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Anyone who operates a motor vehicle on public streets and roads in Iowa is required to have a driver’s license or learner’s permit. Iowa requires that you pass a vision screening before you get a driver’s license or learner’s permit. The IA DMV written test covers the contents of the Iowa Driver's Manual including highway signs, road rules, and safe driving techniques. The Iowa DMV knowledge test consists of 35 questions, and you'll need at least 28 correct answers to pass (80%). Practice with this sample test to get ready for the official IA driver's license test.
1.
When driving in fog, drivers should use:
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emergency flashers.
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parking lights.
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low beam headlights.
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high beam headlights.
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2.
If you continually pass the other vehicles on a road with one lane in each direction, you will:
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help prevent the chances of a crash occurring due to traffic congestion.
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increase your chances of being involved in an accident.
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get to your destination much faster.
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3.
This road sign:
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provides an advance notice of a roundabout.
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warns drivers of a sharp turn left. Drivers should slow their speed and keep to the left.
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is a no-right-turns sign.
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warns drivers that U-turns are not permitted.
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4.
When approaching a highway-rail intersection, the first sign drivers see is usually:
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a train sign.
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a yield sign.
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a stop sign.
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an RXR round sign on a yellow background.
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5.
Regulatory signs are:
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Suggestions
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Warnings
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Law
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Guides
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6.
A large vehicle is backing up to unload goods. You should:
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be patient and wait until the large vehicle has completed its backup maneuver.
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enter one of the blind spots and wait.
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try to pass close behind.
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None of the above.
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7.
What should you do as you prepare to turn right at an intersection?
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Yield to bicyclists coming from the opposite direction.
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Signal your turn, check for bicyclists, and do not turn directly in front of a bicyclist.
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Honk your horn.
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All of the above.
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8.
Braking distance is affected by:
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pavement conditions.
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the speed your vehicle is traveling.
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the condition of your brakes and tires.
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All of the above.
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9.
At intersections marked with stop lines, drivers must:
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enter the intersection and then stop.
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signal other vehicles to stop.
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come to a complete stop.
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slow down and enter the intersection.
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10.
___________ normally are white rectangles with black letters or symbols.
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Regulatory signs
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Warning signs
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Service signs
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Destination signs (guide signs)
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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!
IA DMV Permit Practice Test
| Number of questions: | 35 |
| Correct answers to pass: | 28 |
| Passing score: | 80% |
| Minimum age to apply: | 14 |
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