Iowa Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)

Iowa’s offense is called “Operating While Intoxicated” (OWI). It is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, or with any amount of a controlled substance in your system.

Correct answer: Anyone operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped on public roads

In Iowa, anyone operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped on public roads is required to have a permit or license.

Correct answer: Within 18 inches of the curb or closer

If you must park on a roadway with a curb, park within 18 inches of the curb or closer so your vehicle does not become a hazard to traffic.

Correct answer: Failure to yield the right-of-way

Failure to yield the right-of-way is the number one cause of traffic-related fatalities in Iowa. The law says who must yield; it does not give anyone the right-of-way.

Correct answer: Insert a penny head-first into the tread; if the tread does not reach the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire is unsafe

Stick a penny into the tread “head” first. If the tread does not reach at least the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire is unsafe and should be replaced. Worn tires increase stopping distance and can cause hydroplaning.

Correct answer: “No-zones”

Large trucks have blind spots — called “no-zones” — around the front, back, and sides. If you can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s mirror, the driver can’t see you.

Correct answer: Come to a complete stop

A solid red light means come to a complete stop and wait until the light changes and it is safe to proceed.

Correct answer: Stop, yield, or do what is shown on the sign

Red signs tell you to stop, yield, or do what is shown on the sign — such as a stop sign, a yield sign, or a "do not enter" sign.

Correct answer: Gradually and smoothly

Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Trying to start too fast can cause the drive wheels to spin, particularly on slippery surfaces, causing the vehicle to slide.

Correct answer: At 9 and 3 o’clock, or slightly lower at 7 and 5 o’clock, on opposite sides of the wheel

To reduce the risk of injury from front airbags and keep control, place your hands on opposite sides of the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock, or slightly lower at 7 and 5 o’clock.

Correct answer: .08 or higher

A BAC of .08 or higher meets the definition of Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa. Operating with any amount of a controlled substance in your system is also OWI.

Correct answer: Living in Iowa continuously for 30 days

You are considered an Iowa resident for licensing purposes if you do any one of several things — including living in Iowa continuously for 30 days, registering to vote here, enrolling your child in an Iowa public school, or accepting a permanent job in Iowa.

Correct answer: Park as far away from traffic as possible

Drivers are responsible for making sure a parked vehicle does not become a hazard. Park as far away from traffic as possible, far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic.

Correct answer: Yield to oncoming cars that are going straight ahead

Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars that are going straight ahead.

Correct answer: Fumes from the exhaust can cause death in a very short time

The exhaust system removes toxic gases from the engine. Fumes from a leaky exhaust — or from an engine running in an enclosed space — can cause death in a very short time.

Correct answer: If you can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s mirror, the driver can’t see you

If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck’s side mirror, the truck driver cannot see you. Avoid lingering in a truck’s no-zones.

Correct answer: The same as a stop sign

A flashing red light is treated the same as a stop sign — stop, then proceed when it is safe.

Correct answer: General warning

Yellow is the standard color for general warning signs, alerting you to conditions or hazards ahead.

Correct answer: Loose gravel, snow and ice, or even dry pavement

Different road surfaces affect how fast you stop. Loose gravel roads, snow and ice, or even dry pavement may cause your vehicle to skid if the brakes are applied too hard.

Correct answer: Using the “hand-over-hand” or “push-pull” technique

Turn corners using the hand-over-hand or push-pull technique. Turning with only the palm of one hand, or letting the wheel slip through your fingers, can cause you to lose control.