Get your first driver's license in Iowa

By · checked

How a first-time driver gets an Iowa license: an instruction permit from age 14, driver education and supervised driving for teens, then an intermediate and a full license; adults get a permit and pass a drive test.

Your situation

How old are you?
Online or in person
No, in person · At least two visitsYou can schedule an appointment and take a practice test online; the tests and the permit or license application are done in person. Make an appointment for the permit and knowledge test, then for the drive test, which Iowa requires of adults never licensed in any U.S. state or territory.
Cost
$6 permit + $4 per year of licenseInstruction permit (Class C) $6, valid 4 years. Operator license (Class C) $4 per year; licenses for people under 18 have shorter terms set by law. County locations may charge an extra convenience fee. The fee page lists no test fees.
You leave with
Instruction permit, then a licenseYour new license arrives in a plain white envelope within 30 days of being processed.

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Show accepted documents
      • $6 instruction permit
      • $4 per year for the license

  2. Study the Iowa Driver's Manual

    Read the Iowa Driver's Manual and take the online practice test.

    Prepare for your driving test ↗

  3. Take a free practice test

    Before the knowledge test, try our Iowa Permit Practice Test: 25 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

    Start the Iowa practice test

  4. Get your instruction permit

    Make an appointment, bring your documents, and pass the vision and knowledge tests. Iowa law says that on the permit you must drive with a licensed immediate family member at least 21, a driver education instructor, or a licensed person at least 25, sitting beside you.

    Getting an Iowa license ↗

  5. Pass the drive test

    Iowa requires a drive test if you have never been licensed in any U.S. state or territory. Schedule it online. Your vehicle must pass an inspection first: two license plates, unexpired registration and insurance, working lights, horn, wipers and seat belts, a rearview mirror, and doors and a driver-side window that open.

    Prepare for your driving test ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Each conviction, crash or restriction violation delays the next license step: 6 months on a permit, 12 months on an intermediate license.
  • The test vehicle must pass an inspection, with unexpired registration and insurance, before the drive test.
  • Teens need parent consent at every step; without the parent in person, bring Form 430018.
  • The at-home permit test needs a computer (not a phone or tablet), and the emailed link expires after 72 hours.
  • A medical or vision condition may require more information before a permit or license is issued.

Offices for permits, tests and first licenses

Iowa DOT says you take the permit knowledge test at a DMV or Iowa county treasurer location by appointment, and get the permit at a DMV or county treasurer's office. Drive tests are taken at the DMV. Agency source.

18 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Largest cities with them: Des Moines (1) · Cedar Rapids (1)

87 more offices may be able to apply for a permit or first license, but neither the office's service list nor the agency says so. They show in the search below, labelled; call before you go.

Results show offices where you can apply for a permit or first license or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

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Sources · checked November 4, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.