Iowa permit test practice
Mr. Driver’s Ed is a free study app for the written knowledge test you take for a learner’s permit in Iowa. It has no ads, and every question in it cites the page of the official handbook it was written from, so you can check any answer against the book. Here are ten of its Iowa questions, each with its answer, the reason, and its citation.
Ten Iowa practice questions
These are taken word for word from the app’s Iowa question bank. The handbook is Iowa Driver's Manual. Each citation gives the page number printed on the handbook’s own page.
Signs, Signals & Markings
1 of 10
A reflective orange triangle on the back of a vehicle indicates what?
- The vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
- The vehicle is traveling at 35 mph or lessCorrect
- The vehicle is a school bus
- The vehicle is exempt from stopping at railroad crossings
Why: The handbook states a reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph or less.
Signs, Signals & Markings
2 of 10
What does the shape of a route sign indicate to a driver?
- The distance remaining to the next town
- Whether the road is a reversible lane
- The type of roadway, such as an interstate, U.S. highwayCorrect
- Whether passing is currently allowed
Why: The handbook states the shape of a route sign indicates the type of roadway it is, such as an interstate, U.S. highway, or Iowa route.
Right-of-Way
3 of 10
At an uncontrolled intersection with no stop sign or traffic signal, what is the responsibility of all drivers?
- To proceed at normal speed since no sign controls them
- To slow down and approach carefullyCorrect
- To always yield to the vehicle on the left
- To honk before entering the intersection
Why: The handbook states that at an uncontrolled intersection, it is the responsibility of all drivers to slow down and approach carefully.
Right-of-Way
4 of 10
How far behind an emergency vehicle using lights and sirens must a driver stay?
- At least 750 feet
- At least 1,000 feet
- At least 500 feetCorrect
- At least 600 feet
Why: The handbook states drivers must stay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens.
Speed & Following Distance
5 of 10
If a driver is being tailgated, what does the handbook suggest doing to encourage the tailgater to pass?
- Brake suddenly to force the tailgater to back off
- Move slightly to the right and signal early for turnsCorrect
- Speed up until the tailgater falls behind
- Change lanes abruptly without signaling to lose the tailgater
Why: The handbook suggests moving slightly to the right, giving the tailgater a better view, and signaling early for turns, stops, or lane changes.
Turning & Parking
6 of 10
When making a lane change into a faster-moving lane, what should a driver generally do with their speed?
- Slow down significantly before moving into the new lane
- Maintain speed and change lanes without unnecessarily slowing downCorrect
- Come to a near stop to check for other vehicles
- Accelerate far beyond the posted speed limit
Why: The handbook states that when changing lanes, drivers should maintain speed and do it carefully without slowing down, unless moving into a slower lane.
Adverse Conditions
7 of 10
To compensate for reduced visibility at night, what does the handbook recommend?
- Increase your speed to reach lit areas sooner
- Lower your speed and increase your following distanceCorrect
- Decrease your following distance to keep the lead vehicle visible
- Use only your parking lights
Why: The handbook advises lowering speed and increasing following distance at night to compensate for reduced visibility.
Sharing the Road
8 of 10
Before turning right, what should a driver check for regarding bicyclists?
- Only oncoming traffic in the opposite travel lane
- Blind spots, since bicyclists approach from behindCorrect
- Only pedestrian crosswalk signals
- Only the vehicle directly ahead
Why: The handbook advises checking blind spots for bicyclists coming from behind, especially before turning right.
Alcohol & Teen (GDL) Laws
9 of 10
What happens with repeat OWI offenses in Iowa?
- They are treated exactly the same as a first offense
- They result in increasingly severe penalties, including longer revocationsCorrect
- They result in a fine only, with no license impact
- They are typically reduced to a warning
Why: The handbook states repeat OWI offenses are increasingly severe, resulting in longer license revocations and harsher criminal penalties.
License Rules
10 of 10
What does Iowa's distracted driving law prohibit?
- Talking to passengers while driving
- Using a hand-held device to write, send, or view an electronic message while drivingCorrect
- Listening to the radio while driving
- Eating food purchased from a drive-through
Why: The handbook states Iowa's distracted driving law prohibits using hand-held electronic communication devices to write, send, or view an electronic message while driving.
The Iowa practice exam
The app’s Iowa practice exam: 35 questions, 28 to pass, graded at the end — modeled on the official test. Those numbers are the app’s own.
This is practice. The official test and its rules come from Iowa, not from this app.
The official handbook
- Handbook
- Iowa Driver's Manual
- Edition the questions were written from
- Form MM1170, Rev. 08/19/2025
- Published by
- Iowa DOT — Motor Vehicle Division
- Official source
- iowadot.gov
Permit test practice for every state · Official handbook sources for all 51 jurisdictions
Mr. Driver’s Ed is an independent study app published by DALiApps, LLC, a private Arkansas company. It is not a government app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or representing any state motor-vehicle agency or any other government entity, in any state or in the District of Columbia.
The official exam and the official rules come from your state, not from this app. Practice results here do not guarantee any outcome on an official examination.