top of page

Iowa DOT Regulations

Anchor 1

​

         Iowa has a graduated driver's license (GDL) system for drivers under the age of 18. GDL includes steps that allow for the increased driving privilege as the driver accumulates more skill and demonstrates responsible driving practices. The three steps are the instruction permit, intermediate license, and full license. Driver education is part of the GDL system.

Step 1: An instruction permit is the first step on the road to a driver’s license. Driving is an adult responsibility that you need to take seriously to keep you and others safe and protect your privilege to drive.

  • Available at age 14.

  • Must be held for a minimum of 12 months, accident-free to obtain a license.

  • Requires written approval of parent/guardian.

  • Requires vision screening and knowledge test.

  • All driving must be supervised. May drive only with parent/guardian, family member over 21, driver education teacher, or driver over 25 with the written permission of parent/guardian.

  • Number of passengers limited to the number of seat belts in the vehicle.

  • Must complete approved driver education course.

  • Must log 20 hours of supervised driving; a minimum of two hours must be between sunset and sunrise.

  • Must drive accident- and violation-free for six consecutive months immediately prior to apply for an intermediate license.

Step 2: Driver Education

  • Available at age 14.

  • Must have instruction permit.

  • 30 hours of classroom education that includes four hours of substance abuse education, a minimum of 20 minutes on railroad crossing safety, information on organ donation, and information on bicycle and motorcycle awareness.

  • Six hours behind the wheel and six hours observation with partner.

Step 3: Special Minor Restricted License (Optional)

  • Be at least 14 1/2 years old.

  • Complete an Iowa-approved driver education course.

  • Hold a valid instruction permit and a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months immediately before applying for your special minor's restricted license.

  • Your parent/guardian must download, complete, and sign the Affidavit for Special Minor's Restricted License form 430021. Your school authorities or primary homeschool instructor (depending on your schooling) must also sign the form. The signatures must be live (no e-signatures or stamps).

  • Complete a drive test at the DMV if your driver’s education instructor requests it, or if you completed the Parent-Taught Driver’s Education Program.​

  • Once the form is completed, schedule an appointment to bring in the completed form and get your special minor's restricted license issued.​

  • Have your parent or guardian complete a Parental Consent for Special Minor’s Restricted License (form 430022). You must carry this completed form with you in the vehicle. Present it to law enforcement when requested.​

  • Hold an instruction permit and a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months immediately before applying for your minor school license.

  • Drive from your home to your school(s) of enrollment for class or school sponsored activities using the most direct and accessible route. Public school students are limited to driving within the school district of enrollment and accredited nonpublic school students and students that are home-schooled are limited to driving within a 25-mile driving distance.

  • Drive to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities using the most direct and accessible route. Activities must be held at a location within a 25-mile driving distance

  • Drive for work. The driving distance between the origin and destination must be 25 miles or less.

  • Drive to complete farm work to assist your parents, guardians, or employers in connection with any farm employment or farm-related work using the most direct and accessible route, if you live on or are employed by a farm in Iowa. The driving distance between the origin and destination must be 25 miles or less.

  • Stop for fuel while on route or at the closest filling station off route.

Step 4: An intermediate license is an important step on the road to a full license. This license gives you more driving freedom and also more responsibility. Know how to keep you and others safe, and protect your privilege to drive.

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Complete an Iowa-approved driver education course.

• Have had an instruction permit for a total of one year and a clean driving record for at least six       consecutive months immediately before applying for your intermediate license.

• Your parent or guardian must provide written consent.

bottom of page