IA 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. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

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

Printable IA practice test with answer key

First 40 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. When no sign changes the rule, what is Iowa's general speed limit in a residential district?

   1. 20 mph
   2. 25 mph
   3. 45 mph
   4. 50 mph
   Show answer

   25 mph. A residential district has a general unposted limit of 25 mph, and a school district uses that same figure. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What speed does Iowa's reflective orange triangle identify on a vehicle's rear?

   1. The vehicle is traveling 35 mph or less
   2. The vehicle is traveling exactly 25 mph
   3. The vehicle is carrying hazardous cargo
   4. The vehicle is stopped for an emergency
   Show answer

   The vehicle is traveling 35 mph or less. A reflective orange triangle marks a vehicle traveling at 35 mph or less. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. When turning left at an intersection, which traffic must the turning driver yield to?

   1. Oncoming cars going straight
   2. Cars parked on the left shoulder
   3. Only vehicles behind the turner
   4. No traffic if the turn signal is on
   Show answer

   Oncoming cars going straight. A left-turning driver must yield to oncoming cars that are proceeding straight ahead. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in an intersection, what should you do first?

   1. Drive through the intersection before pulling over
   2. Stop immediately across the intersection
   3. Reverse into the cross street
   4. Turn around and follow the emergency vehicle
   Show answer

   Drive through the intersection before pulling over. Iowa's manual directs a driver already in an intersection to drive through it before pulling over. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What revocation pattern does Iowa describe for an underage driver based on BAC?

   1. 60 days at .02 or more, and 180 days at .08 or more
   2. 30 days at .02 or more, and 60 days at .08 or more
   3. 60 days only when BAC reaches .08
   4. 180 days for every underage BAC reading
   Show answer

   60 days at .02 or more, and 180 days at .08 or more. Iowa describes two minimum revocation periods for an underage driver: 60 days beginning at .02 BAC, then 180 days when the reading reaches . Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. Can an Iowa driver under 18 receive a temporary restricted license during an OWI revocation?

   1. No, not while the license is revoked for OWI
   2. Yes, automatically after 10 days
   3. Yes, but only for school travel
   4. Yes, after paying the fine
   Show answer

   No, not while the license is revoked for OWI. The manual says offenders under age 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license while their license is revoked for OWI. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. When may an Iowa driver transport an open container of alcohol in a vehicle?

   1. When it is stored in the trunk
   2. When it is held by a passenger
   3. When the vehicle is on an interstate
   4. When the driver has not been drinking
   Show answer

   When it is stored in the trunk. Iowa permits an open alcohol container to be transported in the trunk of a vehicle, while the manual says transporting an open, unsealed con Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. Which item should an Iowa driver always have with them while driving?

   1. A license or permit
   2. A vehicle title
   3. A repair receipt
   4. A road map
   Show answer

   A license or permit. Iowa says a driver should always have a license or permit with them while driving. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. Which screening is required when an applicant applies for an Iowa license?

   1. A vision screening
   2. A hearing test by a private clinic
   3. A cholesterol screening
   4. A road test before any knowledge test
   Show answer

   A vision screening. The Iowa application process includes a vision screening. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. How close to a railroad crossing is parking prohibited in Iowa?

    1. Within 50 feet
    2. Within 5 feet
    3. Within 10 feet
    4. Within 20 feet
    Show answer

    Within 50 feet. Iowa prohibits parking closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing. Full explanation in Test 2

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

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

12. 12. What situation does an Iowa wrong-way sign describe?

    1. A wrong turn has placed the vehicle in a lane of oncoming traffic
    2. The roadway ahead has a steep hill
    3. A lane is reserved for buses only
    4. The driver may pass because traffic is light
    Show answer

    A wrong turn has placed the vehicle in a lane of oncoming traffic. The wrong-way sign indicates that a driver made a wrong turn and entered a lane of oncoming traffic. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. When this sign is posted, which maneuver is forbidden?

    1. Turning right
    2. Turning left
    3. Driving straight ahead
    4. Changing lanes after the intersection
    Show answer

    Turning right. A crossed right-turn arrow prohibits turning right at the signed location. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What should a driver anticipate after seeing an advance railroad warning?

    1. Railroad tracks crossing the road ahead
    2. A bicycle lane beginning immediately
    3. A hospital entrance
    4. A mandatory U-turn
    Show answer

    Railroad tracks crossing the road ahead. The round railroad symbol gives advance notice that tracks cross the roadway ahead. It is not a bicycle, hospital, or turning instruction. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does a school-bus-stop-ahead warning tell a driver to expect?

