Iowa Permit Practice Test

How to use this IA practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Iowa Driver's License Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

IA practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable IA practice test with answer key

40 sample practice questions from the IA bank

Every question below comes from the Iowa question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. Why should loose objects be secured inside a vehicle?

   1. Loose objects become harmless once the vehicle exceeds 45 mph
   2. A 20-pound object can exert well over 1,000 pounds of force in a sudden stop at 60 mph
   3. Only objects heavier than 100 pounds can injure occupants
   4. Securing objects matters only when the vehicle is parked
   Show answer

   A 20-pound object can exert well over 1,000 pounds of force in a sudden stop at 60 mph. The manual warns that a loose object can become a serious projectile during a sudden stop. Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Checks, Seat Belts and Child Restraints

2. 2. Which visitor may drive in Iowa without an Iowa driver's license?

   1. A visitor carrying only a vehicle registration
   2. A visitor with a current license from their home state or country
   3. A visitor who has never been licensed anywhere
   4. A visitor using an expired license from another state
   Show answer

   A visitor with a current license from their home state or country. Iowa recognizes a current license from a visitor's home state or country. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Who Needs a License and What to Carry

3. 3. Who must have an Iowa permit or driver's license when using public roads?

   1. Drivers who have lived in Iowa for at least one year
   2. Drivers who are under 21 years old
   3. Anyone operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped
   4. Only drivers traveling outside city limits
   Show answer

   Anyone operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped. Iowa requires a permit or license for anyone operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped on public roads. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Who Needs a License and What to Carry

4. 4. Which farm-equipment trip is listed as an Iowa driver's-license exemption?

   1. A daily commute in a passenger car owned by a farm
   2. Any farm trip across Iowa without a license
   3. Travel from a farm to any city beyond the county
   4. Travel between the home farm and nearby farmland within two miles
   Show answer

   Travel between the home farm and nearby farmland within two miles. The manual exempts driving farm equipment between the home farm and nearby farmland or a farm operation within two miles. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Who Needs a License and What to Carry

5. 5. What does the Iowa manual recommend as a defense against other people's aggressive driving?

   1. Match their speed to keep pace
   2. Use the horn to warn them off
   3. Follow closely so they cannot cut in
   4. Avoid aggressive and inattentive tendencies yourself and leave plenty of space in front
   Show answer

   Avoid aggressive and inattentive tendencies yourself and leave plenty of space in front. Avoiding aggressive and inattentive driving tendencies yourself puts you in a stronger position to deal with other people's driving choices. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters

6. 6. What is ahead when a signal-ahead warning is posted?

   
   1. A railroad crossing with no signal
   2. An intersection and a stop light
   3. A lane reserved for buses
   4. A road that ends without an intersection
   Show answer

   An intersection and a stop light. A signal-ahead warning tells you that an intersection and traffic light are coming. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

7. 7. From what distance must the red tail light on the back of a vehicle be visible under Iowa's equipment rules?

   1. At least 100 feet
   2. At least 200 feet
   3. At least 1,000 feet
   4. At least 500 feet
   Show answer

   At least 500 feet. Iowa requires at least one red light on the back of the vehicle, visible for at least 500 feet, plus two headlights and a white light for th Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Checks, Seat Belts and Child Restraints

8. 8. What should a driver expect when approaching a typical yellow, diamond-shaped warning sign?

   1. A special road hazard that calls for slower speed or extra caution
   2. A posted minimum speed that must be maintained
   3. A service such as fuel or lodging ahead
   4. A legal prohibition against entering the road
   Show answer

   A special road hazard that calls for slower speed or extra caution. Yellow diamond signs are warnings about a special situation or hazard ahead. Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

9. 9. You stop at an Iowa railroad crossing. How much space should you leave between your vehicle and the nearest rail?

   1. At least 15 feet
   2. At least 3 feet
   3. At least 100 feet
   4. At least 50 feet
   Show answer

   At least 15 feet. When stopped at a crossing, leave at least 15 feet between the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail, because trains are wider Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Rural Roads

10. 10. You have stopped at a red light in Iowa and want to turn right. No sign prohibits the turn. What must you do before turning?

    1. Nothing more; the stop alone lets you go ahead of other traffic
    2. Wait for the light to turn green
    3. Sound your horn to warn pedestrians, then turn
    4. Yield to all other traffic, then turn when it is safe
    Show answer

    Yield to all other traffic, then turn when it is safe. Iowa allows a right turn on a red light unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, but only after a complete stop and only while yielding to al Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters

11. 11. An approaching car has its turn signal on, and you want to pull out in front of it. What does the Iowa manual tell you to do?

