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DMV Iowa · Facts and practice test

Iowa DMV: age, fees, test facts

Sourced procedural facts for Iowa DMV, plus a free 67-question practice test with real sign images and audio.

State
Iowa
Questions
67
Cost
Free

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Quick facts

Minimum permit age

14 years old for the standard instruction permit, valid until age 18

Knowledge test fee

No separate test fee listed; this is the Instruction Permit (Class C) application fee of $6, valid 4 years

Supervised driving before road test

20 hours (2 at night) to reach intermediate license, plus 10 more hours (2 at night) before a full license

Documents to bring

Proof of date of birth/identity/lawful status, a document with name and SSN, two documents showing Iowa residential address, and parental consent for minors

Find an office / appointment

Use the 'Find a DMV Location' tool at iowadot.gov or contact local county treasurer's office; appointments recommended online but walk-ins are welcome.

REAL ID status

Requires proof of identity, SSN, and Iowa residency documents. No separate state deadline; follows federal May 7, 2025 enforcement date.

Motorcycle license

Minimum age 16 (instruction permit from 14). Requires motorcycle knowledge test, skills test, and vision screening; skills test waived if approved course completed

Commercial license (CDL)

Minimum age 18 for intrastate; 21 for interstate or hazmat transport

Official source: Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division

Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division site.

Getting a license in Iowa

Getting your first permit

In Iowa, the minimum permit age is 14 years old for the standard instruction permit, valid until age 18. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of date of birth/identity/lawful status, a document with name and SSN, two documents showing Iowa residential address, and parental consent for minors. Use the 'Find a DMV Location' tool at iowadot.gov or contact local county treasurer's office; appointments recommended online but walk-ins are welcome.

Fees, retakes, and practice hours

No separate test fee listed; this is the Instruction Permit (Class C) application fee of $6, valid 4 years. Before the road test, the state requires 20 hours (2 at night) to reach intermediate license, plus 10 more hours (2 at night) before a full license.

REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL

Requires proof of identity, SSN, and Iowa residency documents. No separate state deadline; follows federal May 7, 2025 enforcement date. For a motorcycle license: minimum age 16 (instruction permit from 14). Requires motorcycle knowledge test, skills test, and vision screening; skills test waived if approved course completed. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18 for intrastate; 21 for interstate or hazmat transport.

The Iowa bank has 67 questions across 8 topics

Road signs
26 questions
Laws and paperwork
13 questions
Alcohol and DUI
8 questions
Emergencies
6 questions
Right of way
6 questions
Speed limits
4 questions
Safe driving
3 questions
Signals and markings
1 question

Passed? Don't forget insurance

New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.

Call 714-666-6669