Iowa permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 61 Iowa numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 43 number questions in our Iowa bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

43 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    A 19-year-old driver is caught with a BAC of .05. What is the minimum revocation of their driving privileges?

    60 days

    An underage driver at .02 or more loses driving privileges for at least 60 days.

    Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 37

  • Fines, points & penalties

    Under Iowa's fine schedule, what is the fine for violating the child restraint law, which covers passengers under 18?

    $135

    Iowa's scheduled fine for violating the child restraint law (Iowa Code 321.446), which covers every passenger under 18, is $135.

    Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website

  • Speed limits

    If no speed limit is posted, what is the limit in an Iowa business district?

    20 mph

    Iowa sets a 20 mph limit in business districts when no other limit is posted.

    Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42

Every Iowa number, by topic

Official test facts and Iowa laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driverslegis.iowa.gov
Quote
a. While under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or other drug or a combination of such substances. b. While having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more.
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21legis.iowa.gov
Quote
A person who is under the age of twenty-one shall not operate a motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration, as defined under section 321J.1, of .02 or more.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclelegis.iowa.gov
Quote
Operating a commercial motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration, as defined in section 321J.1, of 0.04 or more.
one-yearDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a chemical test brings a one-year revocationlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
A person who is under the age of twenty-one shall not operate a motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration, as defined under section 321J.1, of .02 or more.
60 daysA 19-year-old driver is caught with a BAC of .05. What is the minimum revocation of their driving privileges?Answer: 60 daysIowa Driver's License Manual, page 37
Quote
An underage driver will have their driving privileges revoked for a minimum of 60 days and for a minimum of 180 days if the BAC is .08 or more.
one yearWhat happens to your Iowa license the first time you refuse a chemical test for OWI?Answer: It is revoked for one yearIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
a. One year if the person has no previous revocation under this chapter; and b. Two years if the person has had a previous revocation under this chapter.
under 18A 17-year-old's license is revoked for OWI. Can they get a temporary restricted license during the revocation?Answer: No, offenders under 18 are not eligibleIowa Driver's License Manual, page 37
Quote
Offenders under age 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license while their license is revoked for OWI.

Fines, points & penalties

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$70, $135Seat beltsScheduled fines: $70 under 321.445, $135 under 321.446legis.iowa.gov
Quote
(1) For a violation under section 321.445, the scheduled fine is seventy dollars. (2) For a violation under section 321.446, the scheduled fine is one hundred thirty-five dollars.
$345-$930, 30 daysSchool busesFirst offense: $345-$930 fine or up to 30 days in jaillegis.iowa.gov
Quote
punishable by a fine of at least three hundred forty-five dollars but not more than nine hundred thirty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or by both.
$135Under Iowa's fine schedule, what is the fine for violating the child restraint law, which covers passengers under 18?Answer: $135Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
(2) For a violation under section 321.446, the scheduled fine is one hundred thirty-five dollars.

Speed limits

16 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 mphSpeed limitsBusiness district 20 mphlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
(1) Twenty miles per hour in any business district. (2) Twenty-five miles per hour in any residence or school district. (3) Forty-five miles per hour in any suburban district.
25 mphSpeed limitsResidence or school district 25 mphlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
(1) Twenty miles per hour in any business district. (2) Twenty-five miles per hour in any residence or school district. (3) Forty-five miles per hour in any suburban district.
45 mphSpeed limitsSuburban district 45 mphlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
(1) Twenty miles per hour in any business district. (2) Twenty-five miles per hour in any residence or school district. (3) Forty-five miles per hour in any suburban district.
55 mph, 50 mphSpeed limitsUnsurfaced secondary roads 55 mph sunrise to sunset and 50 mph sunset to sunriselegis.iowa.gov
Quote
not greater than fifty-five miles per hour at any time between sunrise and sunset, and not greater than fifty miles per hour at any time between sunset and sunrise, on secondary roads unless such roads are surfaced with concrete or asphalt
65 mphSpeed limitsFully controlled-access divided multilane highways 65 mphlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
the speed limit for all vehicular traffic on fully controlled-access, divided, multilaned highways is sixty-five miles per hour.
70 mphSpeed limitsInterstate highways 70 mph (lower limits may be posted)legis.iowa.gov
Quote
However, the speed limit for all vehicular traffic on highways that are part of the interstate road system, as defined in section 306.3, is seventy miles per hour.
20 mphIf no speed limit is posted, what is the limit in an Iowa business district?Answer: 20 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 42
Quote
the following general limits have been set: • 20 mph in any business district
25 mphWhat is the speed limit in an Iowa residential or school district when no limit is posted?Answer: 25 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 42
Quote
25 mph in a residential district or school district
45 mphWhat is Iowa's default speed limit in a suburban district?Answer: 45 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 42
Quote
45 mph in any suburban district
70 mphWhat is the maximum speed limit on Iowa's rural interstate highways?Answer: 70 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 42
Quote
70 mph on rural interstate highways
60 mphUnless another limit is posted, what is the speed limit on an Iowa primary highway that is not an interstate?Answer: 60 mphIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
Unless otherwise provided in this section or by other speed restrictions, the speed limit for all vehicular traffic shall be fifty-five sixty miles per hour.
50 mphWhat is the speed limit on an unsurfaced (gravel) secondary road in Iowa between sunset and sunrise?Answer: 50 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 42
Quote
50 mph on unsurfaced secondary roads from sunset until sunrise
40 mphWhat is the minimum speed on Iowa's interstate system?Answer: 40 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 42
Quote
On the interstate system there is a minimum speed of 40 mph.
35 mphA vehicle ahead has a reflective orange triangle on the back. What does that tell you?Answer: It travels at 35 mph or lessIowa Driver's License Manual, page 11
Quote
A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph or less.
25 to 35 mphAt what speed do snowplows typically operate?Answer: 25 to 35 mphIowa Driver's License Manual, page 61
Quote
Snowplows typically operate at 25-35 mph. Many drivers fail to realize this and hit them from behind.
20 mphYou are meeting a school bus head-on on a two-lane road, and its amber warning lights start flashing. What must you do?Answer: Slow to no more than 20 mph and be ready to stopIowa Driver's License Manual, page 20
Quote
When you see amber warning lights flashing, you must slow your vehicle to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop.

