Iowa

Yes. Iowa employs a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which allocates restrictions and responsibilities over a period of time, until you earn your full license.

If you're 15 years old or younger and driving on a permit, you will ONLY be able to drive with:

• A parent or guardian.
• A family member who's 21 or older.
• Your driving education instructor.
• A fully-licensed person 25 or older with written permission from your parent or guardian.

If you're 16 or 17 and driving on an intermediate license, restrictions include:

• Unsupervised driving ONLY:
  • Between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.
  • To school or work, with a written waiver.
• No more than 1 additional passenger, unless appropriately supervised.

Once you turn 17 and earn your full license, there are no more restrictions.

What happens after you pass your IA road test depends on your age:

• If you're 17 or younger: You will be given your intermediate license.
• If you're 18 or older: You will receive your full driver's license.

While driving with your IA learner's permit, you can drive with:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A fully-licensed family member who's at least 21 years old.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 25 with written permission from your parent or guardian.

Once you get your IA instruction permit, you will be able to drive with anyone who is at least 25 years old and fully licensed, a parent, guardian, or a family member who's at least 21.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exam, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license after applying.

You'll have to apply at a participating Department of Transportation office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Iowa DOT.

If you're over 18, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identification.
• Lawful status in the U.S.
• Iowa address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your intermediate license when you're under 18 in Iowa, you'll need:

• Your valid permit.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • IA address.
  • Social Security number.
• A certificate of completion for a state-approved Driver's Ed program.
• A signed driving log showing at least 20 hours of practice.
  • At least 2 hours must be between sunset and sunrise.
• A completed Parental Consent form.

To earn your intermediate driver's license in Iowa, you must:

• Hold your learner's permit for at least 12 months, violation-free.
• Provide a signed driving log certifying at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice.
  • At least 2 hours between sunset and sunrise.
• Complete a state-approved Driver's Education course.
• Take and pass the road skills test.
• Have a parent or guardian sign a consent form on your behalf.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

To get your driver's license in IA if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • IA residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to practice on your learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test.

If you're older than 21, you'll first have to pass the vision and knowledge test before you can schedule a road test.

Iowa offers something called a Temporary Restricted License (TRL) that allows those with suspended or revoked licenses to drive in limited occasions, if they prove the need.

Applying for a TRL depends on why your license was suspended. You'll have to fill out a form, depending on whether your license is suspended due to:

• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).
• A non-OWI offense.

The applications will instruct you where to send the information. If approved, you'll be sent a notice in the mail that you will then have to take to a participating DOT office. At this appointment, you may also be required to:

• Pass a written, driving, or vision test.
• Pay additional penalties and fees.
• File proof of financial responsibility.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has more information.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the IA road test.

During your Iowa road test, an examiner will ride in the passenger seat and give you verbal instructions.

You'll be observed and graded on your ability to:

• Recognize and obey traffic signs and signals.
• Drive defensively.
• Be aware of your surroundings, including:
  • Checking your mirrors.
  • Looking both ways at intersections.
  • Looking over the proper shoulder before making a lane change or merging with traffic.
• Properly navigating intersections, including coming to a full stop then slowly rolling forward if a better view is needed.
• Drive appropriately for weather, road, and traffic conditions.
•  Use the 2-second rule when following cars in traffic (or adjusting for poor weather/traffic conditions).
• Using the correct lane.
• Using the turn signal appropriately (100 feet before turning or changing lanes).
• Parallel parking and performing 3-point turns.

The examiner may also ask you to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a parent, guardian, or fully-licensed family member who's at least 21 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Valid registration and insurance cards for the vehicle you're driving.
• Valid front and back Iowa license plates.

Make sure to wear your seat belt and follow all safety laws. Failing to do so will automatically fail you.

You must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or fully-licensed family member who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your Iowa, IA road test must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully-functioning:

• Horn.
• Front and back turn signals.
• Rearview mirrors.
• Seat belts.
• Brake lights.
• Windshield wipers.
• Headlights and tail lights.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• License plates.
• Liability insurance.

Take your road test at your closest participating Department of Transportation office.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Iowa include:

• Instruction permit: $6.
• Minor's school license: $8.
• Minor's restricted license: $8.
• Driver's license: $4 per year.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the IA Department of Transportation for the most up-to-date information.

The Iowa Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local IA DOT office for a copy.

In Iowa, you must be at least:

• 14 years old to apply for your learner's permit.
• 16 years old to apply for your intermediate license.
• 17 years old to apply for your full license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Iowa include:

• Instruction permit: $6.
• Minor's school license: $8.
• Minor's restricted license: $8.
• Driver's license: $4 per year.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the IA Department of Transportation for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Iowa driving permit.

No. The Iowa, IA written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18 years old, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

To get your learner's permit in Iowa, IA, you'll need to bring in:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Iowa residency.
  • Social Security number.
  • Legal presence in the U.S.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to fill out a consent form on your behalf.

You must be at least 14 years old to apply for an Iowa learner's permit.