    1. A stopped school bus may pick up or drop off passengers
    2. A stop sign has been removed
    3. A railroad gate is about to close
    4. A school zone has ended
    Show answer

    A stopped school bus may pick up or drop off passengers. The warning identifies an area where a stopped school bus may pick up or drop off passengers. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What change does a divided-highway-begins warning announce?

    1. Two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip
    2. All traffic will share one undivided lane
    3. The roadway is ending at a railroad track
    4. U-turns are required around the next island
    Show answer

    Two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip. The divided-highway warning means the two-way roadway is approaching a center strip that separates traffic. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. How should a driver respond when a warning sign shows a changing road direction ahead?

    1. Prepare for the change before entering it
    2. Wait until the vehicle reaches the hazard to react
    3. Drive on the shoulder to make more room
    4. Treat the warning as a speed minimum
    Show answer

    Prepare for the change before entering it. The gradual curve symbol gives advance notice that the road direction will change. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What must a driver do at an octagonal stop sign?

    1. Come to a full stop and wait until the crossing area is clear
    2. Slow down only if another vehicle is visible
    3. Yield without stopping when traveling straight
    4. Stop after entering the intersection
    Show answer

    Come to a full stop and wait until the crossing area is clear. An octagonal sign is reserved for a stop sign, and the manual requires a full stop before the driver proceeds. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What does Iowa reserve the octagon shape for?

    1. A stop sign
    2. A yield sign
    3. A railroad crossing warning
    4. A school crossing sign
    Show answer

    A stop sign. The octagon is reserved for the stop sign, giving drivers a quick shape-based warning even when the sign face is hard to read. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. When a steady yellow signal appears, which response matches Iowa guidance?

    1. Enter the intersection faster to beat the red signal
    2. Do not enter if you can stop safely; otherwise continue cautiously
    3. Stop in the intersection even if the vehicle has already crossed the line
    4. Treat it as a flashing red signal and wait for a full cycle
    Show answer

    Do not enter if you can stop safely; otherwise continue cautiously. A steady yellow signal marks a transition and calls for a judgment about stopping safely. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. At a stop sign with a marked stop line, where should the vehicle stop?

    1. At or beyond the crosswalk so the driver can see cross traffic
    2. At the stop line, before the vehicle reaches it
    3. Beside the sign, even if that is inside the intersection
    4. Only after another vehicle has stopped first
    Show answer

    At the stop line, before the vehicle reaches it. The stop line establishes the first stopping point, so the vehicle should halt before reaching it. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. An Iowa driver under 18 has a license revoked for OWI. Can they get a temporary restricted license?

    1. No, offenders under 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license during the revocation
    2. Yes, after 30 days
    3. Yes, for school and work only
    4. Yes, with an ignition interlock
    Show answer

    No, offenders under 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license during the revocation. Iowa's underage OWI rules are stricter than the adult rules. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What do the shape and color of a traffic sign help a driver identify?

    1. The type of information the sign provides
    2. The vehicle's required fuel grade
    3. The distance since the last license renewal
    4. The weather forecast for the next hour
    Show answer

    The type of information the sign provides. Sign shape and color are recognition tools that help a driver understand whether the message concerns a law, hazard, destination, service, o Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. Before turning on a flashing yellow arrow at an Iowa intersection, what must a driver do?

    1. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn with caution
    2. Stop and wait for a solid green arrow
    3. Turn immediately because cross traffic must stop
    4. Treat the signal as a flashing red light
    Show answer

    Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn with caution. A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn only after the driver yields to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What does Iowa right-of-way law give a driver?

    1. A duty to yield when required, but not an automatic right to proceed
    2. A guarantee that other road users will stop
    3. Permission to continue whenever the driver arrives first
    4. Priority over pedestrians in every intersection
    Show answer

    A duty to yield when required, but not an automatic right to proceed. Iowa's law says who must yield, but it does not grant anyone an automatic right to occupy the intersection. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. How close may a vehicle be parked to a fire hydrant in Iowa?

    1. It may not be closer than five feet
    2. It may be within one foot if hazard lights are on
    3. It may be within ten feet but not five feet
    4. It may be directly beside the hydrant for loading
    Show answer

    It may not be closer than five feet. Iowa parking restrictions prohibit parking closer than five feet from a fire hydrant or in a designated hydrant red zone. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. When may a driver under 18 talk on the phone while driving?

    1. Only when the vehicle is completely stopped off the traveled portion of the roadway
    2. Whenever a passenger holds the phone for the driver
    3. Whenever the call is shorter than one minute
    4. Whenever the driver uses a speaker but continues moving
    Show answer

    Only when the vehicle is completely stopped off the traveled portion of the roadway. Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit, intermediate license, or special minor restricted license may not make or receive calls or talk Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. What restraint is required for a child under six years old in Iowa?

