Iowa
What Iowa asks of a teen driver before the first license, from the practice hours to the road test.
20hours
of supervised practice, including 2 at night
- Permit
- Instruction Permit
- License
- Intermediate License
- Practice can start at
- 14 years old
Depends on your answer
Which driver education is your child taking?
- A school or driving school courseThe goal is 20 hours, with 2 after sunset.
- Parent-taught driver educationThe goal is 30 hours, with 3 after sunset, on the log uploaded with the application.
Before the road test
- Twelve months on the permitThe permit is held 12 months, counted cumulatively and leaving out time under suspension.
- Minimum age16 years old
- Six-month clean recordA crash or conviction restarts the six months, after any remedial action the DOT requires.
- Driver educationFinish an Iowa-approved course, or the parent-taught program with its DOT drive test.
- Signed form 430018A parent, guardian, or custodian certifies the hours under penalty of perjury. No notary is needed.
- Later: 10 more hours for the full licenceAfter the intermediate licence: 10 more hours with 2 after sunset, and 12 months without a crash or violation.
Where this comes from
- Instruction permit for under age 18
- Intermediate license
- Parent-taught driver education
- Form 430018, Parent’s/Guardian’s/Custodian’s Consent
- Form 431228, Driving Log for Parent-Taught Driver Education
- The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program
- Iowa Code 321.180B — graduated licensing
- Iowa Code 321.178A — parent-taught driver education
- Iowa Administrative Code 761, chapter 602
Moonroof checked these sources on October 9, 2026. Rules change, so check with the Iowa Department of Transportation before booking the road test.