Free Iowa DMV Practice Test (2026)

Iowa · Checked October 2026

Practice for the Iowa permit test with a learning path built around the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division rules: a Iowa-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

Start learning About the Iowa test

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Iowa permit test at a glance

QuestionsNot published

To passSee handbook

Min. permit age14

AgencyIowa DOT

Iowa DOT does not publish the number of questions or the passing score of the operator knowledge test; its official online practice test gives 25 questions drawn from real-test-style questions and asks for 80%. You can take the real test at a DOT driver's license station or county treasurer's office (by appointment), at home with a licensed parent or guardian as proctor, or at a participating school through Skip the Trip, starting within 30 days of your 14th birthday. A passing result is valid for 180 days, and an oral test is available if you cannot read the written one.

The Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division does not publish the exact number of questions, so our timed simulation uses a standard 25-question format with the official passing score.

Tip: Start with module 1, “Iowa laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to Iowa, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

Iowa traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	Iowa rule	Source
Hands-free law	Since July 1, 2025, no driver may hold, view or manipulate an electronic device while driving unless it is in voice-activated or hands-free mode or the vehicle is stopped off the road. The warning-only period ended December 31, 2025, and a violation counts as a moving violation.	legis.iowa.gov
Electronic devices for teen drivers	Drivers with an instruction permit or intermediate license may not use a cell phone, smartphone, tablet or other electronic communication or entertainment device while driving.	iowadot.gov
Alcohol limits (BAC)	Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or more is operating while intoxicated (OWI). Drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.02 or more, and their license will be revoked if they do.	legis.iowa.gov
Implied consent	Refusing a chemical test for alcohol or drugs brings a license revocation of 1 year, or 2 years if you have a previous revocation.	legis.iowa.gov
Seat belts	Everyone in the front seat must wear a seat belt, and all passengers under 18 must be buckled up in any seat.	iowadot.gov
Child restraints	A child under 1 year old and under 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing child seat; children under 6 must use a child restraint system; children 6 through 17 must use a child restraint or a seat belt.	legis.iowa.gov
Move over or slow down	When you approach a stopped emergency, tow or recovery, maintenance, construction or garbage vehicle with flashing lights, change lanes away from it; if you can't do that safely, slow down.	iowadot.gov
Speed limits	Unless posted otherwise: 20 mph in business districts, 25 mph in residence and school districts, 45 mph in suburban districts and 70 mph on interstates.	legis.iowa.gov

Iowa learner permit and teen license rules

Instruction permit at 14: drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or custodian, an immediate family member 21 or older, a driver's ed instructor, or a person 25 or older with written parental permission.
Hold the permit for 12 months, with the last 6 months free of crashes and violations, complete an approved driver education course, and log 20 hours of supervised driving (2 between sunset and sunrise).
Intermediate license at 16: you may drive without supervision only between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (waivers exist for school and work).
Intermediate drivers may carry no more than one unrelated minor passenger when unsupervised during the first 6 months (a parent can waive this), and never more passengers than seat belts.
Permit and intermediate license holders may not use a cell phone, tablet or any electronic communication or entertainment device while driving.
Full license at 17: hold the intermediate license 12 months with a clean record and log 10 more supervised hours (2 between sunset and sunrise).

How to get your Iowa learner's permit

Study the Iowa Driver's Manual and try the DOT's free online practice test.
Take the knowledge test: at a DOT driver's license station or county treasurer's office, at home with a licensed parent or guardian as proctor (submit the Application to Proctor Knowledge Exam first; approval takes 7-14 days), or at school through Skip the Trip.
Get written consent from your parent or guardian, either in person or with the Parent/Guardian Consent form (430018).
Make an appointment at a DOT driver's license station or county treasurer's office and bring your primary ID, proof of Iowa residency and proof of your Social Security number.
Pass the vision screening and pay the $6 instruction permit fee to get your permit.
Practice with an approved supervisor, finish driver's ed and 20 supervised hours, and after 12 months apply for your intermediate license at 16.

Sample Iowa-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our Iowa module. Each one is based on the official Iowa Driver's Manual or Iowa law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. What is the minimum age for an Iowa instruction permit?

15
14 1/2
16
14

Show answer

Correct answer: 14. Iowa issues instruction permits to applicants at least 14 years old; 14 1/2 is the age for the optional minor's school license. Source: iowadot.gov

2. How many hours of supervised driving must an Iowa permit holder log before getting an intermediate license?

50 hours, 10 at night
20 hours, 2 at night
30 hours, 5 at night
40 hours, 4 at night

Show answer

Correct answer: 20 hours, 2 at night. A parent's affidavit must certify 20 hours of driving, with 2 hours between sunset and sunrise. Source: legis.iowa.gov

3. How long must you hold an Iowa instruction permit before applying for an intermediate license?

12 months, with the last 6 months free of crashes and violations
6 months
9 months
3 months with no violations

Show answer

Correct answer: 12 months, with the last 6 months free of crashes and violations. You need a permit for 12 months and a clean record for the 6 months right before you apply. Source: iowadot.gov

4. Without supervision, an Iowa intermediate license holder may not drive during which hours?

10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Midnight to 6 a.m.

Show answer

Correct answer: 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.. Intermediate drivers may drive alone between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.; from 12:30 to 5 a.m. they need an approved adult unless they have a waiver. Source: iowadot.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the Iowa rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed Iowa exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the Iowa permit test at home?

Yes. If you are within 30 days of turning 14 and under 18, a parent or guardian with a valid Iowa driver's license can proctor the test online at home on a computer (not a phone or tablet) after applying. You then make an appointment at a DOT or county treasurer's office to get the permit.

What is Iowa's minor's school license?

It is an optional special minor's restricted license from age 14 1/2 for driving to school. You need an approved driver's ed course, a valid permit and 6 months with a clean record, and your parent and school sign form 430021. You may not use electronic devices and may carry only one unrelated minor passenger without an adult.

Can I drive late at night with an Iowa intermediate license?

Only with supervision. Between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. you must have an approved adult with you, unless you have a waiver for school or work.

When can I get a full, unrestricted license in Iowa?

At 17, if you have held your intermediate license for 12 straight months with a clean record and logged 10 supervised hours (2 at night) while holding it. Delays happen if you cause a crash, get a conviction or break a restriction.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division does not publish its exam. Our Iowa module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and exam simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official Iowa sources

Every Iowa fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website or Iowa law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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