Iowa DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

Correct answer: Living in Iowa for 30 days in a row

You're a resident for licensing if you register to vote, enroll a child in school, take a permanent job, live in Iowa 30 continuous days, and similar.

Source: Chapter 1: Your Driver's License – 1.1 Who Needs an Iowa Driver's License?

Correct answer: Incident management, like crash cleanup

Fluorescent pink is used for warning and guide signs in incident management, such as crash cleanup and debris removal.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.1 Traffic Signs

Correct answer: Turn that way; oncoming traffic must stop

With a steady green arrow you may turn; oncoming traffic must stop. Drive only in the arrow's direction and yield to anyone already in the intersection.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.9 Traffic Signals

Correct answer: Failure to yield the right-of-way

Failure to yield the right-of-way is the number one cause of traffic-related fatalities in Iowa.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.22 Intersections

Correct answer: 20 mph

Without posted limits: 20 mph in business districts, 25 mph in residential or school districts, 45 mph in suburban districts.

Source: Chapter 4: Basic Driving Skills – 4.5 Appropriate Speed

Correct answer: Up to $100

Not wearing a belt is a primary offense punishable by up to $50 per passenger and $100 per passenger under 18.

Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.5 Seat Belts and Child Restraints

Correct answer: At least 100 feet

Iowa law requires signaling at least 100 feet before a turn at 45 mph or less, and at least 300 feet above 45 mph.

Source: Chapter 4: Basic Driving Skills – 4.7 Backing

Correct answer: 100 feet

Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, or signed narrow bridge, viaduct or tunnel.

Source: Chapter 4: Basic Driving Skills – 4.10 Passing

Correct answer: No closer than five feet

Do not park closer than five feet from a fire hydrant or in a designated hydrant red zone.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.26 Parking Not Allowed

Correct answer: BAC of .08 or more, or any controlled substance

OWI means a BAC of .08 or higher or operating with any amount of a controlled substance in your system.

Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs

Correct answer: At a 45-degree angle toward the train

Get everyone out immediately and move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle in the direction of the approaching train.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.10 Railroad Crossings

Correct answer: Completely change lanes

When passing bicyclists, completely change lanes, giving them the entire lane, and don't return until you see them in your mirror.

Source: Chapter 5: Applying Your Driving Skills – 5.11 Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

Correct answer: Move your vehicle out of traffic if it can be moved

If no one is injured and the vehicle is operable and safe to move, Iowa law requires moving it out of the driving lanes.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.28 Steer It-Clear It

Correct answer: No, unless stopped off the roadway

Drivers under 18 with a permit, intermediate or special minor license may not make or receive calls while driving unless stopped off the roadway.

Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.7 Eliminating Distractions

Correct answer: A visitor with a current home-state license

Visitors and students with a current license from their home state or country don't need an Iowa license; neither do on-duty military drivers or farm equipment within two miles.

Source: Chapter 1: Your Driver's License – 1.1 Who Needs an Iowa Driver's License?

Correct answer: 35 mph or less

In Iowa, the slow-moving vehicle triangle means the vehicle travels 35 mph or less (farm, maintenance or horse-drawn).

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.5 Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign

Correct answer: The turn signal is about to turn red

A steady yellow arrow means the turn signal is about to turn red; don't enter if you can stop safely, but finish the turn if already in the intersection.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.9 Traffic Signals

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right

At an all-way stop, the first to arrive goes first; for vehicles arriving together, the vehicle to the right goes first.

Source: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road – 2.22 Intersections

Correct answer: 25 mph

The general limit is 25 mph in a residential or school district.

Source: Chapter 4: Basic Driving Skills – 4.5 Appropriate Speed

Correct answer: Yes, it is a primary offense

Not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense, so you can be stopped solely for non-compliance.

Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.5 Seat Belts and Child Restraints