Iowa Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Iowa learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official Iowa DOT pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-18 · Source: Iowa DOT — Instruction Permit for Under Age 18 ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Iowa
- Apply for the Iowa learner's permit at age 14
- Drive only while accompanied by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
- Hold the permit 12 months and complete 20 supervised practice hours, including 2 at night
- Move into the minor's-license phase at age 16+ and follow the passenger and late-night restrictions for the first 12 months
- Qualify for the full Iowa license at age 18, or at 17 after completing the 12-month restriction period
Iowa GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Passenger rule: During the first 12 months of the minor's license, no more than one passenger under 18 is allowed except family members
- Curfew: During the minor's-license phase, no driving is allowed from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- Permit supervision: Learner's-permit holders must be accompanied at all times by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
The details
- Permit eligibility: Iowa's driver manual says you can apply for a learner's permit at age 14
- Practice hour details: The Iowa driver manual says the instruction permit must be held 12 months with 20 supervised hours, including 2 at night
- Knowledge test: 35 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: 35-question test, 28 correct (80%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Iowa?
You can get a learner's permit in Iowa at 14. Iowa's driver manual says you can apply for a learner's permit at age 14.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Iowa?
You must hold your Iowa permit for at least 12 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Iowa require?
Iowa requires 20 hours of supervised practice driving, including 2 at night.
Where can I practice for the Iowa permit test?
Right here — take a free Iowa practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full Iowa DOT-format experience with a readiness score.
