Iowa DMV Cheat Sheet

Correct answer: Not eligible for a temporary restricted license during the revocation

Offenders under age 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license while their license is revoked for OWI.

Correct answer: A mandatory substance use disorder class and evaluation, or an ignition interlock device at your expense

If found guilty of refusing a test, the court may order a mandatory substance use disorder class and evaluation, or an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle at your expense.

Correct answer: A simple misdemeanor with up to a $200 fine for each driver and passenger in the vehicle

Violating the open container law is a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to a $200 fine for each driver and passenger in the vehicle.

Correct answer: A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent, which is legally drunk

Being awake for 18 hours straight is as impairing as a BAC of 0.08 percent, which is legally drunk and leaves you at equal risk for a crash — one reason drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.

Correct answer: Within 30 days of their 14th birthday

A student using the at-home Skip the Trip option must be within 30 days of their 14th birthday and under 18, and the test must be taken on a computer — not a phone or tablet.

Correct answer: No more than one non-relative minor passenger

For the first 6 months of the intermediate license, an unsupervised driver may carry no more than one non-relative minor passenger (when that restriction is printed on the license). The total number of passengers can never exceed the number of seat belts.

Correct answer: 180 days

Under Iowa Administrative Code 761—604.9(3), a passing knowledge-test result is valid for 180 days.

Correct answer: You do not have to stop

If you are on a street or highway separated by a median and the emergency vehicle is on the other side, you do not have to stop.

Correct answer: When meeting the bus in one of the opposite lanes — the only time you may pass a stopped bus with its stop arm out

On a road with four or more lanes, vehicles meeting the bus in one of the opposite lanes do not need to stop, even if the bus has stopped with lights flashing and stop arm out. This is the only time you may pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended. Vehicles approaching from the rear must still stop.

Correct answer: A blocked interstate lane sharply raises the risk of a secondary crash

The Steer It-Clear It law exists for safety: for every minute a lane of interstate traffic is blocked, the risk of a secondary crash increases by roughly 2.8 percent.

Correct answer: May not make or receive calls while driving unless stopped off the traveled roadway

Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit, intermediate license, or special minor restricted license are prohibited from making or receiving calls and talking on the phone while driving unless stopped off the traveled portion of the roadway.

Correct answer: The vehicle on the left should yield

Uncontrolled intersections — with no yield or stop signs — are common on gravel roads. The vehicle on the left should yield. Never assume the intersection is clear or that the other vehicle will stop.

Correct answer: A dust cloud is not a reliable sign — a vehicle may be approaching whether or not you see dust

At uncontrolled gravel-road intersections you can’t always rely on dust clouds to determine if crossing vehicles are approaching. Use caution, slow down, and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic.

Correct answer: A no-passing zone

The pennant-shaped sign is placed on the left side of the road and warns you of a no-passing zone.

Correct answer: Directions, distances, and your location — mile markers count miles from where the route entered the state

Guide signs show directions and distance to locations. Mile markers show the number of miles from where the interstate route entered the state — useful for calculating distance to your exit and giving your exact location in an emergency.

Correct answer: Break a window to provide medical attention

In Iowa it is legal to break a vehicle’s window in order to provide medical attention to a person or animal trapped inside. If you see symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Correct answer: Moisture freezes quickly there because air circulates both above and below the surface

Black ice is common on bridges and overpasses because moisture freezes quickly where air circulates both above and below the road surface. They may be slippery even when other surfaces are not.

Correct answer: Keep your eyes on the road and quickly shift to neutral

If the pedal sticks, keep your eyes on the road and quickly shift to neutral, then pull off the road when safe and turn off the engine after stopping.

Correct answer: Injury or death, or property damage of more than $1,500

It is state law to report a crash involving injury or death, or property damage of more than $1,500. Failure to report within 72 hours results in the loss of your driving privileges and further penalties.

Correct answer: The point where you should yield in compliance with a yield sign

Yield lines are a row of solid white triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles. They mark the point where vehicles should yield in compliance with "Yield" or "Yield Here to Pedestrians" signs.

Correct answer: You may not use the lane beneath it

On a reversible lane, a green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it, a red "X" means you may not, and a steady yellow "X" means the lane’s use is changing and you should move out of it when safe.

Correct answer: Watch the vehicle ahead pass a landmark, then count — your front bumper should not pass it before you finish counting

Watch the vehicle ahead pass a landmark such as a sign, then begin counting. To keep a safe three-second following distance, your front bumper should not pass the landmark before you have counted to three.

Correct answer: 45 mph

When the speed limit is not posted, the general limit is 45 mph in any suburban district. The same 45 mph limit applies to any vehicle pulling another vehicle.

Correct answer: An intersection, railroad crossing, or a posted narrow bridge, viaduct, or tunnel

Passing is illegal within 100 feet of an intersection, a railroad crossing, or a posted narrow bridge, viaduct, or tunnel — as well as when approaching the top of a hill or a curve where your view is obstructed.

Correct answer: Turn right onto the highway, merge into the left lane, then make a U-turn at a designated median opening

At a reduced-conflict intersection, drivers on the side road turn right onto the highway, merge left, and make a U-turn at a designated median opening. You only deal with one direction of traffic at a time.