Iowa Driving Theory Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Iowa knowledge test, and what score do I need to pass?

35 multiple-choice questions, and you need 28 correct -- 80% -- to pass.

How old do I have to be to get an Iowa instruction permit?

At least 14, with a signed parent or guardian consent affidavit -- the permit stays valid up to four years from your birthday anniversary.

How long do I have to hold my permit before I can get an intermediate license?

At least 12 months, with the final six months free of any accidents or violations.

How many hours of supervised driving do I need for an intermediate license?

20 hours total, including at least 2 after sunset and before sunrise, confirmed by a parent or guardian affidavit.

Can I carry friends in the car with my new intermediate license?

Only one unrelated minor for the first six months -- unless a parent or guardian signs a waiver removing that limit entirely.

Do I need driver's education to get an Iowa license?

Yes, if you're under 18 -- you'll need to show completion of an Iowa-approved driver's education course before licensing.

Can I use my phone hands-free while driving on an Iowa instruction permit?

No -- permit, intermediate, and special minor license holders under 18 can't make or receive any call while driving, even hands-free, unless fully stopped off the roadway.

What's Iowa's minimum auto insurance requirement?

$20,000 for one person's injury or death, $40,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage, per crash.

Is staying awake too long really as dangerous as drunk driving?

According to Iowa's own driver manual, being awake for 18 straight hours impairs driving as much as a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration -- legally drunk.

Can my Iowa license note that I'm deaf or have autism, for traffic stops?

Yes -- Iowa offers a printed autism and/or deaf-or-hard-of-hearing indicator on your license or ID, visible to officers in the lookup database during a stop.