Iowa permit test: alcohol & drugs

BAC limits, implied consent, penalties, open containers and impairment. 6 questions.

Question 1 of 6
Alcohol & drugsIowa rule

In Iowa, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver age 21 or older Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)?

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Sample alcohol & drugs questions

  1. In Iowa, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver age 21 or older Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)?

    • A .08 or higher
    • B .10 or higher
    • C .05 or higher
    • D .12 or higher
    Show answer

    A. .08 or higher

    Iowa defines OWI as driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, or with any amount of a controlled substance in your system. BAC can be tested by breath, urine or blood.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 37

  2. Iowa has a separate, stricter alcohol limit for drivers under 21. At what BAC does a driver under 21 break that law?

    • A .04 or more
    • B .08 or more
    • C .02 or more
    • D .00, any detectable amount
    Show answer

    C. .02 or more

    Iowa law says a person under 21 may not drive with a BAC of .02 or more, far below the adult .08 limit. Even one drink can reach that level for a young driver, and a violation brings a revocation of at least 60 days.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 37

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

    • A 30 days
    • B 60 days
    • C 180 days
    • D 1 year
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    B. 60 days

    An underage driver at .02 or more loses driving privileges for at least 60 days. If the BAC is .08 or more, the minimum rises to 180 days.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual, page 37

  4. What happens to your Iowa license the first time you refuse a chemical test for OWI?

    • A It is revoked for one year
    • B It is revoked for 60 days
    • C Nothing happens unless you are later convicted
    • D It is revoked for 180 days
    Show answer

    A. It is revoked for one year

    If you refuse chemical testing and have no previous OWI revocation, the Iowa DOT revokes your license for one year, or two years with a prior revocation. Refusing brings a longer revocation than failing the test.

    Source: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division website