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Test your knowledge forthe Iowa permit test

The Iowa permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions and you need 80% to pass: 20 correct answers, so you can miss up to 5.

10 questions from your state's handbook. Instant results, and every answer explained.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • Your chance of passing

The Iowa permit test at a glance

Updated October 2026

Questions on the real test
25
Score needed to pass
80%20 of 25 correct
Iowa practice questions on GetMyPermit
500

What's on the Iowa permit test

Every question comes from the Iowa driver handbook. These are its topics, with how many of our Iowa practice questions cover each one.

  • Traffic signs & rules of the road180
  • Applying your driving skills175
  • Preparing to drive93
  • Basic driving skills47
  • TRAFFIC SIGNS5

Iowa permit test sample questions and answers

  1. 1. On a two-way road with a solid yellow line on your side and a dashed yellow line on the other, who may pass?

    • A. Both directions may pass
    • B. Neither direction may pass
    • C. Only the solid-line side may pass
    • D. Only the dashed-line side may pass (when safe)

    Answer: Only the dashed-line side may pass (when safe)

    The manual explains passing is not allowed on the solid yellow side; dashed-line side may pass when safe.

  2. 2. A key blind-spot safety tip while checking blind spots is to:

    • A. Turn the wheel in the same direction as your head
    • B. Keep the steering wheel straight when turning your head
    • C. Close one eye to reduce glare
    • D. Only use mirrors, never head checks

    Answer: Keep the steering wheel straight when turning your head

    The manual warns of tendency to turn arms with head; keep steering straight when checking blind spots.

  3. 3. For driver licensing purposes, you are considered an Iowa resident if you have:

    • A. Bought gas in Iowa
    • B. Registered to vote in Iowa
    • C. Visited Iowa for 7 days
    • D. Driven through Iowa

    Answer: Registered to vote in Iowa

    “Registered to vote in this state” is listed as one way you are considered an Iowa resident for licensing purposes.

  4. 4. Drivers should remember that ADAS:

    • A. Always work perfectly
    • B. Are optional and unreliable
    • C. Have limitations and do not replace driver responsibility
    • D. Allow hands-free driving at all times

    Answer: Have limitations and do not replace driver responsibility

    The handbook stresses that ADAS have limitations and drivers must remain attentive.

  5. 5. If you must look down at the dashboard while driving in poor conditions, what should you do?

    • A. Stare down until you finish adjusting
    • B. Look away for a second or two only
    • C. Close your eyes briefly to reduce glare
    • D. Follow the vehicle ahead closely

    Answer: Look away for a second or two only

    The manual says to ensure the road ahead is clear, then look away for only a second or two.

  6. 6. Under “Steer It-Clear It,” if you are in a crash with no injuries, Iowa law requires you to:

    • A. Leave vehicles where they are for insurance photos
    • B. Move your vehicle out of the driving lanes if operable and safe
    • C. Immediately call a tow truck before moving
    • D. Block the lane with flares for safety

    Answer: Move your vehicle out of the driving lanes if operable and safe

    If no injuries, Iowa law requires moving an operable vehicle out of driving lanes if it can be safely moved.

  7. 7. Passing is illegal when you are within how many feet of a railroad crossing?

    • A. 50 feet
    • B. 75 feet
    • C. 100 feet
    • D. 300 feet

    Answer: 100 feet

    The manual: Do not pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

  8. 8. While driving in Iowa, drivers must carry:

    • A. Only a driver’s license
    • B. License/permit, proof of registration, and an insurance card (printed or electronic)
    • C. Only insurance
    • D. Only registration

    Answer: License/permit, proof of registration, and an insurance card (printed or electronic)

    The manual states you should always have your license/permit and must also carry current proof of registration and an insurance card (printed or electronic).

Iowa permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Iowa permit test?

The Iowa permit test (the DMV knowledge test) has 25 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the Iowa permit test?

You need 80% to pass: at least 20 of the 25 questions right, so you can miss up to 5.

What is on the Iowa permit test?

Questions come from the Iowa driver handbook. The main topics are traffic signs & rules of the road, applying your driving skills, preparing to drive, basic driving skills and TRAFFIC SIGNS.

How should I study for the Iowa permit test?

Read the Iowa driver handbook, then practice with questions written from it until you score well above the pass mark every time. GetMyPermit has 500 Iowa practice questions, explains every answer and shows which topics you still miss.

Is this Iowa permit practice test free?

Yes. The 10-question Iowa practice test on this page is free, with instant results and every answer explained. The GetMyPermit app has the full question bank and a study plan.

Want the full Iowa question bank and a study plan? Get GetMyPermit on the App Store.