    1. Pull out right away, because the signal shows it will turn
    2. Flash your headlights so the driver knows you are going
    3. Pull out as soon as the car begins to slow down
    4. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn
    Show answer

    Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn. Iowa calls this the false turn signal. A blinking signal does not prove the driver will turn where you expect: the driver may plan to turn p Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Intersections and Right of Way

12. 12. In Iowa, why should a driver spot slow moving vehicles early in traffic?

    1. Early spotting allows tailgating until the last second
    2. Early spotting gives time to change lanes or slow safely
    3. Slow vehicles must leave the road when cars approach
    4. Sudden slowing behind them is safer than early slowing
    Show answer

    Early spotting gives time to change lanes or slow safely. Always be ready to change your speed to match traffic in Iowa. Some vehicles cannot travel very fast or have trouble keeping up with flow. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters

13. 13. Your car stalls on Iowa tracks and the crossing has a blue ENS sign. What is it for?

    1. Requesting a tow truck discount for members
    2. Finding the nearest fuel station to the tracks
    3. Reporting the stall with the crossing ID by phone
    4. Posting the speed limit for the crossing road
    Show answer

    Reporting the stall with the crossing ID by phone. The blue Emergency Notification System sign in Iowa is posted at railroad crossings and provides critical information for reporting a proble Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory Signs

14. 14. Your Iowa car keeps speeding after you lift off the gas pedal. What is the first fix to try?

    1. Turn off the engine at speed in traffic flow
    2. Press the brake only and hold speed down
    3. Shift into park while the car still moves
    4. Shift to neutral quickly while watching the road
    Show answer

    Shift to neutral quickly while watching the road. If your Iowa motor does not slow down or speeds up when you release the accelerator, keep eyes on the road and quickly shift to neutral. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Equipment Failures and Crashes

15. 15. During extremely dusty conditions on a rural road, which lights should make the vehicle more visible?

    1. No lights until the dust clears
    2. High beams only
    3. Parking lights only
    4. Low-beam headlights
    Show answer

    Low-beam headlights. The manual directs drivers to use low-beam headlights during extremely dusty conditions so other road users can see the vehicle. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Rural Roads

16. 16. You approach an Iowa yield sign where traffic crosses your path. How should you enter?

    
    1. Slow down and give cross traffic the right of way
    2. Enter at full speed and expect others to brake
    3. Stop for a full minute even on an empty road
    4. Speed up so crossing drivers must wait for you
    Show answer

    Slow down and give cross traffic the right of way. A yield sign in Iowa tells you to slow down and yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection you are crossing or the roadway you ar Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory Signs

17. 17. In Iowa, how should a driver set the left side mirror for the best lane view?

    1. Lean to the center console and center the car side
    2. Sit straight and fill half the mirror with the car
    3. Aim the mirror down until the rear tire fills it
    4. Lean toward the left window and barely show the car side
    Show answer

    Lean toward the left window and barely show the car side. For the left mirror in Iowa, lean your head toward the left side window and set the mirror so you can barely see the side of the car. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Checks, Seat Belts and Child Restraints

18. 18. Your car stalls on Iowa tracks as a train approaches and everyone is out. Which way should people move?

    1. Straight away from the tracks behind the car line
    2. At 45 degrees toward the approaching train direction
    3. At 45 degrees away from the approaching train
    4. Along the tracks running beside the moving train
    Show answer

    At 45 degrees toward the approaching train direction. If your Iowa car stalls on tracks as a train approaches, get everyone out immediately and move away from the tracks at a 45 degree angle in Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Rural Roads

19. 19. You drive 40 mph on an Iowa road in normal conditions. What following distance is recommended?

    1. A four to five second following distance at 40 mph
    2. A one to two second following distance at 40 mph
    3. A ten to twelve second gap at that travel speed
    4. The same gap used at walking speed in parking lots
    Show answer

    A four to five second following distance at 40 mph. At Iowa speeds of 40 mph, a four to five second following distance is recommended. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Following Distance and Stopping

20. 20. In Iowa, what should a driver do when an animal darts out with no time to stop?

    1. Avoid swerving or veering into a worse crash
    2. Swerve hard toward the ditch on either side
    3. Veer into the oncoming lane to miss the animal
    4. Close the eyes and brace without steering at all
    Show answer

    Avoid swerving or veering into a worse crash. Be on the lookout for animals in Iowa, especially at sunrise and sunset. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, Motorcycles, Bicyclists and Pedestrians

21. 21. The car ahead leaves no tracks in Iowa road water and reflections shine. What risk is near?

