Step 1: Instruction Permit - Under 18

Instruction Permit for under age 18

Iowa has a graduated driver’s license (GDL) system for drivers under age 18. GDL includes three steps that provide experience to improve driving skills.

An instruction permit is the first step on the road to a driver’s license.

HOW DO I GET AN INSTRUCTION PERMIT?

Be at least 14 years old.
Pass the knowledge and vision test.
Your parent or guardian must provide written consent, either in-person at the DMV or complete the Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (form 430018) and bring it with you when you come in to get your permit issued.
Provide a primary form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Create a list of documents to take with you to the DMV.
More information may be required before you receive a permit if you have a medical and/or vision-related condition that may affect your driving.

Resources

Taking the Knowledge test

You have three options for taking the knowledge test.

Take the knowledge test at a DMV or an Iowa County Treasurer location.
Schedule an appointment to take the knowledge test at a DMV or contact a Iowa county treasurer to take a test at one of their locations.
Take the knowledge test at home.
A parent will be required to administer the test and the student will need an electronic device (not a phone or tablet) connected to the Internet.

To apply to take the test at home, the child must be at least 14 years old. First, the parent will need to complete and submit the Application to Proctor Knowledge Exam Form. Due to the high volume of applications coming through, it may take 7-14 days to process your application.

Once the application is approved, the parent and student will receive an email with instructions for taking and administering the test. The link sent in the email will expire after 72 hours. If it expires, you will need to fill out the application to apply again. After the test is completed, the student will receive an email with the test results and instructions.

After passing the test at home, you will need to make an appointment to come in to a DMV or visit an Iowa County Treasurer location to be issued the permit.

Take the knowledge test at your school if available.
Some Iowa schools and agencies offer the knowledge test at their schools, saving you a trip to the DMV to complete the written test.Find a list of schools participating in the Skip the Trip – DOT Test Program.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS PERMIT?

Drive at any time with adult supervision. The supervising adult must possess a valid driver's license.

Adult supervision means:

Your parent.
Your guardian.
Your custodian.
An immediate family member at least 21 years of age.
A driver education instructor.
A person at least 25 years of age with written permission from your parent, guardian, or custodian.

WHAT CAN'T I DO WITH THIS PERMIT?

Drive without adult supervision.
Drive unsupervised to school or work. This requires a special minor’s restricted license.
Use a cell phone, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic communication or entertainment device while driving. This doesn't apply to equipment permanently installed in your vehicle.
Carry more passengers than the number of seat belts in your vehicle.
Drive a commercial motor vehicle, a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,001 or more pounds, or a motorcycle (unless you have a motorcycle license).

WHAT IF I MESS UP?

If you get a moving traffic conviction, cause a crash, or violate a restriction on your permit, there are consequences.

First offense:
You’ll get a warning letter and your permit may be suspended.

Second offense:
Your permit will be suspended for 30 days.

Every time you get a conviction, cause a crash, or violate a restriction, it delays your ability to upgrade to the next phase of license by 6 months.

HOW DO I MOVE TO THE NEXT STEP: AN INTERMEDIATE LICENSE?

Learn about the intermediate license.

DMV