To get your Iowa learner's permit, you'll have to pass the state's written driving exam.

You can take the test either:

• At a participating DOT location.
• At home.

Regardless, after you pass the test, you'll have to schedule an appointment with the  IA Department of Transportation, and:

• Bring proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Iowa address.
  • Social Security number.
• Pass a vision exam.
• Pay the appropriate fee.
• Have a completed Parent/Guardian consent form.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you'll be issued your Iowa learner's permit.

The Iowa written driver's exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• Iowa traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the IA Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

No. You will not need to pass a Driver's Ed course to earn your IA permit, however you WILL need to take a Driver's Ed class to earn your intermediate license.

Reading the Iowa Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your IA learner's permit.

No. A physical exam is not required for an Iowa learner's permit or regular license.

If you're under 18, you must show up with a parent or legal guardian who can sign a consent form on your behalf.

Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or fully-licensed family member who's at least 21 years old.

You can contact the Iowa, IA Department of Transportation by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.
• On social media.

Details can be found on the IA Department of Transportation's website.

You can apply for a learner's permit in Iowa when you're 14 years old.

If you're 15 years old or younger and driving on a permit, you will ONLY be able to drive with:

• A parent or guardian.
• A family member who's 21 or older.
• Your driving education instructor.
• A fully-licensed person 25 or older with written permission from your parent or guardian.

If you're 16 or 17 and driving on an intermediate license, restrictions include:

• Unsupervised driving ONLY:
  • Between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.
  • To school or work, with a written waiver.
• No more than one additional passenger, unless appropriately supervised.

Once you turn 17 and earn your full license, there are no more restrictions.

If you're 15 years old or younger and driving on a permit, you will ONLY be able to drive with:

• A parent or guardian.
• A family member who's 21 or older.
• Your driving education instructor.
• A fully-licensed person 25 or older with written permission from your parent or guardian.

You will also only be allowed to have as many passengers as there are seatbelts in the car.

To get your IA learner's permit, you will need:

• An official application, provided by the DOT.
• A completed Parent/Guardian Consent Form.

To get your intermediate license, you'll need:

• An official application, provided by the DOT.
• A completed Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
• A certificate of completion for a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• A driving log certifying at least 20 hours of practice, including at least 2 hours at night.

To get your Iowa driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

Before you can apply for your intermediate license, you must complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

Before you can apply for your Iowa, IA learner's permit, you must be at least 14 years old.

To be eligible for an Iowa instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 14 years old.
• Pass:
  • A vision test.
  • The written knowledge exam.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Legal status in the United States.
  • Iowa residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pay the permit fee.
• Complete a Parent/Guardian Consent Form.

Yes. A vision screening is required when renewing your IA license.

No. It is not possible for most residents to renew their IA license by mail, however military personnel may temporarily extend their license by mail.

Yes. Iowa allows most residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in Iowa, you'll need to provide proof of your:

• Identity.
• Iowa residency.
• Social Security number.
• Legal presence in the United States.

You'll also need to surrender your current license and pay the appropriate fee to complete the process.

You can renew your Iowa driver's license:

• Online.
• In-person at the Iowa DOT.

You can renew your Iowa license up to:

• 180 days before its expiration date.
• 60 days after its expiration date.

IA license renewals currently cost $4 per year.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the IA DOT for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test with a parent, guardian, or family member who's at least 21 years old.

The IA written knowledge exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 7 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

You can take the Iowa written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, you may be subject to paying a reexamination fee. Save time and money by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Iowa address.
  • Social Security number.
• The learner's permit fee.
• A completed Parent/Guardian Consent Form.

The Iowa written driver's exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• Iowa traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the IA Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Not necessarily.

Iowa offers residents two options for taking their written exam:

• In-person at a DOT office.
• At home.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has more information.

Some IA DOT locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Iowa Department of Transportation office or at your home.

If you have special needs, you can arrange alternate formats with the IA DOT. Make sure the Iowa, IA Department of Transportation is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

You can schedule your driving exam online.

After you pass the written knowledge test, you'll be issued your Iowa learner's permit.

You can take the test in person at any participating DOT office.

If you failed your IA road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Iowa driving skills test, your examiner will talk to you about when and how you can take the test again.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 1 day before retesting.

In the meantime, you may want to study with a free practice test!

If you don't pass your written test in IA, you won't be issued your learner's permit. You'll have to take and pass the test in order to move on in the licensing process.

You'll have to wait at least 1 day to retest after failing, but practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Iowa, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to Iowa permanently, you have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. Iowa will accept your out-of-state permit, as long as it's valid, and you are accompanied by a fully-licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, no additional driving tests are required for a transfer.

If you're moving to Iowa, IA, you have 30 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the IA Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The Iowa written exam consists of 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 35 total questions on the IA permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

Minimum Iowa auto insurance requirements include liability insurance covering at least:

• $20,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident.
• $40,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in an accident.
• $15,000 for destruction of property.