State Guide
Iowa DOT Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your Iowa instruction permit — from eligibility requirements to earning your full license. Iowa has one of the youngest permit ages in the nation (14) and one of the lowest fees ($6). This guide covers driver education, documents, the knowledge test (with home and online options), and Iowa's Graduated Driver Licensing program. Ready to start practicing? Take a free Iowa DOT practice test.
Who Can Get an Instruction Permit
Iowa has one of the youngest permit ages in the country. To apply for an instruction permit, you must be at least 14 years old. This early start gives Iowa teens more time to gain driving experience before getting a full license.
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent on your application. They'll need to sign the application form.
Residency: You must be an Iowa resident. You'll prove residency with documents like a utility bill, bank statement, or other official mail showing your Iowa address.
Adults 18+: If you're 18 or older, driver education is not required, and you won't have to go through the graduated licensing restrictions. You can proceed directly to a full license after passing the knowledge and skills tests.
Driver Education Requirements
Iowa requires driver education for all applicants under 18. The course must be completed at an Iowa-approved driving school and includes:
Classroom instruction
A minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving. Online driver education is accepted in Iowa.
Behind-the-wheel training
A minimum of 3 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor. This is relatively low compared to other states.
You must complete driver education before you can take the driving skills test for your intermediate license. However, you can get your instruction permit before completing the full course.
Adults 18+: Driver education is not required if you're 18 or older. You can go directly to the DOT, pass the knowledge and skills tests, and receive a full license.
Fees and What You Pay For
Iowa has one of the lowest permit fees in the nation — just $6 for an instruction permit. This makes getting started on your driving journey very affordable.
The permit is valid for 4 years, giving you plenty of time to complete all requirements and progress through the GDL system.
Driver education costs: The driving school course is a separate expense and varies by school. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 for the full course. Online driver education courses may be less expensive.
Retakes: If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the next business day. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
Documents You Need
When you visit the DOT or County Treasurer's office, bring:
1. Proof of identity
An original document such as: U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. Photocopies are not accepted.
2. Proof of Social Security number
Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub showing your full SSN.
3. Two proofs of Iowa residency
Two documents showing your Iowa address: utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement, insurance document, etc.
4. Proof of lawful status (if applicable)
If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need documents proving your lawful presence in the United States.
5. Parental consent (if under 18)
A parent or legal guardian must sign your application.
The Knowledge Test
The Iowa knowledge test consists of 35 multiple-choice questionscovering:
Iowa traffic laws and regulations
Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
Safe driving practices
Right-of-way rules
Alcohol and drug laws
You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 7 questions.
No time limit: Unlike some states, Iowa does not impose a time limit on the knowledge test. Take your time and read each question carefully.
The test is available in English and Spanish. All questions are based on the Iowa Driver's Manual.
Where to Take the Test
Iowa offers several flexible options for taking the knowledge test:
Option 1: DOT or County Treasurer's Office
Visit any Iowa DOT driver's license station or County Treasurer's office to take the test in person. You can schedule an appointment online or walk in.
Option 2: "Skip the Trip" Online
Iowa offers an online knowledge test option called "Skip the Trip." You take the test online, then visit the DOT only to submit documents and complete the vision screening.
Option 3: Parent-Proctored at Home
A parent or guardian can administer the test at home using the official "Application to Proctor Knowledge Exam" form. The parent downloads the test, supervises their teen taking it, and submits the completed form to the DOT.
The parent-proctored option is unique to Iowa and can be convenient for rural families or those with scheduling challenges.
Passing Score and Results
Iowa Knowledge Test
35 questions
You must answer at least 28 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 7 questions.
When you finish the test (in person or online), you'll receive your score immediately. If you pass, you can proceed with getting your instruction permit.
Iowa does not have a separate road signs test — sign questions are mixed into the main 35-question exam.
At the DOT Office
Here's what happens when you visit a DOT driver's license station:
1. Submit documents
Present your identity, residency, and Social Security documents. If you took the test online or at home, bring your test results.
2. Vision screening
You'll take a quick vision test. Iowa requires at least 20/40 vision in one or both eyes (with or without corrective lenses).
3. Knowledge test (if not already taken)
If you didn't use the online or parent-proctored option, you'll take the test at the office on a computer.
4. Pay fee
Pay the $6 instruction permit fee.