    1. Your car could freeze on black ice instantly
    2. Your tires could grip better on flooded pavement
    3. Your car could hydroplane on that deep water
    4. A train could cross on hidden tracks there
    Show answer

    Your car could hydroplane on that deep water. Hydroplaning in Iowa occurs when road water deeper than tire tread reduces friction and can cause loss of control. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Night Driving, Bad Weather and Floods

22. 22. An Iowa pedestrian crossing warning appears before a crosswalk. Who must you watch for?

    
    1. Railroad workers and train crews near the tracks
    2. People walking, running, riding, or using wheelchairs
    3. Livestock and farm animals crossing the road
    4. Only drivers merging from a side parking lot
    Show answer

    People walking, running, riding, or using wheelchairs. A pedestrian crossing warning in Iowa tells you to watch out for people walking, running, riding, or using wheelchairs or low speed micromob Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

23. 23. In Iowa, how many vehicles should a driver pass at one time as a rule?

    1. Only one vehicle at a time when passing
    2. Two vehicles whenever the road looks straight
    3. As many as fit before the next hill crest
    4. One vehicle plus its trailer counts as none
    Show answer

    Only one vehicle at a time when passing. As a rule in Iowa, only pass one vehicle at a time. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters

24. 24. After one deer crosses an Iowa road, what should the driver watch for next?

    1. A police escort arriving to clear the road
    2. More deer following the first one across
    3. The deer returning alone to the same spot
    4. Posted signs marking the exact crossing point
    Show answer

    More deer following the first one across. Deer travel in groups in Iowa, so always look for more animals if one is seen. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, Motorcycles, Bicyclists and Pedestrians

25. 25. Pedestrians activate an Iowa hybrid beacon and its two top lights turn solid red. What must drivers do?

    1. Proceed slowly because the beacon has no green
    2. Stop only after the red lights begin flashing
    3. Stop for pedestrians at that solid red stage
    4. Treat solid red as a yield without stopping
    Show answer

    Stop for pedestrians at that solid red stage. At an Iowa pedestrian hybrid beacon, after the bottom yellow flashes and then turns solid, the top two red lights become solid and motorists Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Beacons

26. 26. Your vehicle stalls in floodwater on an Iowa road. What does the manual say to do?

    1. Stay inside and wait for help
    2. Restart the engine and drive on
    3. Abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground
    4. Open the windows and wait
    Show answer

    Abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. Do not stay in a flooded vehicle. If your vehicle is stalled in floodwater, abandon it and move to higher ground. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Night Driving, Bad Weather and Floods

27. 27. Which vehicles must have working turn signals under Iowa law?

    1. Only trucks over 10,000 pounds
    2. All cars, trucks, and trailers wider than 40 inches
    3. Only vehicles built after 2000
    4. Only vehicles used at night
    Show answer

    All cars, trucks, and trailers wider than 40 inches. Iowa requires turn signals on all cars, trucks, and trailers wider than 40 inches, and if a vehicle has turn signals they must work. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Checks, Seat Belts and Child Restraints

28. 28. What do shared lane pavement markings, called sharrows, do on Iowa roads?

    1. Show where bicycles must ride on the sidewalk
    2. Reserve the lane for bicycles only
    3. Mark a no passing zone
    4. Alert motorists that bicyclists may be present and encourage safe passing, without reserving part of the road for bikes
    Show answer

    Alert motorists that bicyclists may be present and encourage safe passing, without reserving part of the road for bikes. Shared lane pavement markings, also called sharrows, alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists, encourage safe passing, and reduce wrong Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement Markings and Lane Use

29. 29. When a driver illegally passes a stopped school bus, what license consequence may Iowa impose?

    1. A mandatory suspension of exactly 30 days
    2. A warning with no possible license action
    3. Permanent revocation for the first violation
    4. Suspension for up to 180 days
    Show answer

    Suspension for up to 180 days. Iowa says a school-bus passing violation may result in a driver's license being suspended for up to 180 days. Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Stopping for School Buses

30. 30. What roadway situation is identified by a pentagon-shaped sign?

    1. A railroad crossing ahead
    2. A school area or school crossing
    3. A no-passing zone
    4. A general service area
    Show answer

    A school area or school crossing. The five-sided pentagon marks a school area or school crossing. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Sign Colors and Shapes

31. 31. What does an Iowa yield sign tell a driver to do?

