Free Iowa Permit Practice Test 2 (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 — 4
- Safe Driving — 3
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
- Vehicle Equipment — 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. A commercial driver in Iowa is OWI at a BAC of:
- .10
- .02
- .04
- .08
Show answer
Answer: .04
Commercial drivers are limited to .04.
2. If you are involved in a crash, you must:
- Stop and give information
- Leave
- Only photograph it
- Call later
Show answer
Answer: Stop and give information
Stop and exchange information at any crash.
3. In Iowa, when you MEET a school bus (from the front) with amber warning lights flashing, you must:
- Turn around
- Speed up
- Keep speed
- Slow to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop
Show answer
Answer: Slow to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop
Meeting a school bus with amber lights: slow to 20 mph or less and be ready to stop.
4. The only thing that lowers your BAC is:
- A shower
- Time
- Food
- Coffee
Show answer
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
5. If you become drowsy while driving, you should:
- Speed up
- Push on
- Pull over safely and rest
- Turn up music
Show answer
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest cures drowsiness — pull over.
6. You must stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended and remain stopped until:
- 5 minutes pass
- The light changes
- The stop arm is retracted and the bus moves
- You feel like going
Show answer
Answer: The stop arm is retracted and the bus moves
Remain stopped until the stop arm retracts and the bus starts moving.
7. In Iowa you can be charged with OWI for:
- Only illegal drugs
- Only alcohol
- Alcohol OR any amount of a controlled substance
- Only over .10
Show answer
Answer: Alcohol OR any amount of a controlled substance
Any amount of a controlled substance can result in an OWI, in addition to alcohol.
8. Use headlights:
- At night and when visibility is reduced
- Only in tunnels
- Only on highways
- Only after midnight
Show answer
Answer: At night and when visibility is reduced
Use headlights at night and in low-visibility conditions.
9. With an instruction permit you must be accompanied by:
- Any friend
- No requirement
- No one
- A qualified licensed driver (e.g., parent/guardian or approved adult)
Show answer
Answer: A qualified licensed driver (e.g., parent/guardian or approved adult)
A qualified licensed adult must accompany a permit holder.
10. Keeping a safe following distance helps you:
- Look important
- React to sudden stops without a crash
- Save fuel only
- Drive faster
Show answer
Answer: React to sudden stops without a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
11. On Iowa's gravel/rural roads, you should:
- Slow down — loose gravel reduces traction and visibility (dust)
- Brake hard
- Tailgate
- Drive fast
Show answer
Answer: Slow down — loose gravel reduces traction and visibility (dust)
Slow down on gravel; reduced traction and dust make it hazardous.
12. In Iowa you must drive at a speed that is:
- Reasonable and proper for conditions
- The fastest possible
- Always the max
- 10 over
Show answer
Answer: Reasonable and proper for conditions
Never drive faster than is reasonable and proper for conditions.
13. You commit OWI in Iowa with a BAC of ___ or higher, or with any controlled substance in your system:
- .05
- .10
- .08
- .02
Show answer
Answer: .08
OWI = BAC .08+ or any amount of a controlled substance in your system.
14. While driving you must:
- Memorize it
- Carry your license and show it on request
- Leave your license home
- Carry a copy only
Show answer
Answer: Carry your license and show it on request
Carry and present your license when asked.
15. On rural Iowa roads, watch especially at dawn/dusk for:
- Nothing
- Only tolls
- Deer and other wildlife
- Only trucks
Show answer
Answer: Deer and other wildlife
Watch for deer on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
16. Under Iowa's 'Move Over or Slow Down' Law, approaching a stopped emergency/service vehicle you must:
- Ignore it
- Speed up
- Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
- Stop in your lane
Show answer
Answer: Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
Move over a lane if safe, or slow down, for stationary emergency/service vehicles.
17. An Iowa intermediate license is available at age:
- 16
- 15
- 18
- 14
Show answer
Answer: 16
An intermediate license is available at 16 (with restrictions).
18. Replace tires when the tread is:
- Clean
- Worn too low to grip the road
- New
- Any brand
Show answer
Answer: Worn too low to grip the road
Worn tread loses traction — replace low tires.
19. A full (unrestricted) Iowa license is generally available at age:
- 17
- 21
- 16
- 18
Show answer
Answer: 17
A full license is generally available at 17.
20. When passing a bicyclist, you should:
- Honk and pass
- Pass close
- Speed up
- Give room and pass only when safe
Show answer
Answer: Give room and pass only when safe
Give bicyclists room and pass only when safe.