Distances & following gaps

13 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetSchool busesStop no closer than 15 feet and wait until the arm is retracted and the bus moveslegis.iowa.gov
Quote
overtaking a school bus shall not pass a school bus when red or amber warning signal lights are flashing. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop no closer than fifteen feet from the school bus
15 feetWhen you stop for a train at a railroad crossing, how far should your vehicle be from the nearest rail?Answer: At least 15 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 12
Quote
When stopped, leave at least 15 feet between the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail.
100 feetOn a road with a 35 mph speed limit, how far before a turn does Iowa law require you to signal?Answer: At least 100 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 43
Quote
Iowa law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before a turn if the speed limit is 45 mph or less
300 feetYou plan to turn off a highway posted at 55 mph. How far before the turn must you signal?Answer: At least 300 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 43
Quote
if the speed limit is faster than 45 mph, you must signal at least 300 feet before you turn.
100 feetUnder Iowa rules, how close to an intersection may you pass another vehicle?Answer: No closer than 100 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 46
Quote
Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection.
3 secondsUnder normal conditions, what following distance should a beginning driver keep?Answer: At least 3 secondsIowa Driver's License Manual, page 41
Quote
An inexperienced or beginning driver should maintain at least a three-second following distance under normal driving conditions.
4 to 5 secondsAt 40 mph, what following distance does the Iowa manual recommend?Answer: 4 to 5 secondsIowa Driver's License Manual, page 41
Quote
At speeds of 40 mph, a four- to five-second following distance is recommended.
69 feetAccording to the Iowa manual's chart, what is the total stopping distance at 20 mph?Answer: About 69 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 40
Quote
STOPPING DISTANCE mph 20 44ft + 25ft = 69ft
3 to 4 secondsWhat following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle on a dry road?Answer: At least 3 to 4 secondsIowa Driver's License Manual, page 58
Quote
When driving behind a motorcycle, allow at least a 3-4 second following distance.
500 feetHow far behind an emergency vehicle using lights and sirens must you stay?Answer: At least 500 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 19
Quote
Stay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens.
15 feetYou are behind a school bus that stops with its stop arm out. How close may you stop to the bus?Answer: No closer than 15 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 20
Quote
Stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus, and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the school bus starts moving again.
500 feetWhen does Iowa law require you to use both headlights?Answer: From sunset to sunrise, or when visibility is 500 feet or lessIowa Driver's License Manual, page 49
Quote
Iowa law requires the use of both headlights from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is 500 feet or less
6 inchesHow much moving water can sweep away a vehicle, including SUVs and pickups?Answer: As little as 6 inchesIowa Driver's License Manual, page 60
Quote
As little as 6 inches of water may sweep away a vehicle, including SUVs and pickups.

