Iowa permit test: your vehicle and its technology
Brakes, lights, glass, tires, steering, exhaust, mirrors and seat position, and driver-assistance and warning technologies. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key your vehicle and its technology rulesShow the rules
- Clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows before you drive. (p. 24)
- Turn signals are required on all cars, trucks and on trailers wider than 40 inches. (p. 24)
- Check tire pressure with a gauge when the tires are cold. (p. 24)
- The windshield and the windows right beside the driver must let at least 70% of light through, and Iowa has no medical exemption for tint. (p. 24)
- Lean toward the left window and set the mirror so you can barely see the side of the car. (p. 25)
- Keep your chest 10 inches or more from the steering wheel, and aim the air bag at your chest rather than your face. (p. 25)
- A horn is a safety device. (p. 25)
- You must be able to see at least 200 feet behind you. (p. 25)
- Forward collision warning alerts you to a slower or stopped vehicle ahead so you can brake or swerve. (p. 30)
- Lane keeping assist depends on lane markings. (p. 32)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample your vehicle and its technology questions
1.Why should you never leave your engine running inside a closed garage?
- AIt quickly wears down the battery
- BIt uses up all the antifreeze
- CIt can overheat the engine oil
- DExhaust fumes can kill you quickly
Show the answer
✓ D. Exhaust fumes can kill you quickly
Exhaust gases are toxic. Fumes can cause death in a very short time, so never run the engine in a garage or sit in a running car without a window open.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 25
2.A shop offers to tint the windows next to you so only 50% of light passes through. You have a medical condition. Is this tint legal in Iowa?
- ANo, at least 70% must pass
- BYes, 50% is the Iowa minimum
- CYes, with a doctor's note
- DYes, side windows have no limit
Show the answer
✓ A. No, at least 70% must pass
The windshield and the windows right beside the driver must let at least 70% of light through, and Iowa has no medical exemption for tint.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 24
3.Snow is covering the lane lines on the road. What should you expect from your car's lane keeping assist?
- AIt will switch to GPS
- BIt will not work
- CIt will slow to 25 mph
- DIt will work as usual
Show the answer
✓ B. It will not work
Lane keeping assist depends on lane markings. It will not work when lane lines are faint or covered with snow or dirt.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 32
4.When should you use your vehicle's horn?
- AEach time you change lanes
- BOnly as a warning to others
- CTo greet friends on the street
- DTo tell slow drivers to hurry
Show the answer
✓ B. Only as a warning to others
A horn is a safety device. It should only be used to warn others.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 25