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IA DOT driver's license

Free Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2025

  • Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and Senior Refresher Test
  • Based on official Iowa Driver's manual
  • Updated for January 2025

This Iowa DOT practice test has just been updated for January 2025 and covers 40 of the most essential road signs and rules questions directly from the official 2025 IA Driver Handbook. You must pass a written test, consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions, to receive either your learner’s permit or driver’s license in the state of Iowa. If you are attempting to get your learner’s permit, you will need to be at least 14 years of age, pass the written test, provide appropriate identification and proof of state residency, and provide proof of parental permission. At the age of 16, you may then move up to a provisional license. If you are attempting to get a regular driver’s license, non-provisional, you will need to be over the age of 18, pass written and vision tests, pass a driving skills test and provide proof of identity and state residency. The fee for a learner’s permit is $6 and it is valid for four years. The fee for a driver’s license varies based on the age of the driver. A minor’s restricted license is $8, while a regular license is $4 per year. This Iowa DOT practice test covers the same information as the real written test, and requires the same 80% passing score.

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6 min to complete
Available in EN, ES, RU
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All 650 exam-like questions
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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

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.

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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?