In Iowa, you must pass three official tests for a driver’s license (and meet some other requirements): a visual screening, a knowledge (permit) test on driving theory, and (with one exception) a driving (road) test. If you’re under 18, you must obtain an instruction permit to practice driving under supervision before applying for a license. (You must obtain signed consent from your parent or guardian.) If you’re 18 or older, a permit is not required but is recommended if you need more driving experience. The vision and knowledge (permit) tests are also required for an instruction permit. If you’re under 18, you must also enroll in an approved driver’s education course at any time after obtaining an instruction permit, and you must complete the course before applying for an intermediate license. If your driving instructor certifies that you’re a competent driver, you may apply for the intermediate license without passing the official road test.
All questions on the official permit test are based on information in the official Iowa DOT driver’s 2025 handbook (Iowa DMV Handbook (IA Driver's Manual) 2025). The DOT publishes versions of this manual in 25 languages, of which we currently offer three: English, Russian, and Spanish. Each version is in PDF format and can be easily downloaded from this webpage.
Studying the manual is important, but this may not be enough preparation to pass the knowledge test. (In 2020 – 2023, 39.4% of applicants failed the DOT knowledge test on their first attempt.) Our test preparation program includes a graduated series of practice tests accompanied by our AI assistant. It can give you hints and explanations and answer your questions to help you learn driving theory. Our program works – guaranteed!
We have also created an audiobook of the English version of the official driver’s handbook. It’s formatted as a downloadable series of five MP3 files, one for each chapter of the handbook: the driver’s license, traffic signs and rules of the road, safe driving tips, and so on. The longest chapter is Chapter 3: Safe Driving Tips, whose running time is 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 34 seconds. The total running time of this audiobook is approximately 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 46 seconds, so you can go through it once in a couple of days. Try listening to a chapter while following along with the text of the PDF version.
In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide to help you prepare for the day of the Iowa knowledge test. It covers what documents to take to the DOT, frequently missed knowledge test questions, and other last-minute knowledge test tips.