Iowa permit test: alcohol, drugs and owi
Operating while intoxicated, implied consent and test refusal, the open container law, and rules for drivers under 21. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key alcohol, drugs and owi rulesShow the rules
- Refusing a breath test carries harsher consequences than failing one, including automatic revocation and a large fine. (p. 37)
- An underage driver at 0.02 or more loses driving privileges for at least 60 days. (p. 37)
- Refusing a breathalyzer test brings an automatic one-year revocation and a fine of at least $1,250, and you can still be convicted of OWI. (p. 37)
- Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) means driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or with any amount of a controlled substance in your system. (p. 37)
- As an Iowa license holder you agree to consent to testing on demand by law enforcement. (p. 37)
- Even without a criminal conviction, operating while intoxicated leads to a revocation of at least 180 days. (p. 37)
- Iowa's open container law bans open alcohol in the passenger area. (p. 37)
- Offenders under 18 cannot get a temporary restricted license while their license is revoked for OWI. (p. 37)
- An open container violation can bring up to a $200 fine for each driver and each passenger in the vehicle. (p. 37)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample alcohol, drugs and owi questions
1.At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is an adult driver legally operating while intoxicated in Iowa?
- A0.08% or higher
- B0.05% or higher
- C0.10% or higher
- D0.12% or higher
Show the answer
✓ A. 0.08% or higher
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) means driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or with any amount of a controlled substance in your system.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 37
2.Where in a vehicle may an open container of alcohol be legally carried?
- AUnder a passenger seat
- BIn the trunk
- CIn the back seat footwell
- DIn the glove box
Show the answer
✓ B. In the trunk
Iowa's open container law bans open alcohol in the passenger area. Open containers may only be carried in the trunk.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 37
3.Three friends ride in a car with an open can of beer in the cup holder. Who can be fined under Iowa's open container law?
- AOnly the driver
- BThe driver and each passenger
- COnly the person holding the beer
- DOnly the vehicle's owner
Show the answer
✓ B. The driver and each passenger
An open container violation can bring up to a $200 fine for each driver and each passenger in the vehicle.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 37
4.A 19-year-old driver is stopped and tests at 0.05% BAC. What is the shortest revocation this driver will face?
- A60 days
- B180 days
- C30 days
- D1 year
Show the answer
✓ A. 60 days
An underage driver at 0.02 or more loses driving privileges for at least 60 days. The 180-day minimum applies only at 0.08 or more.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 37