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  • 0  (4 mistakes allowed to pass)

Free Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2025

Average pass rate for driving tests in Iowa: 45%.
Average pass rate for this test: 51%.
Easy
6 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>8%
80-89=>16%
70-79=>29%
60-69=>25%
<60%=>22%
Avg. first-try score: 70%
Perfect for:
Learner’s permit applicants
First‑time adult applicants

In Iowa, what most people call the “DMV” is officially the DOT (Iowa Department of Transportation). You’ll take the knowledge test – often called the written test or permit test. Obtaining your Iowa learner’s permit involves completing a vision screening and passing a written permit knowledge test. The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, safe driving practices, road signs and signals, vehicle maintenance, driving under the influence (including fatigue), and sharing the road as outlined in the state’s Iowa DOT 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 80% (28 out of 25 questions). Iowa offers an online option for taking the knowledge test called “Skip the Trip.” You will still need to visit the DOT to submit your documents and undergo the vision screening. If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next calendar day to retake it and pay a retest fee. Our free online practice test is designed to help you pass the official test on your first attempt. The Iowa DOT permit practice tests mimic the actual exam, are updated for November 2025, and provide instant feedback for incorrect responses to help speed the learning process.

Real exam-style pitfalls you’ll practice:
Common Traps
Distractors
Trick Wording
Double Negatives
Free Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2025
IA DOT driver's license
Based on the official IA Driver HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. Take this short practice test and read the explanations as you go. This is one of 4 free Iowa practice tests available on our site. Avg. finish time: 6 min.
  2. Cover more ground. Take all tests (different questions - no-repeats across sets).
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length, exam‑style run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions. Built from the current handbook + patterns recent test-takers report. These questions reflect what's actually being asked at the DOT right now. Explanations cite the DOT handbook section.
  • On-question help. AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights. See your weak topics and what to study next.

Actual DOT permit test: What to expect?

The Iowa permit test has 25 questions. You must get 20 correct (80%) to pass.
25 questions
20 to pass (80%)
  • Where: Any Iowa DOT office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof; fee: $6 (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake after 1 calendar day.
  • Commonly missed: safe following distance (3-second rule), passing and lane marking rules, and speed limits on highways, city streets, and residential areas.

Authored and curated by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.

Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)

Methodology & Editorial Policy

Last verified for accuracy: November 2025 (reviewed weekly)

Real Iowa drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

The system goes back and picks up missed questions..which I loved.
I love the layout and the quantity of questions. The use of AI to help understand answers was fantastic.
MB
Great study guide with helpful repetition and good coverage of material.
Nothing fell through the cracks. Helpful structure with practice questions that are quite similar to the actual exam to get you in the mind frame (as the phrasing can be confusing). I passed on my first try with a 95%.
RB
Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve passed on the first try without this site.
Driving-tests.org made prepping for the DMV written test way easier than I expected. The practice tests were almost identical to the real thing, so by the time I took the actual test, I felt confident and calm. The layout is simple, the explanations are clear, and it helped me focus on exactly what I needed to pass. Highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to risk failing.
NR

About the Iowa learner permit

If under 18, Iowa’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program introduces driving privileges in phases. At 14 years old, you can apply for an instruction permit, which will allow you to drive with a parent, guardian, or licensed driver who’s at least 21. After holding your instruction permit for at least 12 months, completing an approved driver’s education course, logging 20 supervised driving hours (including 2 hours at night), and passing a road skills test, you can get an intermediate license at 16. (You can skip the road test if your driver’s education course instructor decides you passed the course.) This license allows unsupervised driving but limits passengers and driving times. At 17, you may apply for the unrestricted license if you’ve held your intermediate license for at least 12 months with no traffic violations in the last six months.

If you’re at least 18 years old, most of these GDL requirements don’t apply to you. However, you must still pass the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests. To apply for your permit, go to the DOT with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W2), two proofs of Iowa residency (utility bill, rental agreement), and a parental consent form if you’re under 18. Pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

Driver’s Ed is - nobody wants to set foot inside the DOT. That’s why millions of learners trust us for simple, visual, effective prep.

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