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
10. Test 10

Printable IA practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. What should a driver do when approaching a farm vehicle traveling slowly on a rural road?

   1. Pass immediately because farm equipment must yield to every car
   2. Assume it will move onto the shoulder without signaling
   3. Identify it early, slow down, and use extreme caution before attempting to pass
   4. Follow closely so no other vehicle can enter the gap
   Show answer

   Identify it early, slow down, and use extreme caution before attempting to pass. Large farm equipment may be wider than the road, make wide turns at unmarked entrances, and have a turn signal that is difficult to detect. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. 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 2

3. 3. 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 3

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

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

   Within 50 feet. Iowa prohibits parking closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing. Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. When driving on an Iowa rural road, which group should you expect to encounter as slower or larger road users?

   1. Farm equipment, ATVs or UTVs, bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles, and maintenance equipment
   2. Only passenger cars traveling at the posted limit
   3. Only pedestrians inside marked crosswalks
   4. Only emergency vehicles using sirens
   Show answer

   Farm equipment, ATVs or UTVs, bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles, and maintenance equipment. Rural roads can include many road users that move slowly or occupy more width than an ordinary car. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. Which general speed rule applies to trucks on Iowa secondary roads?

   1. The 50 mph rule applies at any time of day
   2. Trucks have no secondary-road limit
   3. Trucks may always travel 70 mph
   4. The rule applies only from sunrise to sunset
   Show answer

   The 50 mph rule applies at any time of day. For trucks on secondary roads, Iowa applies the 50 mph limit at any time of day. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. 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 7

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

9. 9. Besides fines, what can a distracted driving conviction cost an Iowa driver?

   1. Only higher insurance rates
   2. Suspension or revocation of the license or permit
   3. A mandatory new vision test
   4. Nothing more, since it is a minor offense
   Show answer

   Suspension or revocation of the license or permit. In addition to fines, a distracted driving conviction could result in your license or permit being suspended or revoked. Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. Which documents should an Iowa driver carry while operating a vehicle?

    1. A passport, title, and repair invoices
    2. Only a driver's license and vehicle title
    3. A current license or permit, registration proof, and an insurance card
    4. Only electronic proof of registration
    Show answer

    A current license or permit, registration proof, and an insurance card. The manual says drivers should have their license or permit with them and carry current proof of registration plus an insurance card. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. What happens to an Iowa driver's license when the driver refuses a breathalyzer test?

    1. A warning for a first refusal
    2. Nothing, refusal is a right
    3. A 30 day suspension
    4. An automatic one year revocation, a consequence more severe than failing the test
    Show answer

    An automatic one year revocation, a consequence more severe than failing the test. Refusing a breathalyzer test does not avoid an OWI, and the refusal itself still results in revocation because Iowa's implied consent law tr Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. What roadway change is announced by a lane-ends warning?

    
    1. A new passing lane will open
    2. Two lanes will soon become one
    3. The road will become one-way in both directions
    4. The shoulder will become a travel lane permanently
    Show answer

    Two lanes will soon become one. A lane-ends warning means two lanes of traffic will soon become one lane. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. When meeting a school bus from the front on a two or three lane road with amber lights flashing, what is required?

    1. Stop 100 feet before the bus even if it keeps moving
    2. Continue at the posted speed without watching the bus
    3. Slow to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop
    4. Pass on the shoulder before the stop arm extends
    Show answer

    Slow to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop. For a driver meeting the bus from the front in the described two or three lane setting, amber warning lights require slowing to no more than Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. 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 4

15. 15. 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

16. 16. How much following distance does Iowa's manual recommend behind an emergency vehicle using lights and sirens?

    1. Exactly one car length
    2. At least 50 feet
    3. No more than 100 feet
    4. At least 500 feet
    Show answer

    At least 500 feet. The manual gives a minimum following distance of 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle using lights and sirens. Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. Does Iowa's implied consent law apply to a driver licensed in another state who is driving through Iowa?

    1. No, only Iowa license holders
    2. Yes, it applies to non-resident drivers too
    3. Only if the driver stays more than 30 days
    4. Only for commercial drivers
    Show answer

    Yes, it applies to non-resident drivers too. Iowa license holders agree to testing on demand by law enforcement, and the manual states the law also applies to any non-resident drivers t Full explanation in Test 7

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

    1. Immediately after pulling alongside the truck
    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. After seeing the front of the truck being passed in the rearview mirror and clearing it well
    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 8

19. 19. How much space does the Iowa manual say you should keep between your chest and the steering wheel airbag?

    1. At least 2 inches
    2. At least 24 inches
    3. It does not matter with modern airbags
    4. At least 10 inches
    Show answer

    At least 10 inches. Sit with your back against the seat and at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and your chest, with the airbag pointed at your chest. Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. 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

21. 21. For a beginning driver in normal conditions, what following gap does the Iowa manual recommend at minimum?

    1. One second, regardless of speed
    2. At least three seconds
    3. Exactly two seconds for every driver
    4. A fixed distance of one car length
    Show answer

    At least three seconds. The three-second minimum applies to an inexperienced or beginning driver under normal driving conditions. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. What does a posted speed limit represent when road conditions are ideal?

    
    1. A suggested speed that may always be exceeded
    2. The maximum permitted speed
    3. The minimum speed for every vehicle
    4. The speed required during rain or fog
    Show answer

    The maximum permitted speed. A speed-limit sign states the maximum speed allowed under ideal driving conditions. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. What proof of insurance must an Iowa driver carry, and in what form?