    
    1. Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection or roadway being entered
    2. Stop at every yield sign even when no traffic is present
    3. Accelerate so cross traffic must wait
    4. Enter the roadway without checking for other users
    Show answer

    Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection or roadway being entered. A yield sign directs the driver to slow down and yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection being crossed or the roadway being en Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory Signs

32. 32. How close to an intersection may you pass another vehicle on an Iowa two-lane road?

    1. You may not pass within 100 feet of an intersection
    2. You may pass anywhere with a broken center line
    3. You may pass as close as 50 feet
    4. You may not pass within 500 feet
    Show answer

    You may not pass within 100 feet of an intersection. Iowa prohibits passing within 100 feet of an intersection, and also around a curve where your view is blocked. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters

33. 33. Which following-distance rule is the safest and easiest way to judge space behind another vehicle?

    1. Keep one car length for every five mph
    2. Use the Three-Four Second Rule
    3. Stay exactly two seconds behind in all conditions
    4. Follow close enough to read the vehicle's plate
    Show answer

    Use the Three-Four Second Rule. The Iowa manual identifies the Three-Four Second Rule as the safest and easiest way to judge a following gap. Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Following Distance and Stopping

34. 34. What does the Iowa manual say about hanging items from the rearview mirror?

    1. It is fine if the item is small
    2. Only air fresheners are allowed
    3. Do not hang things from the mirror or clutter the windshield with decals
    4. Items may hang below the dash line
    Show answer

    Do not hang things from the mirror or clutter the windshield with decals. Keep your view unobstructed. The manual says not to hang things from your rearview mirrors or clutter up the windshield with decals. Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Checks, Seat Belts and Child Restraints

35. 35. When is an Iowa driving test not required according to the manual?

    1. Whenever the applicant owns a vehicle
    2. When the applicant satisfies the driver education course requirement
    3. When the applicant passes the vision screening only
    4. Whenever the applicant has driven on private property
    Show answer

    When the applicant satisfies the driver education course requirement. The manual says a driving test is not required when the applicant satisfies the driver education course requirement. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Who Needs a License and What to Carry

36. 36. Lights flash and gates drop at an actively protected Iowa crossing. What must drivers do?

    1. Cross quickly before the approaching train arrives there
    2. Obey the signals and never go around the gate
    3. Go around the gate if no train is visible
    4. Stop on the tracks to watch for the train
    Show answer

    Obey the signals and never go around the gate. Actively protected Iowa railroad crossings have lights and gates. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Rural Roads

37. 37. In Iowa, how does a passively protected railroad crossing differ from one with lights or gates?

    1. It has flashing lights on both sides of the crossing road
    2. It has only a crossbuck with a stop or yield sign
    3. It has a gate that lowers across every lane
    4. It has an officer directing traffic at all hours
    Show answer

    It has only a crossbuck with a stop or yield sign. A passively protected crossing in Iowa has no lights or gates. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Rural Roads

38. 38. You drive the main Iowa road and pass a merging traffic warning. What should you prepare for?

    
    1. Other vehicles blending into your lane ahead
    2. Your lane ending with traffic yielding to you
    3. A divided highway starting beyond the merge
    4. Oncoming traffic entering a two way stretch
    Show answer

    Other vehicles blending into your lane ahead. If you are on the main road in Iowa and see a merging traffic sign, be prepared for other vehicles blending into your lane. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

39. 39. You plan to park on an Iowa street with no other traffic visible. Must you signal that move?

    1. Yes, signal before parking like other direction changes
    2. No, signals are not needed when no one is around
    3. No, signals are meant for intersection turns
    4. Yes, but only after the vehicle has stopped fully
    Show answer

    Yes, signal before parking like other direction changes. Iowa drivers should use turn signals before changing lanes, turning right or left, merging into traffic, or parking. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, Lane Changes, Passing and Tailgaters

40. 40. Other Iowa roads look clear on a freezing morning, yet a bridge deck shines icy. Why?

    1. Bridge decks are made of darker material that holds cold
    2. Bridges are built from metal that stays below freezing
    3. Cold air under the deck freezes moisture faster there
    4. Bridges collect extra rain only on their decks
    Show answer

    Cold air under the deck freezes moisture faster there. Black ice in Iowa can occur anywhere, but it is common on bridges and overpasses, where moisture freezes quickly due to circulating air both Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Night Driving, Bad Weather and Floods