Young Iowans can apply for an instruction permit as soon as they turn 14 years old, which allows them to gain driving experience on the road with adult supervision. To get a learner’s permit, you’ll need to have a written consent form from a parent or guardian, proof of identification and residence, and pass the knowledge and vision tests.

Once you have your Iowa instruction permit, you’re free to get behind the wheel—as long as you have the proper adult supervision (for now).
To get your Iowa instruction permit, you will need written consent from your parent or guardian, proof of identification, residence, and Social Security number.
You will also need to pass a knowledge and vision test.

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How to get an Iowa learner’s permit

Iowa residents need to be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit.

Once you’re old enough, you’ll need a combination of the following to secure that learner’s permit:

Written consent from your parent or guardian

Proof of identification, residence, and Social Security number

Passed knowledge and vision tests

Payment for the $6 application fee

When you feel you’re studied up enough for your knowledge test, you can

schedule an appointment

to take the exam at a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) service location. You also have the option to take the test from your home with proper arrangements, and in some cases,

at school

What to bring to the DMV

Once your DMV appointment is set up, you’ll need to prepare all the necessary documentation to bring with you.

Make sure you and your parent or guardian bring your:

Proof of identification (e.g. birth certificate, passport, or certificate of citizenship)

Proof of residence (e.g. a piece of mail or report card showing your name and current residential address)

Proof of Social Security number (e.g. Social Security card or W-2 form)

The

Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) website

lets you build a checklist of documents that can satisfy each requirement so you can show up to the DMV prepared. You can find

study guides and practice tests

for the written exam on the Iowa DOT website as well.

A parent or guardian also needs to complete a

written consent form

for you. This can be done online or in person at any Iowa driver’s license issuance location.

Once you have all your necessary documents, you’ll just need to pass your written and vision test, pay that $6 fee, and that Iowa learner’s permit is yours!

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Iowa learner’s permit regulations

Once you have your Iowa instruction permit, you’re free to get behind the wheel—as long as you have the proper adult supervision (for now).

Any time you’re driving with your instruction permit, you have to be accompanied by an adult who:

Is a parent, guardian, or immediate family member at least 21 years old

Is a driving instructor

Is a licensed adult 25 years old or older with written permission from a parent or guardian

You’re also forbidden from using any electronic communications or entertainment device while you’re driving (other than for true emergencies). That means no

texting and driving

, and you’ll have to maintain a

clean driving record

for the next step on your driving journey: getting your intermediate driver’s license at age 16.

That said, there is an option between these two stepping stones that many young Iowa drivers take advantage of: a school permit, also referred to as a minor school license. Once you have your instruction permit for at least six months, you can apply for the

school permit

, which allows you to drive to and from school or school-sponsored activities without adult supervision.

But you can only do so between the hours of 5 am and 10 pm, and you still need adult supervision for all other driving purposes.

Finally, you can move on to your intermediate license once you:

Are 16 years old

Have completed your Iowa state-approved driver’s ed course

Have a signed Written Consent Form provided by your parent or guardian

Have completed 20 hours of supervised driving—your supervised driving time during your driver’s education course can count toward these hours, and at least two of them have to take place between sunset and sunrise

Having your learner’s permit is all about gaining experience behind the wheel, and of course, some young drivers will make mistakes—or frankly, just get too reckless.

If you get a violation while you have your learner’s permit, whether it’s for speeding, reckless driving, or another offense, or if you get into an accident, you could receive a safety advisory warning letter or have your permit suspended outright. After a second incident, you can expect to have your permit suspended for a period of 30 days.

These violations will also delay you from moving on to your learner’s permit. You have to maintain a clean driving record for at least six months before you can apply for your license, and every new offense will start the clock over.

Long story short, the fastest way to enjoy the freedom that comes with your driver’s license is to commit to being a

safe driver

. Plus, your future

car insurance rates

will thank you for it in the long run!

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

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