Iowa Driver's License Practice Test – Free DOT Permit Test Prep

The Iowa knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. The Iowa DOT's own online practice test also uses 25 questions and counts 80% or higher as a pass.

Yes, if you're within 30 days of your 14th birthday and younger than 18. A parent or guardian with a valid Iowa driver's license proctors the test after submitting the Application to Proctor Knowledge Exam form (allow 7 to 14 days). You need a computer connected to the internet, not a phone or tablet. After passing, make an appointment at the DMV or a county treasurer's office to be issued the permit (see Online Permit Test (Skip the Trip)).

At least 14.

A licensed parent, guardian or custodian, an immediate family member at least 21, a driver education instructor, or a person at least 25 with written permission from your parent, guardian or custodian.

Yes. You can't carry more passengers than the number of seat belts in your vehicle.

If you're under 18, only in certain cases: your driver education instructor requests it, you completed Iowa's Parent-Taught Driver Education Program, you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, you have license restrictions that require it, or a court orders it. If you're 18 or older and have never been licensed, you must take one. You can schedule the drive test online with the Iowa DOT.

Your vehicle is inspected first. You need two license plates, a working horn, turn signals, brake lights, seat belts, wipers, headlights and taillights, at least one rearview mirror, front doors that open normally, and unexpired registration and insurance. During the drive, the examiner watches how you obey the rules of the road and traffic signs and signals. The DOT advises keeping a two-second following distance and signaling 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. You won't have to parallel park (see the DOT's driving test guide).

At 16 or older, once you've completed an Iowa-approved driver education course, held your instruction permit for a total of 12 months, and kept a clean driving record for the 6 months before you apply. You'll also need a drive test if one is required, and written consent from a parent or guardian. Schedule an appointment at a DMV location to get it (see the DOT's intermediate license page).

Iowa's school license is now the Special Minor's Restricted License (SMRL), which replaced the Minor School License on July 1, 2024. You must be at least 14½, complete an Iowa-approved driver education course, and hold a valid instruction permit with a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before applying. A parent or guardian completes and signs the Affidavit for Special Minor's Restricted License (form 430021), which your school or homeschool instructor also signs. It lets you drive alone within 25 miles of home (public school students may drive to classes anywhere in their own district) to school, school activities, work and farm work, from one hour before to one hour after them. You must carry the signed Parental Consent form (430022) while driving.

Yes. In Iowa, driver licensing is run by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).