Iowa Permit Test: Alcohol & Drugs Practice Questions
BAC limits, implied consent and DUI penalties.
Question 1
In Iowa, what defines Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)?
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
Question 2
If you operate while intoxicated in Iowa, what is the minimum license revocation, even without a criminal conviction?
Correct answer: 180 days
Even if not convicted in criminal court, your driving privileges are revoked for at least 180 days for operating while intoxicated.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 3
What BAC makes a driver under 21 legally intoxicated in Iowa?
Correct answer: .02 or more
An underage driver is considered to be operating while intoxicated with a BAC of .02 or more.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 4
What is the minimum revocation for an underage Iowa driver with a BAC of .02 to under .08?
Correct answer: 60 days
An underage driver loses driving privileges for at least 60 days, or at least 180 days if the BAC is .08 or more.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 5
What happens if you refuse a breath test in Iowa?
Correct answer: Automatic 1-year revocation and at least a $1,250 fine
Refusal brings an automatic one-year revocation and a minimum $1,250 fine—more severe than failing the test.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 6
What is the penalty for an open container of alcohol in a vehicle in Iowa?
Correct answer: A simple misdemeanor, up to $200 per person
Transporting an open container is a simple misdemeanor with up to a $200 fine for each driver and passenger; open containers may ride in the trunk.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 7
Where may an open container of alcohol legally be carried in an Iowa vehicle?
Correct answer: In the trunk
Open containers of alcoholic beverages may be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 8
Under Iowa's implied consent law, what have you agreed to by holding an Iowa license?
Correct answer: Sobriety testing on demand by police
As a license holder you contractually agree to consent to a sobriety test on demand by law enforcement; it also applies to non-residents driving in Iowa.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs
Question 9
After refusing a test, what else may an Iowa court order?
Correct answer: A substance use class or an ignition interlock
If found guilty of refusing, the court may order a substance use disorder class and evaluation or an ignition interlock at your expense.
Source: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive – 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs