Iowa license renewal for older drivers
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.
Preparing for the renewal test
If you need to take a written or signs test to renew, it covers the same handbook as new drivers' tests. Our Iowa practice tests and road signs test are free to use, and the read-aloud button can help if small print is hard to read.
Rules that may have changed since you first got your license
Some of the rules in today's Iowa handbook are newer than many drivers' first test. Worth a look before renewal:
- Phones: All drivers: hands-free only (cannot hold a phone, type, scroll, enter GPS addresses, stream video or view texts while driving); texting/viewing messages requires a complete stop off the roadway. Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit, intermediate license or special minor's license may not make or take calls unless stopped off the traveled roadway.
- Move over: Change lanes for any stopped emergency, tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste or recycling vehicle with flashing lights, and for any stopped vehicle with hazard lights; if not possible, slow down and be prepared to stop. Violation: suspension up to one year. Stay at least 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle using lights and siren.
- School buses: On roads with 3 lanes or fewer, all traffic stops; on 4 or more lanes, only traffic approaching from the rear stops. Stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear; when meeting a bus with amber lights, slow to no more than 20 mph and prepare to stop. Violations: license suspension up to 180 days.
- Alcohol: the limit for adult drivers is 0.08%.
Vision standard
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).
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, checked 2026-10-27.