How to Get Your Iowa Learner's Permit

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Age 14 years old minimum — driver’s education required for all under-18 applicants
• Must be an Iowa resident
• Parent or legal guardian must accompany you if under 18

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll need to bring original documents (no photocopies) to prove:

• Identity — certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card
• Social Security number — Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099
• Iowa residency (2 documents) — utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, school enrollment, etc.
• Driver's education enrollment — if applying at age 14
• Parent/guardian consent — must be present and sign if under 18

Step 3: Study for the Knowledge Test

Iowa has one knowledge test: 25 questions, need 20 correct (80%) to pass. Road signs questions are included — there is no separate signs test.

• Download the Iowa Driver's License Manual (free from iowadot.gov)
• Take our free practice test — aim for 90%+ before going in
• Focus on: road signs, OWI laws, right-of-way, speed limits, school bus rules

Step 4: Visit an Iowa DOT Service Center

• Find a location: Use the Iowa DOT Location Finder — services are available at DOT Service Centers and County Treasurer's Offices
• Schedule online if your branch offers appointments (recommended to avoid wait times)
• Bring all documents from Step 2
• Pass the vision screening — 20/40 minimum with or without corrective lenses
• Pass the knowledge test — 25 questions, need 20 correct (80%) to pass. Road signs are included in the 25 questions.
• Pay the fee — check iowadot.gov for current permit fees

Step 5: After You Get Your Permit

Your permit comes with restrictions. Here's what you must do over the next 12 months:

• Always drive with a supervisor — parent/guardian, immediate family member 21+, driver ed teacher, or licensed driver 25+ with written parental permission. Supervisor must accompany you in the vehicle at all times.
• Log 20 hours of supervised driving, including at least 2 hours at night
• No calls while moving — under-18 permit holders may not make or receive phone calls while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle must be completely stopped off the traveled roadway. Texting is banned for all drivers.
• Hold the permit for at least 12 months before you can apply for a license
• Stay violation-free — infractions can delay your license eligibility

Step 6: Get Your License

After 12 months with no violations, you can apply for an intermediate license:

• Age requirement: at least 16 years old, held instruction permit for at least 12 months, completed Iowa-approved driver education and 20 hours supervised driving (2 at night)
• Pass the driving skills test — unless you have completed an Iowa-approved driver education course, in which case the driving test is not required (Iowa manual p.5). If you fail the driving test, the examiner will set the wait period before you can retake.
• Intermediate license (age 16+): 12:30 AM – 5:00 AM curfew, max 1 unrelated minor passenger for first 6 months. Full license available at age 17 after 12 clean months with intermediate license.