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.
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
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.