Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 6

1. Question 1 of 25

   You come to a traffic light that is completely dark because of a power outage. What should you do?

   • AHonk and keep going
   • BTreat the intersection like an all-way stop
   • CYield only to cars on your left
   • DDrive through if no cars are close
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Treat the intersection like an all-way stop

   When a signal is not working, stop as you would at a stop sign, then follow the right-of-way rules.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • ATrucks must use this route
   • BOne-way street to the right
   • CThe road ahead turns right
   • DFollow this route because the usual road is closed
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Follow this route because the usual road is closed

   A detour takes you around a closed road. Follow the detour signs until you are back on your route.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AA bike repair shop is ahead
   • BBicycles may cross or enter the road ahead
   • CThe bike lane ends and bicycles must leave the road
   • DBicycles are not allowed
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Bicycles may cross or enter the road ahead

   Watch for people on bicycles crossing or riding on the road. Slow down and give them plenty of room.

4. Question 4 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AThe left lane is closed ahead
   • BIf you are in the left lane, you must turn left
   • CLeft turns are not allowed
   • DYou may turn left from any lane
   Show answer

   Answer: B. If you are in the left lane, you must turn left

   Get into the correct lane early. If you are in the left lane, you have to turn left at the intersection.

5. Question 5 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AYou may not turn while the light is red; wait for green
   • BNo turns are allowed at any time
   • CThere is a red-light camera ahead
   • DYou may turn right on red after stopping
   Show answer

   Answer: A. You may not turn while the light is red; wait for green

   In most places you may turn right on red after a full stop. This sign takes that choice away, so wait for a green light.

6. Question 6 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AKeep left
   • BLeft turns only
   • CSharp curve to the left
   • DYou may not turn left here
   Show answer

   Answer: D. You may not turn left here

   The arrow shows a left turn and the red circle and slash ban it. Go straight or turn right if allowed.

7. Question 7 of 25

   When is it right to use your high-beam headlights?

   • AOn dark, open roads when no vehicles are close ahead or coming toward you
   • BIn fog
   • CIn busy city traffic
   • DWhen following another car closely
   Show answer

   Answer: A. On dark, open roads when no vehicles are close ahead or coming toward you

   High beams help you see farther on dark roads, but dim them for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.

8. Question 8 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AYou may pass if you are careful
   • BYou must not pass other vehicles on this part of the road
   • CSlower traffic must keep right
   • DPass only on the right
   Show answer

   Answer: B. You must not pass other vehicles on this part of the road

   Do not pass until a sign or the road markings show that the no-passing area has ended.

9. Question 9 of 25

   Which of these is a warning sign that you are too sleepy to drive?

   • AChecking your mirrors often
   • BWanting to change the radio station
   • CFeeling hungry
   • DDrifting over lane lines or hitting rumble strips
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Drifting over lane lines or hitting rumble strips

   Drifting from your lane or hitting rumble strips means you are drowsy. Stop in a safe place and rest.

10. Question 10 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AU-turns are allowed ahead
    • BTurn around ahead
    • CA roundabout is ahead; slow down and drive counterclockwise
    • DDo not enter
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A roundabout is ahead; slow down and drive counterclockwise

    At a roundabout, yield to traffic already in the circle and travel counterclockwise, to the right of the center island.

11. Question 11 of 25

    Car A is waiting to enter this roundabout. Car B is already in the roundabout. Which car has the right-of-way?

    • AWhichever car is larger
    • BWhichever car honks first
    • CCar B
    • DCar A
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Car B

    Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout, then enter when there is a safe gap.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Which signs use this round shape?

    • AHospital signs
    • BRailroad crossing advance warning signs
    • CSpeed limit signs
    • DSchool zone signs
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Railroad crossing advance warning signs

    In the United States the circle shape is used for the railroad advance warning sign.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AStop here
    • BThe road ends ahead
    • CA traffic signal is ahead
    • DA STOP sign is ahead; be ready to stop
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A STOP sign is ahead; be ready to stop

    This sign warns of a STOP sign that may be hard to see. Slow down and get ready to stop.

