Iowa DOT Practice Test 2024

The Iowa DOT permit test consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 questions correctly to get a passing score (80%). The questions in our sample tests are nearly identical to those on the official IA exam.

Not your state?

What to expect on the official IA permit test

Number of questions:

Correct answers needed to pass:

Passing score:

80%

Minimum age to apply:

14years

Length of test:

25min

Questions

What will happen if you refuse a breath test when an officer suspects you of driving while intoxicated?

The implied consent law in Iowa says that by getting behind the wheel, you have already given consent (i.e. answered "yes") to allow a blood, breath, or urine test if requested by a law enforcement officer. Refusing a police breath/chemical test is a serious offense and will result in license suspension.

What is the BAC-limit for drivers that are 21 years old or older?

Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or more is illegal in Iowa and counts as DUI. You can also be convicted if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, even when your BAC is below the legal limit. The penalty for a first-time conviction is a fine of up to $1,250, up to 12 months in jail, and a license revocation for up to 180 days depending on your BAC.

What is the BAC-limit for drivers under 21 years old?

Drivers under 21 face stricter rules than older drivers in Iowa and may be convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 or higher.

When driving at night, you must dim your lights to low-beam when you're within _____ of an oncoming vehicle.

High beam headlights will temporarily blind other drivers if used the wrong way. In Iowa, you are required to dim your light to low beam if (1) within 1000 feet of an oncoming vehicle or (2) within 400 feet of a vehicle traveling in your direction.

You're driving at night and approaching another vehicle traveling in your direction. When must you dim your lights?

You are required to use your headlights in certain conditions. Which of the following is an example of such a condition?

In Iowa, you must use your headlights between (1) sunset and sunrise or (2) when visibility is less than 500 feet. You are also required to dim your lights to low beam when (1) within 1000 feet of an oncoming vehicle and (2) within 400 feet of a vehicle traveling in your direction.

Is the use of Hazard Lights permitted while driving?

Hazard light use is not permitted while driving in Iowa except for the purpose of indicating a traffic hazard.

You see that there is a stopped emergency vehicle on the road shoulder ahead,. What should you do?

The Iowa move-over-law is designed to protect emergency personnel and workers. If approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights, including tow trucks, road maintenance-, municipal-, utility-, construction and recovery vehicles, you must slow down and vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle. If changing lanes is unsafe or not possible, you must slow down to a safe and prudent speed for the conditions. This law also applies to any stationary vehicles displaying hazard lights.

What is considered a sufficient following distance on a dry road?

You should always maintain a following distance of at least 2 seconds to the vehicle in front of you according to the "two-second rule" that is used in Iowa. In bad conditions and at higher speeds, you should consider increasing the following distance to 4-5 seconds so you have time to safely stop if necessary. On slippery roads, it may be necessary to increase the following distance even more.

What is the standard speed limit in residential or school districts?

In Iowa, the standard speed limit in residential or school districts is 25 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.

What is the standard maximum speed limit in a business district?

In Iowa, the standard speed limit in business districts is 20 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.

You suddenly notice an emergency vehicle with red flashing lights behind you. Which statement is true?

Emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens have the right-of-way in every situation and must be able to pass you easily. Pull over to the curb and stop.

What does it mean to ‘adapt your speed to the conditions’?

Always adapt your speed to conditions, and never drive faster than the speed limit. Even if other drivers are driving too fast, that isn’t an excuse for you to drive over the speed limit.

What does this sign mean?

This service sign tells you that there is a gas station nearby.

What does this sign mean?

This is a ‘Winding Road’ sign. It warns you that there are a number of closely spaced curves on the road ahead, so slow down to an appropriate speed. he sign varies depending on the situation. In this case, there will be several closely spaced curves for the next 2 miles with the first curve to the right.

What does this sign mean?

This sign is usually found at or near bridges, underpasses and tunnels. Large trucks that exceed the highest allowed height will have to take another route.

It’s dark outside and you’re driving up a hill. What should you do when approaching the top of the hill?

You will, for the most part, be able to see the headlights of an oncoming vehicle before you see the actual vehicle.

You have been drinking alcohol. Which statement is true?

Avoid driving home even if your BAC is below the legal limit. Any alcohol consumption will negatively affect your driving skills, and as a consequence increase crash risk.

When following a motorcyclist on a road that has poor surface, you should:

Motorcyclists, like bicyclists, may swerve to avoid potholes and bumps in the road. Allow them extra space so they can move about.

If your car's wheels are unbalanced:

If your wheels are out of balance, the steering wheel will vibrate at certain speeds.

If your wheels are unbalanced, you need to have it fixed.

Is Passing the Iowa DOT Permit Test Hard?

It all depends on your level of preparation. Nationally, it’s estimated that about half of persons who take the permit test don’t pass it the first time, even if they study with the driver’s handbook. If you’re counting on studying the old-fashioned way, you might join them.

By using Zutobi, you’ll have all the tools you need to study effectively. Navigate seamlessly through our platform and enjoy studying for your Iowa permit test, without having to do it all again.

Use Zutobi to Ace Your Iowa DMV Written Test

With Zutobi’s engaging, innovative, and best of all, fun, course, you can:

Easily commit Iowa traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving skills to memory with our engaging format and bite-sized lessons.
Earn points, achievements, and badges on the road towards acing your permit test.
Take our Iowa practice permit tests based on the official tests. Each of our permit practice tests comes with a detailed explanation so you’ll have the ability to learn from your mistakes.

Pass your Iowa permit test the first time (95% of Zutobi customers do).
Earn a passing score without ever having to lift the Iowa driver’s handbook again.

Take Our Free Iowa Practice Permit Tests Now

Go ahead and take our FREE Iowa DMV practice test to see what you know. If you didn’t do as well as you hoped on the practice test, we built an exciting and interactive course that will help you do better next time!