Iowa permit test: sharing the road
School buses, trucks and wide right turns, motorcycles, bicyclists and pedestrians. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- Violating the school bus law may lead to a license suspension of up to 180 days. (p. 20)
- On roads with three lanes or fewer, all vehicles must stop for a school bus with its stop arm out, including oncoming traffic. (p. 20)
- When following a stopped school bus with its stop arm out, stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus. (p. 20)
- Trucks and buses take much longer to stop than cars. (p. 57)
- Deer travel in groups, so when you see one, always look for more. (p. 57)
- Intersections are the most likely places for car and motorcycle crashes. (p. 58)
- Never pass a vehicle that has stopped or is slowing for a pedestrian. (p. 58)
- When passing a motorcycle, allow it a full lane. (p. 58)
- Allow at least 3 to 4 seconds behind a motorcycle, and more when the road is wet or slippery. (p. 58)
- Watch for bicyclists coming from behind, especially before turning right. (p. 58)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.A deer jumps onto the road right in front of you and there is no time to stop. What should you do?
- AStay in your lane and do not swerve
- BSwerve onto the shoulder
- CSwerve hard into the other lane
- DSpeed up to get past it
Show the answer
✓ A. Stay in your lane and do not swerve
If there isn't time to stop for an animal, don't swerve or veer. Swerving is likely to cause a more severe crash.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 57
2.You are on a three-lane road with a center turn lane. A school bus coming toward you stops with its stop arm out. What must you do?
- AStop in front of the bus
- BMove into the turn lane and pass
- CKeep going, since it is on the other side
- DSlow down and pass with care
Show the answer
✓ A. Stop in front of the bus
On roads with three lanes or fewer, all vehicles must stop for a school bus with its stop arm out, including oncoming traffic.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 20
3.You are behind a school bus that stops and extends its stop arm. How close to the back of the bus may you stop?
- A10 feet
- BNo closer than 15 feet
- C5 feet
- DNo closer than 50 feet
Show the answer
✓ B. No closer than 15 feet
When following a stopped school bus with its stop arm out, stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 20
4.What following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle in good conditions?
- A1 to 2 seconds
- B3 to 4 seconds
- C10 seconds
- DHalf a second
Show the answer
✓ B. 3 to 4 seconds
Allow at least 3 to 4 seconds behind a motorcycle, and more when the road is wet or slippery.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 58