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.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
43 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
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.
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.
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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | legis.iowa.govQuotea. 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 21 | legis.iowa.govQuoteA 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 vehicle | legis.iowa.govQuoteOperating a commercial motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration, as defined in section 321J.1, of 0.04 or more. |
| one-year | Drunk driving (DUI)Refusing a chemical test brings a one-year revocation | legis.iowa.govQuoteA 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 days | A 19-year-old driver is caught with a BAC of .05. What is the minimum revocation of their driving privileges?Answer: 60 days | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 37QuoteAn 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 year | What happens to your Iowa license the first time you refuse a chemical test for OWI?Answer: It is revoked for one year | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuotea. 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 18 | A 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 eligible | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 37QuoteOffenders under age 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license while their license is revoked for OWI. |
Fines, points & penalties
3 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $70, $135 | Seat beltsScheduled fines: $70 under 321.445, $135 under 321.446 | legis.iowa.govQuote(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 days | School busesFirst offense: $345-$930 fine or up to 30 days in jail | legis.iowa.govQuotepunishable 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. |
| $135 | Under Iowa's fine schedule, what is the fine for violating the child restraint law, which covers passengers under 18?Answer: $135 | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuote(2) For a violation under section 321.446, the scheduled fine is one hundred thirty-five dollars. |
Speed limits
16 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | Speed limitsBusiness district 20 mph | legis.iowa.govQuote(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 mph | Speed limitsResidence or school district 25 mph | legis.iowa.govQuote(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 mph | Speed limitsSuburban district 45 mph | legis.iowa.govQuote(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 mph | Speed limitsUnsurfaced secondary roads 55 mph sunrise to sunset and 50 mph sunset to sunrise | legis.iowa.govQuotenot 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 mph | Speed limitsFully controlled-access divided multilane highways 65 mph | legis.iowa.govQuotethe speed limit for all vehicular traffic on fully controlled-access, divided, multilaned highways is sixty-five miles per hour. |
| 70 mph | Speed limitsInterstate highways 70 mph (lower limits may be posted) | legis.iowa.govQuoteHowever, 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 mph | If no speed limit is posted, what is the limit in an Iowa business district?Answer: 20 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42Quotethe following general limits have been set: • 20 mph in any business district |
| 25 mph | What is the speed limit in an Iowa residential or school district when no limit is posted?Answer: 25 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42Quote25 mph in a residential district or school district |
| 45 mph | What is Iowa's default speed limit in a suburban district?Answer: 45 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42Quote45 mph in any suburban district |
| 70 mph | What is the maximum speed limit on Iowa's rural interstate highways?Answer: 70 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42Quote70 mph on rural interstate highways |
| 60 mph | Unless another limit is posted, what is the speed limit on an Iowa primary highway that is not an interstate?Answer: 60 mph | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuoteUnless 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 mph | What is the speed limit on an unsurfaced (gravel) secondary road in Iowa between sunset and sunrise?Answer: 50 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42Quote50 mph on unsurfaced secondary roads from sunset until sunrise |
| 40 mph | What is the minimum speed on Iowa's interstate system?Answer: 40 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 42QuoteOn the interstate system there is a minimum speed of 40 mph. |
| 35 mph | A vehicle ahead has a reflective orange triangle on the back. What does that tell you?Answer: It travels at 35 mph or less | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 11QuoteA reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph or less. |
| 25 to 35 mph | At what speed do snowplows typically operate?Answer: 25 to 35 mph | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 61QuoteSnowplows typically operate at 25-35 mph. Many drivers fail to realize this and hit them from behind. |
| 20 mph | You 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 stop | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 20QuoteWhen 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 feet | School busesStop no closer than 15 feet and wait until the arm is retracted and the bus moves | legis.iowa.govQuoteovertaking 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 feet | When you stop for a train at a railroad crossing, how far should your vehicle be from the nearest rail?Answer: At least 15 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 12QuoteWhen stopped, leave at least 15 feet between the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail. |
| 100 feet | On a road with a 35 mph speed limit, how far before a turn does Iowa law require you to signal?Answer: At least 100 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 43QuoteIowa law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before a turn if the speed limit is 45 mph or less |
| 300 feet | You plan to turn off a highway posted at 55 mph. How far before the turn must you signal?Answer: At least 300 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 43Quoteif the speed limit is faster than 45 mph, you must signal at least 300 feet before you turn. |
| 100 feet | Under Iowa rules, how close to an intersection may you pass another vehicle?Answer: No closer than 100 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 46QuoteDo not pass within 100 feet of an intersection. |
| 3 seconds | Under normal conditions, what following distance should a beginning driver keep?Answer: At least 3 seconds | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 41QuoteAn inexperienced or beginning driver should maintain at least a three-second following distance under normal driving conditions. |
