How to Get Your Driver's License in Iowa

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Iowa. Iowa uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.

GDL Stages in Iowa

1

Learner's Permit

Age 14+ 12 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
2

Intermediate License

Age 16+ 12 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 12 months
  • Complete 20 hours supervised driving including 2 at night
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Passenger limits set at the discretion of the parent or guardian
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 17+

Requirements

  • Hold intermediate license for 12 months with clean record

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling to or from work, school, or an emergency.
  • Iowa leaves the passenger restriction up to the parent or guardian to set, which is unusual among GDL states.

How restrictions lift: Night driving restrictions lift at age 17 or after 12 months with a clean record.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older bypass the GDL program and can apply for a full license after passing the knowledge and road tests.

Iowa-Specific Information

Iowa is one of the few states that delegates the passenger restriction decision to parents rather than imposing a statutory limit. The state also allows learner's permits as young as age 14, tied for the youngest permit age in the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Iowa.

Iowa uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • No driving between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling to or from work, school, or an emergency.
  • Iowa leaves the passenger restriction up to the parent or guardian to set, which is unusual among GDL states.

Adults age 18 and older in Iowa can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older bypass the GDL program and can apply for a full license after passing the knowledge and road tests.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Iowa learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Iowa.

Iowa drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) website for the most current information.