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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on official Iowa Driver's manual

Free Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2025

Obtaining your Iowa learner’s permit involves completing a vision screening and passing a written permit knowledge test. The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, safe driving practices, road signs and signals, vehicle maintenance, driving under the influence (including fatigue), and sharing the road as outlined in the state’s Iowa DOT 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 80% (28 out of 25 questions). Iowa offers an online option for taking the knowledge test called “Skip the Trip.” You will still need to visit the DOT to submit your documents and undergo the vision screening.

If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next business day to retake it and pay a retest fee. Our free online practice test is designed to help you pass the official test on your first attempt. The Iowa DOT permit practice tests mimic the actual exam, are updated for January 2025, and provide instant feedback for incorrect responses to help speed the learning process.

If under 18, Iowa’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program introduces driving privileges in phases. At 14 years old, you can apply for an instruction permit, which will allow you to drive with a parent, guardian, or licensed driver who’s at least 21. After holding your instruction permit for at least 12 months, completing an approved driver’s education course, logging 20 supervised driving hours (including 2 hours at night), and passing a road skills test, you can get an intermediate license at 16. (You can skip the road test if your driver’s education course instructor decides you passed the course.) This license allows unsupervised driving but limits passengers and driving times. At 17, you may apply for the unrestricted license if you’ve held your intermediate license for at least 12 months with no traffic violations in the last six months.

If you’re at least 18 years old, most of these GDL requirements don’t apply to you. However, you must still pass the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests. To apply for your permit, go to the DOT with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), proof of Social Security number (social security card, W2), two proofs of Iowa residency (utility bill, rental agreement), and a parental consent form if you’re under 18. Pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.

[faq]

FAQs

Can the permit test be taken online?

In Iowa, the permit test can be taken online through the Iowa DOT’s myMVD website if you are 14 to 17 years old. You must have a parent or guardian present during the test.

What topics are covered in the permit test?

The Iowa permit test includes questions on road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices, based on the information in the Iowa Driver’s Manual.

How many questions can I miss on the permit test?

On the Iowa permit test, you can miss up to 5 questions. The test consists of 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.

What are the steps to obtain a learner’s permit?

To obtain a learner’s permit in Iowa, you must be at least 14 years old, pass a vision screening and written knowledge test, and have written consent from a parent or guardian.

Am I allowed to drive alone with a permit?

No, in Iowa, you cannot drive alone with a learner’s permit. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old who has at least one year of driving experience, sitting in the front passenger seat.

What happens if I fail the permit test?

If you fail the permit test in Iowa, you can retake it as soon as the next day. However, it’s recommended to study the areas where you had difficulties before attempting the test again.

[/faq]

  • Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and Senior Refresher Test

What you need to know

6 min to complete
Available in EN, ES, RU
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.

What to expect on the actual IA DOT exam

25

questions

20

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

14 y/o

minimum age to apply

List of questions (classic view)

  1. You approach a person who is about to cross the road. The person is walking with a white cane or a white cane tipped with red. You must
  2. You must start to signal at least 100 feet before a turn if the speed limit is
  3. You may make a left turn at a red light if you are turning
  4. What does this sign indicate?
  5. When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flashing amber lights, you must
  6. It is dangerous and unlawful in Iowa to __________ while driving.
  7. When approaching a stationary vehicle such as a police car, tow truck, utility vehicle, or maintenance vehicle that is parked alongside the road and displaying flashing lights, you are required to
  8. What does this sign mean?
  9. When turning corners, turn the steering wheel using
  10. The chances of hydroplaning increase at
  11. To avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn, you should look down the road at least
  12. What does this sign mean?
  13. When driving at night, you must switch to low-beam headlights when you are within _________ of an oncoming vehicle.
  14. When you are changing lanes, all of the following are correct actions EXCEPT
  15. Before reaching the crest of a hill or entering a curve, you must _________ and watch for oncoming vehicles.
  16. What does this sign mean?
  17. When approaching an uncontrolled rural intersection, you should
  18. To maintain a safe following distance, you should use
  19. If you are being tailgated, what should you do?
  20. What does this sign mean?
  21. An uncontrolled intersection is
  22. If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are driving, you must
  23. The shared center lane on a two-way road is reserved for
  24. What does a flashing yellow signal mean?
  25. What does a reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle mean?
  26. Large flashing arrow panels may be used in work areas to direct drivers into
  27. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are reserved for
  28. This figure shows
  29. If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up on the travel lane or shoulder. What should you do instead?
  30. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction, you must
  31. If you are going to stop or slow down where other drivers might not expect it, you should _________ to let those behind you know your intentions.
  32. This driver has extended his left arm, bent and pointing straight up. This driver intends to
  33. When the road or street is too narrow to make a U-turn and you cannot go around the block, make a _________ to turn around.
  34. You should not start to pass if you are _________of a hill or curve.
  35. What do double solid yellow lines in the center of a two-lane road mean?
  36. What does this sign mean?
  37. Proactively looking ahead, to the sides, and behind your vehicle to anticipate problems is part of
  38. At a railroad crossing with a lowered gate and flashing red signals, you must stop _________ from the nearest rail.
  39. A truck or bus has large blind spots on each side, where a car cannot be seen. These blind spots are called
  40. What does this sign posted at an intersection mean?
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