Iowa Restricted License

Iowa has two types of restricted licenses: Learner permits (for young drivers) and hardship licenses (for excessive penalties).
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In Iowa, restricted licenses come in two forms: learner’s permits and hardship licenses. Learner’s permits act like training wheels for young drivers, limiting when (and with who) they can get behind the wheel. Hardship licenses give similar restrictions to penalized drivers.
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What is a restricted license in Iowa?

Iowa divides restricted licenses into two categories:
  • Learner’s license: New drivers aged 16 through 17 have specific safety restrictions. 
  • Hardship license: Drivers with a history of past violations (and previous suspension) can apply for limited licenses when driving to and from work and under special circumstances. 
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

How to get an Iowa learner’s license

The requirements for an Iowa learner's permit are as follows: 
You may apply for an Iowa learner’s permit at any
Iowa DOT location
. If you’re graduating with an instructor's permit, you must complete 80 hours of supervised road training. To move from an intermediate license to a full driver’s license, you must complete 10 additional hours of supervised driving—including 2 hours of nighttime driving (from sunset to sunrise).

Restrictions on an Iowa learner’s license

A learner's permit basically limits two aspects of driving: who you drive with and when.
For the first 6 months, you cannot carry more than one passenger who is not a direct relative or drive between 12:30 am, and 5 am without adult supervision. The
passenger restriction
does not apply to brothers, sisters, guardians, or anyone living in your household. 
Drivers also cannot use cell phones, tablets, or electronic communication while driving. Nor can they carry more passengers than the number of seatbelts in their vehicle (even with adult supervision).
Luckily, these restrictions vanish after acquiring a full driver’s license. You can apply for a full license once you turn 18 years old or after completing the following requirements:
  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Hold an intermediate license for 12 consecutive months
  • Maintain a clean driving record for 12 consecutive months
  • Complete 10 hours of supervised driving
Any conviction, crash, or suspension will reset the 12-month period. Before applying for a full driver’s license, you'll have to start over.

How to get an Iowa hardship license

Your Iowa licenses can be revoked after various violations—from
DUIs
to
reckless driving
. Getting your license reinstated can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. In any case, the first step towards road freedom is through a temporarily restricted license (AKA a hardship license).
To acquire a hardship license, complete the
application form
and submit it to your local courthouse. If accepted, you may be asked to complete a vision screening and 25-question knowledge test. The fee for a temporary restricted license is $20.
On top of this, applicants must enroll in a
driver improvement program
. This program is designed to help drivers understand the consequences of drugs and alcohol (behind the wheel) and develop a renewed awareness of driving responsibilities. It can even help reduce your auto insurance by way of company-dependent incentives.
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Restrictions on an Iowa hardship license

Drivers are only eligible for this temporary restricted license under the following circumstances:
  • The person needs a license to drive to and from a (verified) workplace
  • The person’s continued health care is dependent on another person (whom they must travel)
  • The persons must drive to complete their continuing education (at a verified institution)
  • The persons must drive to their substance abuse program
  • The persons must drive to their court-ordered service responsibilities
Drivers convicted of drag racing violations cannot apply for a temporary restricted license. An ignition interlock device will be installed on drivers convicted of an OWI. Those with an OWI suspension cannot apply for a temporary restricted license until the minimum period of ineligibility has passed—30 days to a year after the conviction.

How to find affordable car insurance in Iowa

Restricted licenses keep the roads safe (for everyone)—but that’s not the only way to protect you and your vehicle.
Car insurance
makes sure you never have to worry about unexpected accidents. The problem: Car insurance can be expensive.
If you want to find the perfect insurance for the perfect price, use
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