The Iowa permit test, explained
The short answer
Iowa has one of the youngest permit ages, 14. You pass a knowledge test and a vision test, with a parent’s or guardian’s written consent. The knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 80 percent, which is 20 correct. Take it at a DMV, a county treasurer’s office or at home with a parent.
In Iowa a parent can give the knowledge test at home, on an internet-connected computer; phones and tablets are not allowed.
This text was written with AI help, checked against the Iowa DOT’s pages and approved by Fri Vei AS. Last updated .
Checked against the Iowa Department of Transportation · Report a mistake
Drivoku is not connected to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). Every fact below links to the Iowa DOT page it comes from, checked on November 4, 2026.
The Iowa permit test at a glance
| Minimum age | 14 (Iowa DOT) |
|---|---|
| Tests | Knowledge and vision |
| Number of questions | 25 |
| Passing score | 80 percent (20 correct) |
| Where | A DMV, a county treasurer’s office by appointment, or at home with a parent |
| Consent | Written consent from a parent or guardian |
| Held for | 12 months in all before the intermediate license |
How many questions are on the Iowa permit test?
Twenty-five. The Iowa DOT says you need 80 percent to pass, which is 20 correct, so you can miss 5. Its free practice test has the same length and pass mark.
Can you take the Iowa permit test at home?
Yes. Through the DOT’s online permit test (“Skip the Trip”), a parent with a valid Iowa driver’s license gives the test at home on an internet-connected computer; phones and tablets are not allowed. You can take it from 30 days before your 14th birthday until you turn 18. You still need the vision test before the permit.
What to bring
From the DOT’s instruction permit page:
- A parent or guardian to give written consent in person, or the completed Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (form 430018).
- A primary identity document, proof of Iowa residency and proof of your Social Security number.
Rules for teen drivers in Iowa
Iowa, like every state, uses graduated driver licensing. From the DOT pages on the instruction permit and the intermediate license:
- With the permit: you may not drive without adult supervision, and you may not use a cell phone, tablet or other electronic communication or entertainment device while driving.
- Before the intermediate license: be at least 16, finish an Iowa-approved driver education course, have held the permit for 12 months in all, and keep a clean driving record for at least the six months in a row before you apply.
- Intermediate license: drive without an adult from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., or at any time with adult supervision. If your license carries the passenger restriction, for the first six months you may carry at most one passenger under 18 who is not a relative when you drive without an adult.
What Drivoku covers for Iowa
Our free permit practice test and the questions below cover road rules and signs that apply in every state, with signs from the national sign manual. They do not cover Iowa’s own laws; the Iowa Driver’s License Manual has those.
Practice five questions every state shares
Five shared road rules
Answer one question at a time. You see the answer and the reason after each one. Nothing you pick is saved or sent anywhere.
-
Passing
You want to pass a slow truck on a two-lane road, but you are nearing a hill crest where you cannot see oncoming traffic. What should you do?
- Wait until you can see far enough to pass Right
- Pass quickly before you reach the crest
- Pass on the right shoulder instead
- Follow close behind and pass at the crest
The right answer is A: Wait until you can see far enough to pass
WhyDo not pass where your view is blocked, such as near a hill crest, curve, intersection, or crossing.
Source: UVC § 11-306(a)(1) Further limitations on driving on left of center of roadway (model law)
-
Pavement markings
A white arrow painted in your lane curves left. What does it tell you?
- Left turns are forbidden here
- This lane is for left turns Right
- The road curves left up ahead
- You may turn left or go straight
The right answer is B: This lane is for left turns
WhyA lane-use arrow shows the movements allowed or required in that lane.
-
Traffic signals
A steady green arrow points left while the circular light is red. A pedestrian is still crossing directly in your intended turning path. What must you do?
- Turn left now; the arrow gives you the right-of-way
- Turn left and stop inside the crosswalk
- Go straight instead, since the arrow is on
- Yield to the pedestrian, then turn when safe and permitted Right
The right answer is D: Yield to the pedestrian, then turn when safe and permitted
WhyA green arrow allows the left turn, but you must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications
-
Right-of-way
At a marked crosswalk with no traffic signals, a pedestrian is already crossing in your lane. You have enough distance to stop safely. Which action gives the pedestrian the right-of-way?
- Continue because your road has no stop sign
- Sound your horn and keep your current speed
- Stop and let the pedestrian cross Right
- Steer into the next lane to pass the pedestrian
The right answer is C: Stop and let the pedestrian cross
WhyDrivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in their path within an unsignalized crosswalk.
Source: UVC § 11-502(a) Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks (model law)
-
Distraction
You drop something on the floor while driving. What should you do?
- Wait to pick it up until you stop safely Right
- Reach down quickly while watching the road
- Look down and grab it in one quick move
- Stop in the middle of the lane to get it
The right answer is A: Wait to pick it up until you stop safely
WhyWait to retrieve a dropped object until you can pull over and stop safely; reaching distracts you.
Source: NHTSA: Distracted Driving, What Is Distracted Driving?
Topics to review
- Signs
- Traffic signals
- Pavement markings
- Intersections and turns
- Right-of-way
- Sharing the road
- Alcohol and drugs
- Speed and space
- Seat belts and child safety
- Night and bad weather
- Distraction
- Emergencies
- Lanes
- Passing
- Highways
- Regulatory signs
- Warning signs
- Guide and service signs
- Pavement markings
- Emergency vehicles and crashes
- Learner and provisional licenses
- Driver education
- Seat belts and child seats
- Alcohol and DWI
- Parking
- Speed limits
- Sharing the road
- Headlights
- Insurance
- Phones and distraction
Your topics
- SignsKnow it
- Learner and provisional licensesOn the way
- Right-of-wayStamped
In the app, questions you miss come back until you get them right. 5 questions a day are free.
45 free questions on this website and 379 in the app, checked against the MUTCD, the Uniform Vehicle Code and Texas law, with the reason for every answer. About the app
Out now on iPhone and Android.
Keep going with the 25-question permit practice test and the road signs quiz. Other states: permit test by state.
Common questions
How many questions are on the Iowa permit test?
25. You need 80 percent, which is 20 correct.
How old do you have to be for a permit in Iowa?
14. You pass a knowledge test and a vision test, with a parent’s or guardian’s written consent.
Can you take the Iowa permit test at home?
Yes, with a parent who holds a valid Iowa driver’s license, from 30 days before your 14th birthday until you turn 18.
How long do you have to hold a permit in Iowa?
12 months in all, and you must be at least 16 and finish approved driver education, before the intermediate license.
What time can teens drive in Iowa?
With an intermediate license, alone from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., or at any time with adult supervision.