Free Iowa DOT Permit Practice Test 2025

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 business 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 September 2025, and provide instant feedback for incorrect responses to help speed the learning process.

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.