14. Question 14 of 25

    This yellow plate is posted under a curve sign. What does it tell you?

    • AThe legal speed limit for the whole road is 35 mph
    • BOnly trucks must slow to 35 mph
    • CThe minimum speed is 35 mph
    • DThe recommended speed for the curve is 35 mph
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The recommended speed for the curve is 35 mph

    Yellow speed plates give an advisory speed for a curve or hazard in good conditions. Drive slower if the road is wet or icy.

15. Question 15 of 25

    What does the yellow diamond shape of this sign tell you?

    • AIt marks a work zone
    • BIt shows directions to a city
    • CIt warns of a hazard or change in the road ahead
    • DIt gives a rule you must obey
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It warns of a hazard or change in the road ahead

    Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. Slow down and get ready for what the symbol shows.

16. Question 16 of 25

    Which numbered marking separates traffic going in opposite directions and allows drivers on both sides to pass when it is safe?

    • AMarking 6
    • BMarking 3
    • CMarking 5
    • DMarking 2
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Marking 2

    A broken yellow center line (marking 2) separates opposite directions and allows passing from either side when the way is clear.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AA toll road
    • BA US highway route
    • CA route on the Interstate highway system
    • DA state park road
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A route on the Interstate highway system

    The red, white and blue shield marks an Interstate highway route.

18. Question 18 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AYou must not drive into this road from where you are
    • BThe road is closed to trucks only
    • CStop, then enter when the way is clear
    • DOne-way street; turn here
    Show answer

    Answer: A. You must not drive into this road from where you are

    This sign is posted where you would be going the wrong way, such as a freeway exit ramp or the end of a one-way street. Do not enter.

19. Question 19 of 25

    An ambulance (1) with flashing lights and a siren is coming. What should drivers like Car 2 and Car 3 do?

    • APull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes
    • BStop right where they are in their lanes
    • CSpeed up to stay ahead of it
    • DMove toward the center line
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes

    Drivers going either way on a two-way road must pull to the right edge and stop for an emergency vehicle using lights and a siren.

20. Question 20 of 25

    A police officer directing traffic waves you through a red light. What should you do?

    • AFollow the officer's directions
    • BTurn right instead
    • CHonk to check that the officer means you
    • DStay stopped until the light turns green
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Follow the officer's directions

    Directions from a police officer directing traffic override traffic lights, signs and pavement markings.

21. Question 21 of 25

    A train has just passed a crossing with more than one track. What should you do before you go?

    • ADrive around the gates as they start to rise
    • BGo as soon as the last train car passes
    • CMake sure no other train is coming on another track
    • DFollow the car ahead closely across the tracks
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Make sure no other train is coming on another track

    A second train can be hidden by the first one. Wait until the lights stop and you can see that all tracks are clear.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What do green signs like this one show?

    • ARules you must obey
    • BPlaces to get gas and food
    • CDirections and distances to places
    • DRoad work ahead
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Directions and distances to places

    Green guide signs show routes, directions and distances in miles.

23. Question 23 of 25

    A flagger in a work zone holds up a STOP paddle. What must you do?

    • AStop and wait until the flagger signals you to go
    • BStop only if workers are in your lane
    • CHonk and keep going
    • DSlow down and drive around the flagger
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stop and wait until the flagger signals you to go

    Work zone flaggers are allowed to direct traffic. Their signals must be obeyed like a traffic officer's.

24. Question 24 of 25

    How should you pass a bicyclist riding in the same direction?

    • AFollow closely until the rider moves aside
    • BHonk and pass close by
    • CPass on the right
    • DSlow down and pass on the left with plenty of space
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Slow down and pass on the left with plenty of space

    Pass a bicyclist on the left at a safe distance and reduce your speed as you pass.

25. Question 25 of 25

    You park on a hill where there is no curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?

    • AStraight ahead
    • BToward the center of the road
    • CLeft if uphill, straight if downhill
    • DToward the side of the road (to the right)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Toward the side of the road (to the right)

    With no curb, uphill or downhill, turn your wheels to the right so the car will roll away from traffic if the brakes fail.

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