Updated for 2026

Iowa Iowa DOT (Department of Transportation)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

35

Passing Score

28

Standard Fee

$6 (Instruction Permit) / $4 per year (License)

Testing System

touchscreen kiosk (with 'Skip' feature)

Critical Failure Factors

A common reason for failing in Iowa is the lack of awareness regarding slow-moving agricultural vehicles on rural roads and failing to strictly observe the 'stop line' at intersections, often stopping too far forward.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Iowa's traffic laws are designed to address both urban safety and the unique risks of a largely agricultural state. A central pillar of Iowa law is the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which allows teenagers to begin driving at a younger age than in many other states. A teen can obtain an Instruction Permit at age 14. To advance to the Intermediate License at age 16, they must hold the permit for 12 months violation-free and complete an approved Driver Education course. The Intermediate License carries strict restrictions: driving is prohibited between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM. Furthermore, for the first six months, the driver is limited to only one non-family passenger under the age of 18. This restriction is waived if a parent is present. One of the most strictly enforced statutes in Iowa is 'Kadyn's Law' (named after a child tragically killed by a driver passing a school bus). This law imposes severe criminal and civil penalties for failing to stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended. A first offense results in a mandatory fine of at least $250 and an automatic 30-day license suspension. Subsequent offenses escalate rapidly in severity. Iowa also enforces a 'Move Over' law that has been expanded to protect not just police and ambulances, but any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, including tow trucks, utility vehicles, and highway maintenance trucks. Drivers must change lanes or slow down significantly. Regarding distracted driving, Iowa law treats texting while driving as a primary offense for all drivers, meaning an officer can pull you over solely for seeing you typing on a phone. For drivers under 18, the use of ANY electronic device (even hands-free) is completely prohibited. Additionally, Iowa has specific laws regarding 'Open Containers'; it is illegal for any occupant (driver or passenger) to possess an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public street or highway.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Iowa requires a specific understanding of rural hazards that are statistically significant in the state. The most famous slogan taught in Iowa driver education is 'Don't Veer for Deer'. Iowa consistently ranks in the top five states for deer-vehicle collisions. Drivers are taught that if a collision with a deer is unavoidable, they should brake firmly and stay in their lane rather than swerving, as swerving often leads to rolling the vehicle into a ditch or hitting oncoming traffic, which is far more deadly. Another critical fact involves agricultural equipment. During planting (spring) and harvest (fall) seasons, drivers will frequently encounter tractors and combines. These vehicles display the orange and red 'Slow Moving Vehicle' (SMV) triangle. A major danger is the 'closure rate': a car traveling at 55 mph approaches a tractor traveling at 15 mph incredibly fast—covering the gap in seconds. Impatience in passing these vehicles is a leading cause of rural fatalities. Uniquely, Iowa allows for 'Parent-Taught Driver Education'. While most states require commercial driving schools, Iowa allows parents to teach the required curriculum at home if they meet specific criteria and use approved materials, acknowledging the rural nature of the state where a driving school might be far away. Regarding the test itself, the Iowa DOT kiosk system has a helpful feature: the 'Skip' button. If you don't know an answer, you can skip it without penalty. The question goes to the end of the queue. If you answer enough other questions correctly to reach 28, the test ends, and you never have to answer the skipped ones. This is a strategic advantage for test-takers. Environmentally, winter driving is a serious matter; drivers are encouraged to use the 'Iowa 511' app to check road conditions before traveling, as blizzards can close Interstate 80 rapidly. Finally, be aware that Iowa licenses generally cost $4 per year and can be issued for periods of 5 to 8 years depending on age, making the renewal cycle longer than in many other states.