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Iowa permit test: safe driver habits

Blind spots, seat belts and Iowa law, the hands-free law and texting, and defensive driving. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
  1. Iowa's seat belt fine is up to $50 per passenger and up to $100 for each passenger under 18. (p. 34)
  2. Trucks and buses have large blind spots and it is hard for their drivers to see you, so never stay alongside them. (p. 34)
  3. In a sudden stop or crash, loose objects fly forward with great force. (p. 35)
  4. A child under 18 may not ride in the rear of a moving pickup truck in Iowa. (p. 35)
  5. A child under 6 must ride in a child restraint system, meaning a safety seat or booster seat, not just a seat belt. (p. 35)
  6. From age 6 up to 18, a child must use a child restraint or seat belt in every seating position, front and back. (p. 35)
  7. A child under 1 year old and under 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing child restraint system. (p. 35)
  8. A manual distraction is anything that takes one or both of your hands off the wheel, such as eating or putting on makeup. (p. 36)
  9. Being awake for 18 hours straight is as impairing as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent, which is legally drunk. (p. 37)
  10. Check your mirrors often and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead, keeping your eyes moving. (p. 47)

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

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Sample safe driver habits questions

  1. 1.A 5-year-old is riding in your back seat. How must the child be secured?

    • ANo restraint while seated in back
    • BWith an adult seat belt up front
    • CWith an adult seat belt in back
    • DIn a safety seat or booster seat
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. In a safety seat or booster seat

    A child under 6 must ride in a child restraint system, meaning a safety seat or booster seat, not just a seat belt.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 35

  2. 2.What does it mean to always have an escape route while driving?

    • AKnow the nearest exit on every highway
    • BKeep your doors unlocked in traffic
    • CStay in the left lane to pass quickly
    • DKeep an open space to move into if blocked
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Keep an open space to move into if blocked

    Always leave yourself an out: a place to move your vehicle if your path is suddenly blocked. Position your vehicle where you can see and be seen.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 47

  3. 3.You need to reply to a text message. Under Iowa's distracted driving law, when may you type it?

    • AWhenever traffic is very light
    • BWhen fully stopped off the roadway
    • CWhile stopped at a red light
    • DWhen driving under 25 mph
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. When fully stopped off the roadway

    Before writing, sending or reading a message, you must bring the vehicle to a complete stop off the traveled part of the road.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 36

  4. 4.Iowa does NOT allow riders under what age in the back of a moving pickup truck?

    • AUnder 12
    • BUnder 16
    • CUnder 18
    • DUnder 21
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Under 18

    A child under 18 may not ride in the rear of a moving pickup truck in Iowa.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 35