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Iowa permit test: lights, weather and emergencies

Headlights, hazard lights and horn, narrow bridges and hills, weather, wet roads, flooding, tornadoes, ice and snow, vehicle emergencies and crashes. 31 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key lights, weather and emergencies rulesShow the rules
  1. To reduce glare from oncoming headlights, look toward the right side of the road. (p. 56)
  2. In fog, use low beams or fog lights. (p. 60)
  3. Hydroplaning happens when water on the road is deeper than your tire tread. (p. 60)
  4. Do not use cruise control in wet or slippery conditions. (p. 60)
  5. Stopping distances can be 10 times greater on ice and snow. (p. 61)
  6. Never pass on the shoulder side of a plow. (p. 61)
  7. Snowplows typically go 25 to 35 mph. (p. 61)
  8. Many cars have steering locks to prevent theft. (p. 62)
  9. After clearing the road, contact law enforcement by calling 911 and describe any injuries and the location. (p. 63)
  10. You must report a crash with injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. (p. 63)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample lights, weather and emergencies questions

  1. 1.What simple rule of thumb does the Iowa handbook give for using headlights?

    • ATurn them on when others flash theirs
    • BTurn them on only after full dark
    • CTurn them on whenever your wipers are on
    • DUse them only on highways
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Turn them on whenever your wipers are on

    Iowa's handy habit: if the wipers are running, switch the headlights on too.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 49

  2. 2.Your gas pedal sticks and the engine keeps racing after you lift your foot. What should you do?

    • AShift quickly into neutral
    • BPump the gas pedal
    • CTurn off the key while moving
    • DPull the parking brake hard
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Shift quickly into neutral

    If the gas pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road, shift quickly to neutral, pull off when safe, then turn off the engine after stopping.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 62

  3. 3.You crash into a parked car and cause about $2,000 in damage. No one is hurt. Must you report it to police?

    • ANo, since no one was hurt
    • BOnly if the owner asks
    • COnly if your car can't be driven
    • DYes, within 72 hours
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Yes, within 72 hours

    You must report a crash with injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Failing to report within 72 hours costs you your driving privileges.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 63

  4. 4.Your engine dies while you are driving. What should you expect?

    • ASteering and braking take more effort
    • BThe brakes stop working at all
    • CThe steering wheel locks at once
    • DThe car speeds up on its own
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Steering and braking take more effort

    If the engine stalls, hold the wheel firmly. It is hard to turn but still works, and the brakes still work if you push very hard.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 62