| 4 to 5 seconds | At 40 mph, what following distance does the Iowa manual recommend?Answer: 4 to 5 seconds | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 41QuoteAt speeds of 40 mph, a four- to five-second following distance is recommended. |
| 69 feet | According to the Iowa manual's chart, what is the total stopping distance at 20 mph?Answer: About 69 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 40QuoteSTOPPING DISTANCE mph 20 44ft + 25ft = 69ft |
| 3 to 4 seconds | What following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle on a dry road?Answer: At least 3 to 4 seconds | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 58QuoteWhen driving behind a motorcycle, allow at least a 3-4 second following distance. |
| 500 feet | How far behind an emergency vehicle using lights and sirens must you stay?Answer: At least 500 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 19QuoteStay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens. |
| 15 feet | You 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 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 20QuoteStop 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 feet | When does Iowa law require you to use both headlights?Answer: From sunset to sunrise, or when visibility is 500 feet or less | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 49QuoteIowa law requires the use of both headlights from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is 500 feet or less |
| 6 inches | How much moving water can sweep away a vehicle, including SUVs and pickups?Answer: As little as 6 inches | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 60QuoteAs little as 6 inches of water may sweep away a vehicle, including SUVs and pickups. |
Parking
5 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 5 feet | Iowa law says you may not park closer than how many feet to a fire hydrant?Answer: 5 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 21QuoteCloser than five feet from a fire hydrant; or in a designated hydrant red zone. |
| 10 feet | How close to a stop sign may you park in Iowa?Answer: No closer than 10 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 21QuoteCloser than 10 feet from a stop sign. |
| 20 feet | How far must you park from the entrance of a fire station in Iowa?Answer: At least 20 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 21QuoteCloser than 20 feet from a fire station entrance. |
| 50 feet | What is the minimum parking distance from a railroad crossing in Iowa?Answer: 50 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 21QuoteCloser than 50 feet from a railroad crossing. |
| 18 inches | You park on a street with a curb. How close to the curb must your wheels be?Answer: Within 18 inches | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 21QuoteIf there is a curb, park within 18 inches of the curb or closer. |
Ages, permits & the test
10 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | Passing score | iowadot.govQuotequestions 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. |
| $6 | Fee | iowadot.govQuoteInstruction Permit (Class C) $6, 4 years |
| 14 years | What is the youngest age at which you can get an Iowa instruction permit?Answer: 14 years old | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuoteBe at least 14 years old. Pass the knowledge and vision test. |
| at least 25 | You 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 parent | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuoteA person at least 25 years of age with written permission from your parent, guardian, or custodian. |
| 12 months | How long must you hold a valid instruction permit before you can get an Iowa intermediate license?Answer: A total of 12 months | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuoteHave a valid instruction permit (or instruction permit and special minor’s restricted license ) for a total of 12 months. |
| 10 hours | To 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 sunrise | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuoteComplete 10 hours of supervised driving while holding your intermediate license. At least two of those hours must be between sunset and sunrise. |
| 12 months | You 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 months | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division websiteQuoteEvery 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 days | What is the longest license suspension an Iowa driver can face for illegally passing a stopped school bus?Answer: License suspension of up to 180 days | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 20QuoteViolating this law may result in your license being suspended for up to 180 days. |
| one year | What is the possible license penalty for violating Iowa's Move Over or Slow Down Law?Answer: Suspension for up to one year | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 22QuoteViolating this law may result in your license being suspended for up to one year. |
| under 18 | May a 16-year-old ride in the open bed of a moving pickup truck in Iowa?Answer: No, no one under 18 may ride there | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 35QuoteA child under the age of 18 cannot ride in the rear of a moving pickup truck. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
5 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 18 | Seat beltsEveryone under 18 in every seating position (seat belt or child restraint) | legis.iowa.govQuoteA 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 lb | Seat beltsUnder 1 year and under 20 lb: rear-facing child restraint | legis.iowa.govQuoteA 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 inches | How far should your chest be from the steering wheel?Answer: At least 10 inches | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 25QuoteThere should be at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and your chest, with the air bag pointing at your chest. |
| 70 percent | How much light must Iowa's windshield and front side windows let through if they are tinted?Answer: At least 70 percent | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 24QuoteIowa 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 feet | Your car must have at least one red light on the back. From how far away must it be visible?Answer: At least 500 feet | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 24QuoteYou 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | School busesMeeting a bus: slow to no more than 20 mph when amber lights flash and stop when the bus stops and extends the stop arm | legis.iowa.govQuotewhen 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 times | On ice and snow, how much longer can your stopping distance be?Answer: Up to 10 times greater | Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 61QuoteBrake 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.