    1. A child restraint system, such as a safety seat or booster seat
    2. A seat belt alone in every seating position
    3. A rear-facing restraint only after the child turns six
    4. No restraint if the trip is within the neighborhood
    Show answer

    A child restraint system, such as a safety seat or booster seat. A child under six must be secured in a child restraint system, which the manual describes as a safety seat or booster seat rather than a sea Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What must a driver do for a pedestrian who is in or about to enter a crosswalk?

    1. Yield to the pedestrian
    2. Continue if the crosswalk has no painted lines
    3. Yield only at a traffic signal
    4. Sound the horn and proceed first
    Show answer

    Yield to the pedestrian. Drivers must yield to anyone in or about to enter a crosswalk. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What does Iowa's Hill warning sign tell a driver to do?

    1. Shift into neutral
    2. Turn off the engine to save fuel
    3. Check your brakes before going down the hill
    4. Increase speed to climb
    Show answer

    Check your brakes before going down the hill. The Hill sign warns all vehicles that the road ahead goes down a hill, and the manual says you should check your brakes before going down it Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. When passing a large truck, when should the passing driver move back into the original lane?

    1. After seeing the front of the truck being passed in the rearview mirror and clearing it well
    2. As soon as the passing vehicle's front bumper reaches the truck's cab
    3. Before the truck appears in the side mirror
    4. Immediately after pulling alongside the truck
    Show answer

    After seeing the front of the truck being passed in the rearview mirror and clearing it well. The manual gives a visibility check for returning after a pass: see the front of the passed vehicle in the rearview mirror and make sure you Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. What does a red circle with a red slash over a symbol on a regulatory sign mean?

    1. The action shown by the symbol is prohibited
    2. The action shown is recommended during bad weather
    3. The roadway is reserved for the symbol shown
    4. The symbol identifies the next available service
    Show answer

    The action shown by the symbol is prohibited. A red circle with a red slash is used on regulatory signs to show that a driver cannot do the action represented by the symbol. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What color are most Iowa warning signs?

    1. Yellow
    2. Blue
    3. White
    4. Brown
    Show answer

    Yellow. Most Iowa warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols, and most have a diamond shape. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. After slowing for a yield sign, what must a driver give to traffic in the intersection or roadway being entered?

    1. The right of way
    2. A green light
    3. A minimum five-second wait
    4. Permission to pass on the shoulder
    Show answer

    The right of way. A yield sign tells the driver to slow down and give the right of way to traffic in the intersection being crossed or the roadway being enter Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. How should a driver respond when a bicyclist may still be vulnerable in an intersection, even if the driver seems to have priority?

    1. Use defensive driving and be ready to yield to avoid a collision
    2. Continue without checking because priority removes all responsibility
    3. Sound the horn and force the bicyclist to stop
    4. Pass within the intersection before the bicyclist reaches the lane
    Show answer

    Use defensive driving and be ready to yield to avoid a collision. The manual emphasizes that bicyclists are vulnerable and that motorists should use defensive driving to avoid collisions. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. At an uncontrolled intersection, what is the basic responsibility of every driver?

    1. Slow down and approach carefully
    2. Accelerate to clear the crossing first
    3. Assume the wider road has priority
    4. Stop only when another driver honks
    Show answer

    Slow down and approach carefully. An uncontrolled intersection has no stop sign or traffic signal, so every driver must reduce speed and approach with care. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. When an emergency vehicle approaches and you are already in an intersection, when should you pull over?

    1. After driving through the intersection
    2. Before entering the intersection
    3. Immediately in the intersection
    4. Only after following the emergency vehicle
    Show answer

    After driving through the intersection. Iowa instructs a driver who is already in an intersection, including a roundabout, to drive through the intersection before pulling over. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What is one leading cause of crashes on Iowa roadways?

    1. Wildlife, typically deer
    2. Only parked delivery trucks
    3. Exclusively wet pavement
    4. Animals only inside city limits
    Show answer

    Wildlife, typically deer. Iowa identifies wildlife, especially deer, as one of the leading causes of roadway crashes. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. When all lights on a pedestrian hybrid beacon are dark, what may motorists do?

    1. Proceed with caution
    2. Stop until a police officer waves them through
    3. Accelerate through the crosswalk
    4. Ignore pedestrians because the beacon is off
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution. A pedestrian hybrid beacon with a dark display allows motorists to proceed with caution. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. How should you respond when another driver shows signs of aggressive driving toward you?

    1. Slow down or pull over to avoid the driver
    2. Make eye contact and challenge the driver
    3. Race ahead to prevent the driver from passing
    4. Brake suddenly to make the driver stop
    Show answer

    Slow down or pull over to avoid the driver. If another driver is showing signs of aggression, slow down or pull over to avoid that person. Full explanation in Test 8