Iowa supervised driving: 20 hours, 2 at night.

Everything a Iowa parent needs in one place — required practice hours, night-driving rules, permit age, and what the written test looks like — plus a free log that keeps the hours straight.

What Iowa actually requires

Requirements summarized from the official Iowa driver handbook.

The Iowa graduated licensing path

  1. Instruction Permit — from age 14

    Restrictions: Supervising driver 21+ (or parent/guardian 25+) in front seat

  2. Intermediate License — from age 16

    Restrictions: Held permit 12 months, 20 supervised hours (2 at night); no driving 12:30am-5am unaccompanied; max 1 unrelated minor passenger for first 6 months

  3. Full License — from age 17

    Restrictions: After 12 violation-free months on intermediate license

Iowa laws your teen will be tested on

Iowa Seat Belt Law

In Iowa, passengers under age 18 must be secured in all seating positions; adults 18 and older must wear a seat belt in the front seats. Not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense, punishable by up to a $50 fine per passenger and $100 per passenger under 18.

Iowa Speed Limits

The posted speed limit is the maximum under ideal conditions, so reduce speed when road or weather conditions require it. If no limit is posted, general limits are 25 mph in business, residential, or school districts; 45 mph in suburban districts or when pulling another vehicle; 50 mph on unsurfaced secondary roads from sunset until sunrise and for all trucks on secondary roads; 55 mph on primary roads, urban interstate highways, and secondary roads, including unpaved roads from sunrise to sunset; and 70 mph on rural interstate highways; the interstate minimum is 40 mph.

Iowa DUI & Distracted Driving

In Iowa, a driver under 21 is considered OWI with a BAC of .02 or more, with driving privileges revoked for a minimum of 60 days—or a minimum of 180 days if the BAC is .08 or more. Drivers may use electronic communication devices while driving only hands-free and may not hold, scroll, type, or otherwise manually interact with a phone.

Iowa School Bus & Pedestrian Rules

Yield to anyone in or about to enter a crosswalk, and never pass a vehicle stopped or slowing for a pedestrian. School buses must stop within 15 to 50 feet of railroad tracks before crossing unless directed to proceed or the crossing has an “EXEMPT” sign.

Iowa Move Over & Emergency Scenes

Change lanes when approaching stopped emergency, tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste, or recycling vehicles with flashing lights, or any stopped vehicle continually displaying hazard lights. If changing lanes is impossible, illegal, or unsafe, slow to a reasonable and proper speed and be prepared to stop; a violation may suspend your license for up to one year.

Iowa driving practice questions, answered

How many supervised driving hours does Iowa require?
Iowa requires 20 supervised driving hours, including 2 hours after dark.
What counts as a night driving hour in Iowa?
Driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time counts toward the 2-hour night requirement.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Iowa?
A Iowa learner's permit can be issued starting at age 14.
How many questions are on the Iowa written test?
The Iowa knowledge exam has 35 questions and requires 80% correct to pass.
Does NextDriver Prep have Iowa practice questions?
Yes — 0 practice questions written from the official Iowa driver handbook, with explanations for every answer.
How should we track the 20 hours?
Log each drive the same day it happens. NextDriver Prep's free log records date, duration, day/night split, and conditions, and totals your progress toward Iowa's 20 hours automatically.
Is the Iowa driving log free?
Yes. The supervised driving log is free forever, with no card required. The Family Plan adds lessons, coaching scripts, hazard training, and Kai the AI co-pilot.
Does NextDriver Prep submit our log to the state?
No. NextDriver Prep helps your family track and organize practice. The Iowa licensing agency decides permit and license eligibility.
What restrictions apply during the Instruction Permit stage in Iowa?
Supervising driver 21+ (or parent/guardian 25+) in front seat
What restrictions apply during the Intermediate License stage in Iowa?
Held permit 12 months, 20 supervised hours (2 at night); no driving 12:30am-5am unaccompanied; max 1 unrelated minor passenger for first 6 months
What restrictions apply during the Full License stage in Iowa?
After 12 violation-free months on intermediate license

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