flashing yellow light is a warning. You may go, but slow down and watch for traffic and pedestrians.

8. Question 8 of 25

   In freezing weather, which part of the road often ices over first?

   • ALong straight roads in the sun
   • BRoads in the middle of town
   • CBridges and overpasses
   • DUphill sections facing the sun
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Bridges and overpasses

   Cold air flows above and below bridges and overpasses, so they freeze before other parts of the road.

9. Question 9 of 25

   At night you see red reflectors on the road facing you. What does this most likely mean?

   • AYou are entering a school zone
   • BYou are going the wrong way on a one-way road or ramp
   • CThe road ahead is wet
   • DYou are near a fire station
   Show answer

   Answer: B. You are going the wrong way on a one-way road or ramp

   Red raised pavement markers face drivers who are going the wrong way on a one-way road or ramp. Turn around safely right away.

10. Question 10 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • ATraffic joining from the side gets its own lane, so it does not need to merge
    • BTwo-way traffic ahead
    • CThe road narrows ahead
    • DYou must merge left now
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Traffic joining from the side gets its own lane, so it does not need to merge

    The entering traffic gets a new lane. Still watch for drivers who change lanes.

11. Question 11 of 25

    You hit a parked car and the owner is not around. What should you do?

    • AAsk a stranger to watch the car
    • BWait one minute, then leave
    • CTry to find the owner, or leave your information and notify the police
    • DDrive away
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Try to find the owner, or leave your information and notify the police

    If you damage an unattended car or property, you must try to find the owner or report it to the police.

12. Question 12 of 25

    What is the only thing that lowers your blood alcohol concentration?

    • ATime
    • BExercise
    • CA cold shower
    • DBlack coffee
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Time

    Your body removes alcohol slowly. Coffee, exercise and cold showers do not lower your BAC.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Which numbered marking separates lanes going in the same direction and allows lane changes when it is safe?

    • AMarking 5
    • BMarking 6
    • CMarking 2
    • DMarking 1
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Marking 5

    A broken white line (marking 5) separates lanes moving the same way. You may change lanes across it when safe.

14. Question 14 of 25

    Your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor. What should you try first?

    • ATurn off the engine
    • BShift into park
    • COpen the door to drag your foot
    • DPump the brake pedal to build up pressure
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Pump the brake pedal to build up pressure

    Pumping the pedal may build enough pressure to stop. If that fails, use the parking brake slowly and shift to a lower gear.

15. Question 15 of 25

    You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right, as shown. There is no sign about turning. What may you do?

    • ATurn right after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic
    • BWait for the green light, because turns on red are never allowed
    • CTurn right without stopping if no one is coming
    • DTurn right into the farthest lane right away
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Turn right after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic

    Unless a sign or local rule forbids it, you may turn right on red after a full stop, when pedestrians and traffic are clear.

16. Question 16 of 25

    A driver holds the left arm straight out the window. What does this hand signal mean?

    • ARight turn
    • BLeft turn
    • CSlowing down or stopping
    • DYou may pass me
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Left turn

    The left arm held straight out means a left turn.

17. Question 17 of 25

    A driver holds the left arm out the window, bent upward at the elbow. What does this hand signal mean?

    • AHazard ahead
    • BSlowing down or stopping
    • CRight turn
    • DLeft turn
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Right turn

    The left arm bent upward means a right turn.

18. Question 18 of 25

    What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

    • AThe light is about to turn green
    • BStop only if other cars are coming
    • CStop completely, then go when it is safe
    • DSlow down and go with care without stopping
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Stop completely, then go when it is safe

    A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then go when the way is clear.

19. Question 19 of 25

    How should you exit a freeway?

    • AStop on the shoulder, then take the exit
    • BSlow down in the main lane, then change lanes
    • CMove into the exit lane early, then slow down in the exit lane
    • DCross the painted area at the last moment
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Move into the exit lane early, then slow down in the exit lane

    Get into the correct lane well before the exit, signal, and do most of your slowing after you enter the exit lane or ramp.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Your car breaks down on a highway. What should you do first?

    • ATurn on your hazard lights and pull as far off the road as you can
    • BKeep the lights off to save the battery
    • CWalk along the highway for help
    • DStop in your lane and get out
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Turn on your hazard lights and pull as far off the road as you can

    Use your hazard flashers and get your car off the road if possible. Avoid stopping just over a hill or around a curve.

21. Question 21 of 25

    What color are the signs that warn of road work ahead?

    • ABlue
    • BBrown
    • CGreen
    • DOrange
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Orange

    Orange signs are used for work zones and other temporary traffic control. Slow down and watch for workers.

22. Question 22 of 25

    When should you leave more than your normal following distance?

    • AOnly when the road is dry and clear
    • BIn bad weather or when following a large truck
    • COnly on city streets
    • DWhen you are in a hurry
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In bad weather or when following a large truck

    Add more space in rain, snow or fog, and behind large trucks that block your view.

23. Question 23 of 25

    You feel sleepy while driving. What is the safest choice?

    • AOpen the window and turn up the radio
    • BChew gum and keep driving
    • CDrive faster to get home sooner
    • DPull over in a safe place and rest or take a short nap
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Pull over in a safe place and rest or take a short nap

    Tricks like a cold window or loud music do not work. Stop and rest; only sleep cures drowsiness.

24. Question 24 of 25

    You have parked on the street. What should you do before opening your door on the traffic side?

    • ATurn on your headlights
    • BHonk your horn
    • CCheck behind you for bicyclists and cars
    • DOpen the door quickly to get out fast
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Check behind you for bicyclists and cars

    Opening a door into the path of a bicyclist can cause a serious crash. Look back before you open it.

25. Question 25 of 25

    How far should you sit from the air bag in the steering wheel?

    • AAt least 3 feet
    • BAs close as you can
    • CAt least 10 inches
    • DAt least 2 inches
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least 10 inches

    Sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover, as long as you can still control the vehicle safely.

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