How to Get Your Iowa Learner’s Permit

Most people think one or two quizzes is enough - then the DOT knowledge exam surprises them. On Driving-Tests.org, every question is based on the official Iowa Driver’s Manual and written in real exam style: tricky wording, double-negatives, and the same pitfalls people miss at the counter.
Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Verified by Steven Litvintchouk

Methodology & Editorial Policy

How to study (step by step)

  1. Know the test

    35 questions, need 28 right (80%).

    Minimum age: 14.

  2. Take a Diagnostic

    Spot your weak areas quickly.

  3. Do Practice Tests 1–5

    Short 10-minute sessions work best.

  4. Review mistakes

    Use the Challenge Bank until you’re consistently at 80%+.

Study habit

All questions follow the Iowa Driver’s Manual.

Tap Start Free Practice Test to get road-ready.

IA 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 + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake after 1 calendar day.
  • Commonly missed: safe following distance (3-second rule), passing and lane marking rules.

Real drivers who have already passed with us in Iowa

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

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