Free · 21 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Iowa Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Iowa Driver's Manual that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Iowa practice test.
21 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter 1: Your Driver's LicenseLaws and paperwork
Who Needs a License and What to Carry
Anyone driving a motor vehicle, motorcycle or moped on Iowa public roads needs a permit or license. Always carry your license, proof of registration and an insurance card.
8 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 4 to 5
- Lesson 2Chapter 3: Eliminating DistractionsLaws and paperwork
Iowa's Hands-Free Law and Distractions
Iowa drivers may use electronic devices only hands free. Drivers under 18 with a permit or intermediate license may not talk on the phone at all while driving.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook p. 36
- Lesson 3Chapter 2: Traffic SignsRoad signs
Sign Colors and Shapes
The shape and color of a sign tell you what kind of message it carries before you can read it. Each color and shape has a set meaning.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 6 to 7
- Lesson 4Chapter 2: Regulatory SignsRoad signs
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs tell you the rules for direction, lanes, turning, speed and parking. A red circle with a red slash means you cannot do the action shown.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook p. 8
- Lesson 5Chapter 2: Warning, Guide and Service SignsRoad signs
Warning, Guide and Service Signs
Warning signs are yellow, mostly diamond shaped, and tell you to slow down for a hazard ahead. Guide, service and route signs help you find your way and the services you need.
7 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 9 to 11
- Lesson 6Chapter 2: Traffic SignalsSignals and markings
Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Beacons
You must obey traffic signals and anyone directing traffic, such as officers or crossing guards. Flashing signals, arrows and pedestrian beacons each have their own rules.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 11 to 18
- Lesson 7Chapter 2: Pavement Markings and Lane ControlsSignals and markings
Pavement Markings and Lane Use
White lines separate traffic going the same way, and yellow lines separate traffic going opposite ways. Special lanes such as shared left turn, reversible and bicycle lanes have their own rules.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 15 to 17
- Lesson 8Chapter 2: IntersectionsRight of way
Intersections and Right of Way
The law says who must yield but gives no one the right of way. Failure to yield is the number one cause of traffic deaths in Iowa.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 18 to 50
- Lesson 9Chapter 5: Roundabouts and Rural RoadsRight of way
Roundabouts and Uncontrolled Intersections
Roundabouts move traffic counterclockwise around a center island, and entering drivers yield. At uncontrolled intersections, common on gravel roads, slow down and be ready to stop.
7 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 19 to 55
- Lesson 10Chapters 2 and 5: Railroad Crossings and Rural RoadsEmergencies
Railroad Crossings and Rural Roads
Trains cannot stop quickly, so never stop on the tracks and always expect a train. Rural gravel roads bring loose gravel, dust, narrow bridges and crossings without lights or gates.
8 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 12 to 55
- Lesson 11Chapter 4: Appropriate SpeedSpeed limits
Iowa Speed Limits
The posted limit is the most you may drive under ideal conditions. When no limit is posted, Iowa law sets general limits by type of area and road.
8 key points · 8 numbers · Handbook p. 42
- Lesson 12Chapter 4: Braking and StoppingSafe driving
Following Distance and Stopping
Stopping takes reaction time plus braking time, and it grows quickly with speed. Use the three to four second rule and leave more room in bad conditions.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 40 to 41
- Lesson 13Chapter 4: Turning, Changing Lanes and PassingSafe driving
Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters
Signal well before turning, change lanes one at a time and pass only where it is legal. Iowa bans passing within 100 feet of intersections, railroad crossings and signed narrow bridges.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 43 to 48
- Lesson 14Chapter 3: Preparing to DriveSafe driving
Vehicle Checks, Seat Belts and Child Restraints
Keep your vehicle in safe working order and adjust your seat and mirrors before driving. Iowa requires seat belts in front, and restraints for all children under 18.
8 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 24 to 35
- Lesson 15Chapter 2: Emergency Vehicles and Stopped VehiclesEmergencies
Emergency Vehicles and the Move Over Law
Yield to emergency vehicles with sirens or lights by pulling right, and stay 500 feet behind them. Iowa's Move Over or Slow Down Law protects stopped vehicles with flashing lights.
7 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 19 to 22
- Lesson 16Chapter 2: School BusesSafe driving
Stopping for School Buses
On two and three lane roads, traffic in both directions stops for a school bus with its stop arm out. On four or more lanes, only traffic behind the bus must stop.
6 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook p. 20
- Lesson 17Chapter 5: Sharing the RoadSafe driving
Trucks, Motorcycles, Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Large trucks have big blind spots and need long stopping distances. Give motorcycles and bicyclists a full lane and yield to pedestrians.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 17 to 58
- Lesson 18Chapter 5: Night Driving and Inclement WeatherEmergencies
Night Driving, Bad Weather and Floods
Bad weather and darkness call for slower speeds, more following distance and your headlights. Never drive into floodwater.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 49 to 61
- Lesson 19Chapter 5: Equipment Failure and CrashesEmergencies
Equipment Failures and Crashes
Know how to respond to a flat tire, stuck gas pedal, stalled engine or brake failure. After a crash, steer it clear, call police and report within 72 hours when required.
8 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 22 to 63
- Lesson 20Chapter 3: Alcohol and DrugsAlcohol and DUI
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
Iowa's drunk driving offense is Operating While Intoxicated, defined as a BAC of .08 or higher or any controlled substance in your system. Revocation follows even without a criminal conviction.
7 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook p. 37
- Lesson 21Chapter 3: Alcohol and DrugsAlcohol and DUI
Underage Drinking, Refusal and Open Containers
Iowa's limit is far lower for drivers under 21, starting at a BAC of .02. Open alcohol containers must ride in the trunk.
7 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook p. 37
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Iowa practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Iowa cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Iowa Driver's Manual (2026). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.