How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Iowa?

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Iowa. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Iowa?

Iowa intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Iowa?

In Iowa, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

Iowa Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Iowa uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14
Holding period: 12 months
Supervised driving hours: 20 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 2 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: Passenger restrictions at parental discretion; no statewide statutory passenger limit for intermediate license
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension; additional 10 hours of supervised driving required before full license

Iowa-Specific Information

Iowa has one of the youngest permit ages (14) and lowest supervised hour requirements (20 hours total, 2 at night). An additional 10 hours of supervised driving is required before obtaining a full license at age 17. Passenger restrictions are left to parental discretion rather than state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Iowa gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Iowa at age 14. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Iowa restricts driving between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Iowa at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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 nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.