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The passenger endorsement applies to drivers who want to drive a bus in any Class A, B, or C CDL. Applicants must pass a special knowledge test, and must pass skills tests in a passenger vehicle. The Iowa CDL passenger test consists of 20 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 16 questions (80%). The IA passenger test covers the following sections of the Iowa CDL Manual: Driving Safely, Transporting Passengers, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test and Road Test. Take this IA practice test now to prepare for the actual passenger test!
1.
Buses must never carry:
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radioactive materials in the space occupied by people.
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oxygen medically prescribed for, in the possession of a passenger, and in a container designed for personal use.
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emergency hospital supplies.
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2.
To warn drivers behind you that you will be slowing down, you should:
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turn on the parking, clearance and side-marker lights.
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tap your brake pedal a few times to flash your brake lights.
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turn on the right and left turn signals at the same time.
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3.
When approaching a vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, you should:
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look under the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement.
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make sure the parking brake is on.
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look under the vehicle for fuel leaks, fresh oil, coolant or grease.
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4.
Which of the following could cause poisonous carbon monoxide to enter the cab?
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Exhaust system leaks
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Lack of engine coolant
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Lack of engine oil
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5.
If your bus leans toward the outside on a banked curve, the bus:
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is going at the proper speed.
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is going too fast.
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is going too slow.
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6.
Which of the following is not a rule for using turn signals?
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Don't signal unless another vehicle is behind you
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Signal early
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Cancel your signal after you have turned
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7.
If you feel drowsy, you should _______ before driving.
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exercise
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sleep
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drink coffee
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8.
To ensure rider safety, bus drivers should always check the interior of the bus before driving. Aisles and stairwells should always be:
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clear.
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reserved for seniors.
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placarded.
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9.
To prevent fatigue during long trips you should:
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take frequent breaks.
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take a cold shower.
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rely on caffeine.
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10.
When driving, you should check your mirrors:
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every 10 seconds.
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regularly.
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only when there may be a problem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are under 18, you must follow the Iowa Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. Here are the three phases of the program and the corresponding ages:
- Instruction permit? you must be 14 years old. After holding the permit for six months without traffic violation, you can also apply for a minor school license at 14 ½ years old. This special permit is optional and allows you to drive to school or to school activities within a 50-mile distance from your home.
- Intermediate license ? you must be 16 years old and have held an instruction permit for 12 months.
- Full license ? you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for 12 months. Alternatively, you can directly obtain a class C driver's license at 18.
You have two options:
- You can schedule an appointment to take the exam at a service center. Simply locate the nearest Iowa DMV branch and choose your preferred date and time.
- If you are a minor between 14 and 17, you can take the knowledge test at a participating school/agency or at home using an electronic device connected to the internet. Once your parent completes and submits the application to Proctor Knowledge Exam Form, you’ll receive an email with instructions for proceeding. After successfully passing the exam, make an appointment to obtain the permit.
You can schedule an appointment for either option on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.
When applying for a driver’s license for the first time, you must bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful status (e.g, U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization). If your legal name differs from your identity document, provide proof of the change, such as a certified marriage certificate, court order documents, or ID card.
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN).
- Two proofs of Iowa residency and current residential address (e.g, Iowa voter registration card, utility bill, credit card statement…). If you are under 18 and unmarried, your parent/guardian must sign the Written Consent form to establish your residence. Additionally, provide a second printed document displaying your current name and current Iowa residential address, such as a report card or medical form.
You can use the online checklist provided by the Iowa DOT to ensure you have all the required documents.
The DMV written test in Iowa is not exclusively provided in English but is offered in various languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need an interpreter for a language not provided, you have to schedule an appointment.
To get ready for the DMV written test, start by reading the Iowa Driver License Manual. This manual has all the info you need to study for the exam: traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices. Then, check what you've learned with our free practice tests!
For new drivers in Iowa, various restrictions apply:
Instruction Permit
- You cannot drive alone and you must be accompanied by a driver education instructor, a licensed parent/guardian, a licensed member of your family who is at least 21, or a licensed adult who is at least 25 (with parental permission if you are a minor).
Minor School License
- You can't drive alone, except for school activities between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Intermediate License
- You cannot drive alone between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless a parent/guardian completes a Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction form.
- For the first six months, you cannot transport more than one minor without supervision, except for siblings.
The instruction permit is valid for four years. During this period, complete the 20 hours of supervised driving and after holding the permit for 12 months and maintaining a clean driving record for 6 months, you can apply for the intermediate license.
If you fail your DMV written test in Iowa, you have to wait at least one business day before retaking it. Before trying again, focus on the sections of the manual you have overlooked and consider signing up for DMV Premium to access additional practice tests!