Free Iowa permit practice tests with 153 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official Iowa driver handbook. The official Iowa written knowledge test has 35 questions and requires 80% to pass.
About the Iowa written test
Knowledge test: 35 multiple-choice questions based on the Iowa Driver's Manual, covering traffic laws, signs/signals, safe driving, and impaired/distracted driving. Passing score is 80% (at least 28 of 35 correct). Free practice tests are offered on the Iowa DOT website.
Vision screening: Required at application; corrective-lens needs are noted as a "B" restriction.
Driving (skills) test: Demonstrates vehicle control and safe operation (starting, turning, backing, intersections, parking, observation). Required to advance from instruction permit to intermediate/full license.
Getting licensed in Iowa
Instruction Permit (Class C): Available at 14. Applicant must pass the knowledge and vision tests and have written parental/guardian consent (in person or notarized Form 430018). The holder may drive only with a qualified supervising driver in the front passenger seat. Cost $6, valid 4 years. The permit (or permit + Special Minor's Restricted License) must be held for a total of 12 months before an intermediate license.
Driver education: An Iowa-approved course requires 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 6 hours of "street" (behind-the-wheel) driving and 6 hours of observation (the lab component). Parent-taught driver education is also permitted under Iowa rules.
Supervised practice (toward intermediate): Parent/guardian must certify at least 20 hours of supervised driving, of which at least 2 hours must be between sunset and sunrise (night).
Intermediate License: Available at 16 after (a) holding the instruction permit for 12 months, (b) completing an approved driver education course, (c) maintaining a clean driving record for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before applying, and (d) completing the 20 supervised hours. The driver may drive unsupervised between 5:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.; outside those hours a qualified supervisor is required. A passenger restriction applies for the first six months unless the parent waives it (see below).
Iowa written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age for an Iowa instruction permit?
14.
How long must the instruction permit (or permit + SMRL) be held before an intermediate license?
12 months total.
How many hours of supervised driving are required to get the intermediate license?
20 hours (at least 2 at night).
How many additional supervised hours are required to advance from intermediate to full license?
10 hours (at least 2 at night).
What is the total supervised-driving requirement across Iowa's GDL?
30 hours, with at least 4 at night.
At what age can you get an Iowa intermediate license?
16.
At what age can you get a full Iowa license, and how long must you hold the intermediate first?
17, after holding the intermediate license 12 consecutive months.
During what hours may an intermediate licensee drive unsupervised?