    1. A paper card only
    2. An insurance card, printed or electronic, plus current proof of registration
    3. A copy of the full policy
    4. Nothing, the state checks electronically
    Show answer

    An insurance card, printed or electronic, plus current proof of registration. Every driver in Iowa must carry current proof of registration and an insurance card, printed or electronic, to verify proof of liability ins Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. At an Iowa all-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Which vehicle proceeds first?

    
    1. The vehicle on the right
    2. The vehicle on the left
    3. The larger vehicle
    4. The vehicle that flashes headlights
    Show answer

    The vehicle on the right. When vehicles arrive at an all-way stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first after both drivers have come to a complete sto Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. What does a solid yellow line on a two-way road mean for the traffic beside it?

    
    1. The lane is reserved for left turns only
    2. Passing is required before the next intersection
    3. Passing is not allowed from that side
    4. Traffic may cross it whenever the driver signals
    Show answer

    Passing is not allowed from that side. A solid yellow line marks the side where passing is prohibited. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. When an underage Iowa driver's BAC is .08 or more, what is the minimum license revocation period?

    1. 30 days
    2. 60 days
    3. 120 days
    4. 180 days
    Show answer

    180 days. The underage revocation minimum rises to 180 days when the BAC is .08 or more. That is distinct from the minimum 60 days applied to the . Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. Which of these parking spots is prohibited in Iowa?

    1. A bridge outside city limits
    2. A space 60 feet from a railroad crossing
    3. A curb space 12 inches from the curb
    4. A space 12 feet from a stop sign
    Show answer

    A bridge outside city limits. Iowa bans parking on any bridge outside city limits and in highway tunnels. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. What should a driver do at a solid yellow traffic signal?

    1. Accelerate so the vehicle clears the intersection before red
    2. Avoid entering if able to stop safely, but continue cautiously if stopping safely is not possible
    3. Stop only if another vehicle is already crossing
    4. Treat it exactly like a flashing yellow signal
    Show answer

    Avoid entering if able to stop safely, but continue cautiously if stopping safely is not possible. A solid yellow means the driver should not enter the intersection when a safe stop is possible. Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. Which vehicle must a driver yield to when it uses a siren or air horn?

    1. Only a school bus with flashing lights
    2. Only a private vehicle with hazard lights
    3. A police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle
    4. Only a maintenance vehicle with amber lights
    Show answer

    A police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle. Iowa requires drivers to yield to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or another emergency vehicle using a siren or air horn, or red o Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. Which person is listed as an exception to Iowa's hands-free law?

    1. A driver on a rural road
    2. A driver in stop-and-go traffic
    3. A driver using the phone for work email
    4. A member of a public safety agency performing official duties
    Show answer

    A member of a public safety agency performing official duties. The exceptions to Iowa's hands-free law are members of public safety agencies performing official duties, healthcare professionals in emerge Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. On a road with two or more lanes moving in the same direction, what is the left lane generally used for?

    1. Passing
    2. Parking whenever traffic is heavy
    3. Entering from driveways only
    4. Traveling slowly below the flow of traffic
    Show answer

    Passing. Iowa's general lane-use guidance says the left lane is generally used for passing when two or more lanes travel in the same direction. Full explanation in Test 1

32. 32. A pedestrian-crossing warning requires the driver to watch for:

    
    1. Railroad workers beside the road
    2. Only people inside marked crosswalks
    3. People walking, running, riding, or using mobility devices
    4. Farm equipment entering from a field
    Show answer

    People walking, running, riding, or using mobility devices. The pedestrian-crossing warning covers more than a person walking. Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. An Iowa baby is 10 months old and weighs 18 pounds. How must the baby ride?

    1. In a forward-facing seat
    2. In a rear-facing child restraint system
    3. In a booster seat
    4. On a parent's lap with a seat belt
    Show answer

    In a rear-facing child restraint system. A child under one year old and weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system. Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. At what blood alcohol concentration does Iowa define operating while intoxicated for alcohol?

    1. A BAC of .02 or higher for every driver
    2. A BAC of .08 or higher
    3. A BAC of .10 or higher only
    4. Any BAC below .08 is automatically OWI for adults
    Show answer

    A BAC of .08 or higher. For alcohol, Iowa defines operating while intoxicated as having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. The . Full explanation in Test 4

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

    
    1. A stop sign has been removed
    2. A stopped school bus may pick up or drop off passengers
    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 5

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

    1. Only Iowa residents who have lived there for one year
    2. Only people operating commercial trucks
    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 6

37. 37. 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

38. 38. On a two-lane road, what must you do when a school bus ahead stops with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended?

    
    1. Pass slowly if no children are visible
    2. Stop at least 15 feet behind the bus
    3. Stop beside the bus instead of behind it
    4. Continue if you are under 20 mph
    Show answer

    Stop at least 15 feet behind the bus. On a two-lane road, a vehicle approaching the school bus from behind must stop when the bus stops and extends its stop arm. Full explanation in Test 8

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

    1. It may be directly beside the hydrant for loading
    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 not be closer than five feet
    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 9

40. 40. You plan to turn on an Iowa highway where the speed limit is 55 mph. How far before the turn must you signal?

    1. At least 100 feet
    2. At least 50 feet
    3. At least 500 feet
    4. At least 300 feet
    Show answer

    At least 300 feet. Iowa law requires a turn signal at least 100 feet before a turn when the speed limit is 45 mph or less, and at least 300 feet before the tur Full explanation in Test 10