Iowa practice test
Iowa permit practice test.
Get to know the format, try six study questions, and check the explanations before opening a full Roadwise practice test. This course’s simulation is based on the format described below.
- Questions
- 25
- Correct to pass
- 20
- Practice timer
- No timer
- Study question bank
- 629
The format in this course
Iowa Knowledge Test
To pass this Roadwise simulation, answer at least 20 of 25 questions correctly. Answers and explanations appear after you finish. Unanswered questions count as incorrect.
This practice format uses one overall passing threshold, without a separately scored sign section.
This Roadwise practice format has no countdown, so you can take the time you need.
Changed from 35/28 (third-party only, traced to stale 2015-16 manual wording) to the official practice-test format, 25 questions at 80%. Iowa does not publish the live test's length. One combined test covering traffic laws and highway signs. Verified 2026-10-25.
Try a few practice questions
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
You drive farm equipment between your home farm and a field you rent nearby. When can you do this without an Iowa driver's license?
- Only if the equipment is under 20 mph
- Within two miles of the home farm
- Never; farm equipment always requires a license
- Only during planting and harvest season
Answer: Within two miles of the home farm
The manual exempts driving farm equipment between the home farm and nearby farmland or a farm operation within two miles.
Handbook p. 4 ↗You want to turn right on red after stopping. What must you do first?
- Yield to others first
- Wait for the light to turn green
- Wait for a green arrow
- Go; you have the right-of-way
Answer: Yield to others first
After stopping at a red light, you must yield before making a right turn on red.
Handbook p. 19 ↗On an automatic transmission, what does the 'L' position do?
- Locks the vehicle for parking
- Idles the engine in neutral
- Limits engine speed to low gear
- Keeps the car in its highest gear
Answer: Limits engine speed to low gear
'L' or Low Gear limits the engine's speed, which may also be shown as a numbered gear like 1, 2, or 3.
Handbook p. 39 ↗An oncoming vehicle has its left turn signal on as you approach an intersection. What should you do?
- Assume they will turn and proceed
- Proceed once they begin to slow
- Stop completely and wait regardless
- Wait until they actually start turning
Answer: Wait until they actually start turning
Don't assume a signal means the driver will turn where you expect; wait until they actually start turning.
Handbook p. 50 ↗Above what property damage amount must a crash be reported to police in Iowa?
- More than $500
- More than $5,000
- More than $1,500
- More than $200
Answer: More than $1,500
A crash involving injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage must be reported to police.
Handbook p. 63 ↗What does this sign mean?

- Indicates food services are available nearby.
- Marks a facility or space accessible to people with disabilities.
- Indicates lodging (a hotel or motel) is available nearby.
- Marks a designated evacuation route, often for hurricanes.
Answer: Marks a facility or space accessible to people with disabilities.
Accessible facility: Marks a facility or space accessible to people with disabilities. Use as directed; reserve marked accessible spaces for permit holders.
Handbook p. 6 ↗What to study next
The practice question pool spans the course. Use the topics below to read the rules behind an answer, then return to practice.
2 lessons
Your License
Who needs one, what to carry, and how to get licensed
Explore8 lessons
Signs, Signals & Markings
Colors, shapes, signals, crossings, and lane markings
Explore5 lessons
Right-of-Way, School Buses & Parking
Who yields, when to stop, and where you can't park
Explore7 lessons
Vehicle Readiness
Equipment, adjustments, and driver-assistance technology
Explore5 lessons
Seat Belts, Distractions & Impaired Driving
Protect yourself and stay fully alert behind the wheel
Explore4 lessons
Speed, Stopping & Following Distance
Control your speed and leave room to stop
Explore4 lessons
Turning, Lane Changes & Passing
Steer, signal, and pass with precision
Explore3 lessons
Defensive Driving & Communicating
Expect mistakes and make yourself seen
Explore4 lessons
Intersections, Interchanges & Roundabouts
Cross, merge, and circulate safely
Explore5 lessons
Rural Roads, Night Driving & Sharing the Road
Gravel, darkness, animals, and other road users
Explore4 lessons
Weather & Emergencies
Rain, floods, fog, tornadoes, winter, and breakdowns
Explore2 lessons
Crashes & Law Enforcement
What to do after a crash or during a traffic stop
Explore