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Iowa Permit Practice Test · Updated 2026

Iowa Permit Practice Test (2026)

Reviewed by the DriveCar editorial team. Last updated .

Iowa issues instruction permits and driver licenses through the Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. Teens may apply at age 14. The first step is the knowledge test and vision check based on the Iowa Driver's Manual. Iowa also offers an online Skip the Trip permit test so many teens never need to visit an office for the written exam.

Start free practice test → Take the full 35-question exam

Sourced from the official Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division Iowa driver manual.

Iowa permit test at a glance

35 questions on the real test
80% passing score
14 minimum age for instruction permit
$6 permit application fee

Sources: Iowa DOT - Instruction Permit for Under Age 18 Iowa DOT - Driver's Manual Iowa Driver's Manual (PDF) Iowa DOT - Online Permit Test (Skip the Trip)

How to pass the Iowa permit test

Read the Iowa Driver's Manual on iowadot.gov. The test has 35 questions and you must answer at least 28 correctly (80%) to pass. Take the free 25-question practice test on the Iowa DOT site. If you can score 90% twice in a row, you are ready for the real exam.

Retake policy

If you fail the Iowa knowledge test, you may retake it. The Iowa DOT recommends restudying the Driver's Manual before each attempt. Online testing through Skip the Trip has its own retake limits; after a failed online attempt you may need to test in person at a driver's license issuance site.

Choose a Iowa practice test

Free practice test

15 randomized questions. Instant feedback. No sign-up.

Full-length exam

All 35 questions, timed and scored like the real DMV test.

Iowa driver-test resources

Road signs guide

Shapes, colors, and meanings - everything on the test.

Study guide

Topic-by-topic Iowa permit-test prep.

How to get your license

Step-by-step for Iowa first-time drivers.

Failed the test? Here's what's next.

Retake rules and how to come back ready.

Compare nearby states

DMV rules vary state-by-state. If you also drive in or near Iowa, these neighbors' tests are worth a look.

Illinois practice test

35 Q · 80% to pass

Missouri practice test

25 Q · 80% to pass

Minnesota practice test

40 Q · 80% to pass

Iowa DMV FAQ

How old do I have to be for an Iowa instruction permit?

You must be at least 14 years old. A parent or guardian must give written consent at the DMV or sign Form 430018 ahead of time.

How many questions are on the Iowa permit test?

The Iowa knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 correctly (80%) to pass.

Can I take the Iowa permit test online?

Yes. Iowa DOT's Skip the Trip program lets eligible teens take the knowledge test online from home. You still must visit a driver's license issuance site for the vision check and to receive the permit.