Iowa DMV written test
Iowa DMV Cheat Sheet
The Iowa knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Iowa DMV test numbers to memorize
The Iowa knowledge test has 35 questions and you need 28 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 7. The test is given by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT).
35
Questions on the test
28
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
7
Questions you can miss
14 for instruction permit
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $8. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at DOT office, at school (Skip the Trip), or at home with parental supervision
- Online test
- Available. Iowa offers the 'Skip the Trip' program - students can take the knowledge test at participating schools or at home with a parent administering. Processing takes 7 - 14 days.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted at DOT service centers. Skip the Trip program available at participating schools.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of Iowa residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Iowa retake rules
Iowa publishes no set waiting period, attempt limit, or retest fee for the non-commercial knowledge or driving test: if you fail, you may repeat the test at the examiner's discretion. CDL differs: a failed CDL knowledge or skills test cannot be repeated the same day, and the $25 skills-test segment fees apply again to a new appointment. A six-month lockout after 3 unsuccessful attempts exists in Iowa's rules, but it applies only to someone contesting a suspension or denial for incapability, not to ordinary applicants.
- CDL knowledge test and skills test (only the failed test or failed skills-test part is repeated) (CDL): wait 1 day.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- No further testing allowed until six months have elapsed from the date of the last test failure, and then only on a written request to the Motor Vehicle Division showing significant change or improvement.
Some retake details for Iowa are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with Iowa DOT before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Iowa
- Under 18
- Must be at least 14. Must complete approved driver education. Must hold instruction permit for 12 months. Must complete 20 hours supervised driving (2 at night) before intermediate license.
- Permit versus license
- An instruction permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ (or parent/guardian/instructor) in the front seat. Must hold for 12 months. Intermediate license at 16 with restrictions until age 17.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at Iowa DOT service center, at participating schools, or at home through the Skip the Trip program.
- How you get results
- Immediate at DOT offices. Skip the Trip home tests take 7 - 14 days to process.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Iowa: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
The study source is the Iowa Driver's Manual (2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Iowa practice questions
These free Iowa questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
How far behind a stopped school bus with flashing red lights must you stop in Iowa?
15 feet
About 35% get it right
- 3
What is the fine range for a first offense of passing a stopped school bus in Iowa?
$345 - $930
About 35% get it right
- 4
When is a left turn on a red light allowed in Iowa?
Only one-way street onto one-way street, after stopping
About 40% get it right
- 5
What is the fine for a first offense open container violation in Iowa?
$260
About 40% get it right
- 6
What is the minimum speed limit on Iowa rural interstates?
40 mph
About 40% get it right
Your plan
Free Iowa study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Iowa questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1