Learn how to get your IA learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in Iowa with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
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If you are an Iowa driver, or would like to become one, you will need an Iowa driver's license. All you need to do is provide the correct documentation to the Iowa DOT, pass a knowledge test and demonstrate your ability to drive safely.To save you some time, here is a step by step guide that you will need to follow to get a driver's license in Iowa. And in case you're planning a road trip through Iowa's picturesque landscapes in a manual transmission vehicle, make sure you're equipped with the right skills. Learn the essentials with our How to Drive a Stick Shift guide.
Pro tip: When driving through Iowa's countryside and urban centers, proficient driving is paramount. Benefit from our guides on operating a manual transmission and parallel parking. Skills in reverse parking and three-point turns are also invaluable. Properly adjust your mirrors for optimal visibility. Our Online Driving Simulator can enhance your driving capabilities, and if you're an international visitor, ensure you're aware of Iowa's international driver's license requirements.
It's the most common driver's license. It allows you to drive cars, trucks and pickups whose gross vehicle weight is 16,000 pounds or less. Read the IA Driver's Manual or take a free IA DOT practice test.
It allows you to operate light straight trucks and small passenger-for-hire vehicles. It is required for taxi drivers, firefighters or farmers who drive a farm truck-tractor semitrailer combination. Read the IA Driver's Manual or take a free IA DOT practice test.
Class A is for a combination vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds where the GVWR of the towed unit is 10,001 or more. Class B is for a single-unit vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds and towing a unit with the GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds. Class C is for a single unit vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less and is designed to carry 16 or more persons--including the driver, or is carrying hazardous materials. Read the IA CDL Manual or take a free CDL practice test.
To apply for a Сlass С driver’s license in Iowa you should collect the documentation required, pass vision screening and license tests. This is your step-by-step plan depending on your age.
Apply for Instruction Permit Apply for Minor school license (Optional) Apply for Intermediate License Apply for Full (Adult) LicenseInstruction permit is the first step of graduated driver’s license (GDL) system for drivers under the age of 18. It will allow you to drive with adult supervision only. The responsible adult must be your parent, guardian, or an immediate family member at least 21 years of age, a driver education instructor, or a person at least 25 years with written permission from your parent or guardian. The adult supervisor must have a valid driver’s license.
You must apply on a walk-in basis at a driver’s license station convenient to you. Check this map to find a license station near you.
Use this interactive guide to collect your documents quickly.
Your parent or guardian can either visit a driver’s license station with you or complete the consent form beforehand if you are younger than 18.
Its purpose is to make sure you have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
The test is administered by automated testing equipment using a touch screen. You will answer 35 multiple choice questions about road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving practices. Practice online before you go.
The permit will be valid for 4 years. Now you may start supervised driving and prepare for the next step of the GDL system, which is the intermediate license.
You should consider getting a minor school license only if you have to drive yourself to school. This license allows you to drive without supervision between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. only for the following:
You must drive supervised by an adult for all other reasons.
Intermediate license is the second stage of Iowa graduated driver’s license (GDL) system for 16 year olds. This license allows you to drive without supervision between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. If you have to drive after hours for school or work purposes, your parent or guardian may complete form 431170 to waive this restriction. You must carry this form in the vehicle. For the first six months, passengers are limited to only one unrelated minor passenger unless, again, this restriction is waived by the parent/guardian.
Use this interactive guide to collect your documents quickly.
You may apply for your full (adult) driver’s license at the age of 17 if you:
Once you turn 18, you can obtain a full license without meeting the requirements above.
You can get your full driver’s license at the age of 17 if you meet all the licensing conditions.
First timer? Start with Step 1.
Instruction permit holder? You must meet all conditions of intermediate license.
Intermediate license holder? You may apply for your full license at the age of 17 if you have held your intermediate license for 12 months, logged 10 hours of supervised driving; minimum of 2 hours must be between sunset and sunrise and had a clean driving record for the last 12 months. Once you turn 18, you can obtain a full license without meeting the requirements above.
You must apply on a walk-in basis at a driver’s license station convenient to you. Check this map to find a license station near you.
You will have to provide documents to verify your
Use this interactive guide to collect your documents quickly.
Your parent or guardian can either visit a driver’s license station with you or complete the consent form.
Its purpose is to make sure you have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
The test is administered by automated testing equipment using a touch screen. You will answer 35 multiple choice questions about road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving practices. Practice online before you go.
The course must include 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 laboratory hours with minimum 3 hours of behind the wheel practice.
Driving tests are administered mostly by appointment. Call a driver’s license station to make an appointment. You will have to provide a vehicle for the test.
Until Dec. 31, 2018, Iowa driver’s licenses will be issued with a randomly assigned expiration date between five and eight years.
There are 35 multiple-choice questions about road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving practices. Choose one correct answer out of 3 options. All the material you need to take the test can be found in Iowa Driver’s Manual.
How is the test administered?The exam is administered by automated testing equipment using a touch screen. Audio assist is also available.
Where and when can I take the test?You can take it at any driver’s licensing station or county treasurer’s office. Find the one convenient to you here. No appointment is needed, but you should start testing no later than 30 minutes before the office closing time.
How to prepare for the test?Study the Iowa DOT Driver's Manual and take free practice tests available here. You can also download our free DMV Genie app to study on the go. Get it on the App Store or on Google Play.
What common mistakes should I avoid?The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the manual first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
Can I use the driver’s manual when taking the actual test?No. This is not an open book test. The purpose of the test is to make sure you understand and apply the rules of the road.
Can I take the test in any other language?Yes. The exam is available in Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.
