Free Iowa Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official Iowa driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 4
- Licensing & Permits — 4
- Sharing the Road — 3
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 3
- Vehicle Equipment — 3
- Signaling & Communication — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
Heaviest on Alcohol, Drugs & the Law (4 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are Iowa-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. Iowa law requires:
- Nothing
- Only kids
- Occupants to wear seat belts
- Only at night
Show answer
Answer: Occupants to wear seat belts
Buckle up — Iowa's seat-belt law is enforced.
2. In Iowa, drunk/impaired driving is officially called:
- DWAI
- OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
- DUI
- DWI
Show answer
Answer: OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
Iowa calls the offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).
3. To ride a motorcycle in Iowa you need:
- A car license only
- A motorcycle endorsement
- Nothing extra
- A CDL
Show answer
Answer: A motorcycle endorsement
A motorcycle endorsement is required.
4. OWI BAC in Iowa is normally tested by:
- Breathalyzer, urine, or blood test
- A questionnaire
- Field vision only
- Guessing
Show answer
Answer: Breathalyzer, urine, or blood test
BAC is tested via breathalyzer, urine, or blood.
5. The safest choice if you'll be drinking is to:
- Wait 10 minutes
- Use a designated driver or ride
- Drive slowly
- Drink coffee
Show answer
Answer: Use a designated driver or ride
Plan a sober ride — never drive impaired.
6. Give a motorcycle:
- No room
- A full lane
- Half a lane
- The shoulder
Show answer
Answer: A full lane
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane.
7. Iowa's 'Steer It, Clear It' law says after a minor crash with no injuries you should:
- Stop and argue
- Leave the cars blocking traffic
- Move vehicles out of the traffic lanes if they can be driven
- Drive away
Show answer
Answer: Move vehicles out of the traffic lanes if they can be driven
If it's safe and no injuries, move drivable vehicles out of traffic lanes.
8. A driver under 21 in Iowa is subject to a BAC limit of:
- .02
- .08
- .05
- .10
Show answer
Answer: .02
Under-21 drivers face a .02 limit.
9. A left arm extended straight out means:
- Right turn
- Stop
- Left turn
- Go
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
10. You should signal before turning for at least:
- 100 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 10 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before turning.
11. In Iowa winter conditions, you should:
- Keep good tread and clear all snow/ice from windows before driving
- Use bald tires
- Skip defrosting
- Drive faster
Show answer
Answer: Keep good tread and clear all snow/ice from windows before driving
Good tread and fully clearing snow/ice from windows are essential in Iowa winters.
12. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, you should:
- Stop in place
- Speed up
- Pull to the right and stop until it passes
- Turn left
Show answer
Answer: Pull to the right and stop until it passes
Pull right and stop until it passes.
13. To be licensed in Iowa you must pass a:
- Hearing test
- Vision test
- Fitness test
- Swim test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required.
14. In a school zone you must:
- Obey the lower posted school-zone limit
- Speed up
- Stop fully
- Keep speed
Show answer
Answer: Obey the lower posted school-zone limit
Obey the reduced school-zone limit.
15. Iowa's instruction permit is available beginning at age:
- 18
- 14
- 16
- 15
Show answer
Answer: 14
Iowa allows an instruction permit at age 14 (one of the youngest).
16. An Iowa driver with repeated serious violations can be declared a:
- Habitual offender/violator with a long revocation
- Safe driver
- Commercial driver
- New driver
Show answer
Answer: Habitual offender/violator with a long revocation
Repeated serious violations can bring a habitual-offender revocation.
17. On snow or ice in Iowa, the safe speed is:
- The posted limit
- Slower than the posted limit
- Unchanged
- Faster for momentum
Show answer
Answer: Slower than the posted limit
Reduce speed below the limit on snow and ice.
18. If your turn signals fail, you should:
- Turn without signaling
- Use headlights
- Not signal
- Use hand signals until repaired
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals until repaired
Use hand signals if your signals fail.
19. An Iowa intermediate license holder generally may not drive late at night unless:
- Only on weekends
- Alone anytime
- Never
- Accompanied by a parent/guardian (or for work/school, per rules)
Show answer
Answer: Accompanied by a parent/guardian (or for work/school, per rules)
Intermediate drivers have nighttime restrictions unless accompanied by a parent/guardian (with exceptions).
20. As speed rises, stopping distance:
- Is irrelevant
- Stays the same
- Increases sharply
- Decreases
Show answer
Answer: Increases sharply
Higher speed greatly increases stopping distance.