5. Photo
Your photo will be taken for your permit.
6. Receive your permit
If everything checks out, you'll receive your instruction permit.
After You Pass
With your instruction permit, you can legally drive in Iowa — but only with supervision. Your permit is valid for 4 years.
What comes next: You must hold your instruction permit for at least 12 months before you can apply for an intermediate license. During this time:
Complete your driver education course
Log 20 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 2 hours at night
Maintain a clean driving record
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the next business day. There is no limit to the number of attempts, and no additional fee for retakes.
Use the Iowa Driver's Manual and practice tests to review the topics you missed before retaking the test.
Instruction Permit Rules
While driving with an Iowa instruction permit:
Supervision required: You must have a licensed adult (21+ or a licensed parent/guardian of any age) seated in the front passenger seat at all times.
All passengers must wear seat belts.
No electronic device use while driving (texting, calling, etc.) for all drivers under 18.
Intermediate License
After holding your instruction permit for 12 months and completing all requirements, you can apply for an intermediate license at age 16.
Requirements to advance:
Be at least 16 years old
Have held instruction permit for 12 months
Complete an approved driver education course
Complete 20 hours of supervised driving
Pass the driving skills test
Have a clean driving record
The intermediate license allows you to drive unsupervised during the day, but comes with curfew and passenger restrictions.
Full License
To advance from an intermediate license to a full license:
Be at least 17 years old
Have held intermediate license for 12 consecutive months
Maintain a clean driving record during the intermediate period
Complete an additional 10 hours of supervised driving
With a full license, you have no curfew or passenger restrictions. The GDL restrictions end when you turn 17 and have completed all requirements.
GDL Restrictions (Intermediate License)
Curfew
No unsupervised driving between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM. Exceptions: driving to/from work, school events, religious events, or emergencies. Parents can also complete a waiver form for specific circumstances.
Passenger restriction (first 6 months)
For the first 6 months, you cannot carry more than one non-family minor passenger when driving without adult supervision. Family members (siblings, step-siblings, or minors living in your household) don't count against this limit. This restriction can be waived by a parent/guardianat the time the intermediate license is issued.
Electronic devices
All electronic device use is prohibited while driving for drivers under 18.
Penalties: Every conviction, crash, or restriction violation delays your ability to upgrade to the next license level by 12 months.
The Driver's Manual
The Iowa Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the knowledge test. It's available online as a PDF on the Iowa DOT website.
The manual covers Iowa traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and special situations. All test questions are based on this material.
The manual is available in English and Spanish. Focus especially on road signs, right-of-way rules, and Iowa-specific laws.
Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the 35-question knowledge test.
DMV Question Bank: For thorough preparation, take Iowa DOT practice tests on DMV Question Bank. Practice until you're consistently scoring above 90% to ensure a comfortable margin above the 80% passing threshold.
Study strategy: Read the manual, take practice tests, identify weak areas, review those sections, and test again until you're confident.
Supervised Driving Requirements
Before taking the driving skills test for your intermediate license, you must complete:
20 hours of supervised driving practice
At least 2 hours must be at night
Additional 10 hours required during intermediate phase to advance to full license
Your supervising driver must be a licensed adult (21+) or a licensed parent/guardian seated in the front passenger seat.
Keep a driving log to document your practice hours. You'll need to certify completion of these hours when you apply for your intermediate license.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 14 years old |
| Permit fee | $6 |
| Permit validity | 4 years |
| Knowledge test questions | 35 |
| Passing score | 28 correct (80%) |
| Test time limit | None |
| Online test available | Yes (Skip the Trip) |
| Parent-proctored option | Yes |
| Test languages | English, Spanish |
| Wait after failure | 1 business day |
| Max attempts | Unlimited |
| Min. holding period | 12 months |
| Supervised practice (permit) | 20 hours (2 at night) |
| Supervised practice (intermediate) | 10 additional hours |
| Driver's ed required | Yes, if under 18 |
| Driver's ed classroom | 30 hours |
| Driver's ed BTW | 3 hours |
| Online driver's ed | Accepted |
| Minimum intermediate age | 16 years old |
| Intermediate curfew | 12:30am–5am |
| Intermediate passengers | 1 non-family minor (first 6 months, waivable) |
| Minimum full license age | 17 years old |