Iowa uses a graduated license system to advance unlicensed drivers from an instruction permit to an intermediate license, and, finally, to a valid driver's license.
Fourteen-year-olds can apply for an instruction permit in Iowa. The applicant must pass the vision test and a test covering local traffic signs and traffic laws. The parent or guardian of the applicant must also give written consent. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.180B (2024).)
In Iowa, all public schools provide an approved driver's education course consisting of both classroom and driving instruction. Iowa also has an option that allows parents to instruct their children using the driver's education curriculum. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.178 (2024); Iowa Code Ann. § 321.178A (2024).)
An instruction permit is valid for four years and permits the teen to drive only when accompanied by a licensed relative age 21 or older or a licensed driving instructor. A non-relative licensed driver age 21 or older can supervise the teen if holding written parental consent. The number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seat belts, and the driver can't use a cellular device while operating the vehicle.
Teens who are 16 to 18 years old and have held an instructional permit for at least 12 months are eligible to apply for an intermediate license. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.180B (2024).)
The applicant must have completed driver's education and be free of traffic violations for the six months before the application. A supervising driver must also certify the applicant has completed 20 hours of driving, including two nighttime hours. And the teen must pass a driving test at the DOT or an approved driver's education instruction school.
Generally, the intermediate license allows the motorist to drive without an adult:
Teens with an immediate license can't have more passengers than seat belts and aren't allowed to use a cellular device while driving.
Violation of any restrictions during the permit or intermediate license phases can result in license remediation or suspension. Remediation prohibits the teen from obtaining the next-level license until he or she completes a remedial driver improvement action course. Completion of the course restarts the six- and 12-month clock for prior traffic violations. A second offense violation will result in a 30-day suspension.
After holding an intermediate license for at least 12 months, a driver who is at least 17 years old can apply for a full driver's license. The applicant must show completion of 10 hours of supervised driving, including two hours at night. To be eligible for the non-restricted license, the driver cannot have any traffic violations within the prior 12 months. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.180B (2024).)
Iowa also provides special licenses for those with certain hardships.
A school or work license permits the holder to drive to and from work or school between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. without supervision and carry one unrelated minor passenger. To be eligible, applicants must take a driver's education course, be at least 14 years old, and hold an instruction permit for at least six months without a violation. The teen must obtain certification from their school indicating enrollment. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.194 (2024).)
Teens who have dropped out of public school and are at least 16 years old can apply for a special restricted license that permits driving to and from work and daycare for a dependent. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.178 (2024).)
If you plan to operate a vehicle in Iowa, it needs to be properly insured. Below, we explain the minimum requirements and the penalties for driving without insurance.
In Iowa, the mandatory insurance requirements include at least $20,000 bodily injury per person, $40,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 property damage per accident. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321a.21 (2024).)
Failure to have valid insurance is a traffic violation that generally results in a $250 fine or equivalent community service. The officer can immediately impound the vehicle and seize the license plate and registration. The registration and license plate will not be returned until valid proof of insurance is shown. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.20B (2024).)