Parking

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
5 feetIowa law says you may not park closer than how many feet to a fire hydrant?Answer: 5 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 21
Quote
Closer than five feet from a fire hydrant; or in a designated hydrant red zone.
10 feetHow close to a stop sign may you park in Iowa?Answer: No closer than 10 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 21
Quote
Closer than 10 feet from a stop sign.
20 feetHow far must you park from the entrance of a fire station in Iowa?Answer: At least 20 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 21
Quote
Closer than 20 feet from a fire station entrance.
50 feetWhat is the minimum parking distance from a railroad crossing in Iowa?Answer: 50 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 21
Quote
Closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing.
18 inchesYou park on a street with a curb. How close to the curb must your wheels be?Answer: Within 18 inchesIowa Driver's License Manual, page 21
Quote
If there is a curb, park within 18 inches of the curb or closer.

Ages, permits & the test

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
80%Passing scoreiowadot.gov
Quote
questions from the real knowledge test given at any Iowa driver’s license station or county treasurer’s office. ... A score of 80% or higher is needed for a passing score.
$6Feeiowadot.gov
Quote
Instruction Permit (Class C) $6, 4 years
14 yearsWhat is the youngest age at which you can get an Iowa instruction permit?Answer: 14 years oldIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
Be at least 14 years old. Pass the knowledge and vision test.
at least 25You are 15 and hold an Iowa instruction permit. A licensed family friend who is not related to you offers to supervise your driving. What does Iowa require of that person?Answer: Be at least 25 and have written permission from your parentIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
A person at least 25 years of age with written permission from your parent, guardian, or custodian.
12 monthsHow long must you hold a valid instruction permit before you can get an Iowa intermediate license?Answer: A total of 12 monthsIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
Have a valid instruction permit (or instruction permit and special minor’s restricted license ) for a total of 12 months.
10 hoursTo move from an intermediate license to a full Iowa license, how much supervised driving must you complete while holding the intermediate license?Answer: 10 hours, with at least 2 between sunset and sunriseIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
Complete 10 hours of supervised driving while holding your intermediate license. At least two of those hours must be between sunset and sunrise.
12 monthsYou hold an intermediate license and get a moving traffic conviction. How does that affect your move to a full license?Answer: It delays the upgrade by 12 monthsIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
Quote
Every time you get a conviction, cause a crash, or violate a restriction, it delays your ability to upgrade to the next phase of license by 12 months.
180 daysWhat is the longest license suspension an Iowa driver can face for illegally passing a stopped school bus?Answer: License suspension of up to 180 daysIowa Driver's License Manual, page 20
Quote
Violating this law may result in your license being suspended for up to 180 days.
one yearWhat is the possible license penalty for violating Iowa's Move Over or Slow Down Law?Answer: Suspension for up to one yearIowa Driver's License Manual, page 22
Quote
Violating this law may result in your license being suspended for up to one year.
under 18May a 16-year-old ride in the open bed of a moving pickup truck in Iowa?Answer: No, no one under 18 may ride thereIowa Driver's License Manual, page 35
Quote
A child under the age of 18 cannot ride in the rear of a moving pickup truck.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
under 18Seat beltsEveryone under 18 in every seating position (seat belt or child restraint)legis.iowa.gov
Quote
A child at least six years of age but under eighteen years of age who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit by a child restraint system
1 year, 20 lbSeat beltsUnder 1 year and under 20 lb: rear-facing child restraintlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
A child under one year of age and weighing less than twenty pounds who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit in a rear-facing child restraint system
10 inchesHow far should your chest be from the steering wheel?Answer: At least 10 inchesIowa Driver's License Manual, page 25
Quote
There should be at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and your chest, with the air bag pointing at your chest.
70 percentHow much light must Iowa's windshield and front side windows let through if they are tinted?Answer: At least 70 percentIowa Driver's License Manual, page 24
Quote
Iowa law requires tinted windshields and windows to the immediate right or left of the driver to allow at least 70 percent of the light through.
500 feetYour car must have at least one red light on the back. From how far away must it be visible?Answer: At least 500 feetIowa Driver's License Manual, page 24
Quote
You also need at least one red light on the back of the vehicle, and it should be visible for at least 500 feet.

Other numbers

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 mphSchool busesMeeting a bus: slow to no more than 20 mph when amber lights flash and stop when the bus stops and extends the stop armlegis.iowa.gov
Quote
when meeting a school bus with flashing amber warning lamps shall reduce the vehicle’s speed to not more than twenty miles per hour, and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stops and the stop signal arm is extended.
10 timesOn ice and snow, how much longer can your stopping distance be?Answer: Up to 10 times greaterIowa Driver's License Manual, page 61
Quote
Brake only when traveling in a straight line. Stopping distances can be 10 times greater in ice and snow.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Iowa permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 61 of them for Iowa, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Iowa Driver's License Manual, Iowa statutes or DOT pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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