Iowa DOT permit practice test 2026
The Iowa DOT knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 20 right to pass (80%). Our 275 practice questions are written from the Iowa Driver's License Manual (2026), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 11 Iowa practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
The Iowa DOT knowledge test
The operator knowledge test covers Iowa traffic laws and highway signs. Take it by appointment at a DOT location or county treasurer's office, or at a participating school (Skip the Trip). Students within 30 days of their 14th birthday and under 18 can take it at home on a laptop or desktop (not a phone or tablet), with a parent or guardian proctor who holds a valid Iowa driver's license.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Safe and defensive driving | 49 |
| Road signs | 42 |
| Sharing the road | 32 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 28 |
| Turns and intersections | 19 |
| Emergencies | 16 |
| Speed limits | 14 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 13 |
| Right of way | 12 |
| Following and passing | 11 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 11 |
| Parking | 10 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 10 |
| Licensing laws and penalties | 8 |
Iowa learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 14
- Hold the permit for at least 12 months (instruction permit, or permit plus special minor's restricted license) before an intermediate license at 16 before the road test
- 20 hours of supervised driving, including 2 at night
- Must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian or custodian, an immediate family member 21 or older, a driver education instructor, or a person 25 or older with written permission from the parent/guardian/custodian
- No unsupervised driving; driving to school or work alone requires a special minor's restricted license
- No use of a cell phone or other electronic communication/entertainment device while driving (permanently installed equipment excepted)
- No more passengers than seat belts
- Violations: first offense warning letter and possible suspension; second offense 30-day suspension; each conviction, crash or restriction violation delays the next GDL step by 6 months
- Parent or guardian written consent required
Fees: Instruction permit - Class C (4 years) $6; Special minor's restricted license (4 years) $16; Operator license - Class C (for reference; intermediate/full license) $4 per year.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the Iowa Driver's License Manual, also available in sq, ar, bs, pt-BR, my, prs, fr, de, el, he, hmn, it, km, ko, lo, ne, ps, pl, ru, so, Spanish, sw, zh-Hant, uk, vi. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
Licenses issued to people 78 and over are valid for two years. Online renewal is limited to ages 18-69 and every other issuance. In-person renewals include a vision screening. Iowa DOT lists no routine age-based knowledge or road test.
Questions
How many questions are on the Iowa permit test?
The Iowa DOT knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct to pass (80%).
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Iowa?
14. You then hold the permit for at least 12 months (instruction permit, or permit plus special minor's restricted license) before an intermediate license at 16 before the road test and 20 hours of supervised driving, including 2 at night.
What happens if I fail the Iowa permit test?
You can retake it: If you fail, you may retake the test when the examiner allows; there is no fixed waiting period. Test results are valid 180 days.
What do I need to bring for the Iowa permit test?
Primary form of identification; Proof of residency; Proof of Social Security number; Parent or guardian written consent (in person or form 430018).
What is the vision requirement in Iowa?
Screened without lenses: 20/40 or better (both eyes or better eye) = no restriction; less than 20/40 but at least 20/70 = no driving when headlights are required. Screened with lenses: same thresholds plus a corrective-lens restriction. A driving test is required the first time acuity measures below 20/40, and an applicant who cannot reach 20/40 gets a two-year license. If an applicant cannot attain 20/40 in at least one eye (but can attain 20/70), the license is not issued until a vision specialist's report is submitted. Below 20/70 = denied (discretionary review possible). Left eye below 20/100 = outside mirrors on both sides. Binocular field at least 140 degrees = no restriction; 110-139 degrees (or one eye at least 100 degrees) = outside mirrors both sides; less = denied (discretionary review possible).
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division. Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.