Iowa Permit Practice Test 1
26 questions written from the Iowa Driver's License Manual, with an explanation and page citation for every answer.
What is the youngest age at which you can get an Iowa instruction permit?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
About this test
These questions were written from the Iowa Driver's License Manual (Form M M1170 07/23/2026). 13 of the 21 Iowa questions in this test cover rules that are specific to Iowa or differ between states. Every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the exact page it comes from, so you can check it yourself.
Your answers are saved in this browser. Questions you miss go to My mistakes so you can practice them again.
Sample questions from this test
What is the youngest age at which you can get an Iowa instruction permit?
- A 15 years old
- B 15 and a half years old
- C 16 years old
- D 14 years old
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D. 14 years old
Iowa issues an instruction permit at age 14 once you pass the knowledge and vision tests. The permit is the first of three steps in Iowa's graduated driver's license system for drivers under 18.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
What does a fluorescent yellow-green sign warn you about?
- A Pedestrians, bicycles, and schools
- B Road work and temporary traffic control
- C Recreation and cultural sites
- D Crash cleanup and other incidents
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A. Pedestrians, bicycles, and schools
Fluorescent yellow-green is used for pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs. The bright color stands out so you notice the most vulnerable road users early.
Besides your license or permit, what does Iowa require you to carry in the vehicle?
- A The vehicle title and a repair record
- B Your birth certificate and the registration
- C Proof of registration and an insurance card
- D Only the registration; insurance is checked online
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C. Proof of registration and an insurance card
Iowa drivers must carry current proof of registration and an insurance card, which may be printed or electronic. Not having them can bring fines and even impoundment of the vehicle.
You are 16 and drive with an Iowa instruction permit. How may you make a phone call while driving?
- A Only while holding the phone on speaker
- B Never, not even hands-free
- C Only in voice-activated or hands-free mode
- D Only at red lights and stop signs
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C. Only in voice-activated or hands-free mode
Since July 1, 2025, Iowa's hands-free law applies the same way to every driver, including permit and intermediate license holders under 18. You may call using voice commands or a hands-free mode, but you may not hold or manipulate the phone.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website
In Iowa, a child under what age must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat rather than just a seat belt?
- A Under 4
- B Under 6
- C Under 8
- D Under 12
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B. Under 6
Iowa requires a child under six to be secured in a child restraint system, such as a safety seat or booster seat, not just a seat belt. From six up to 18, a child restraint or seat belt is required in every seat.