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Intermediate License

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 intermediate license, the second step, is an important step on the road to a full license. This license gives you more driving freedom and also more responsibility.

HOW DO I GET AN INTERMEDIATE LICENSE?

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Complete an Iowa-approved driver education course.
• Have a valid instruction permit (or instruction permit and special minor’s restricted license) for a total of 12 months.
• Have satisfied any suspensions and delays due to violations that occurred while holding a special minor’s restricted license.
• 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.
• 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 intermediate license issued.

If you meet all the requirements above, you can get your intermediate license by visiting a DMV location. You will need to schedule an appointment.

Resources

• Waiver of Intermediate Driver's License Hour Restriction form (form 431170) The completed form needs to be carried in the vehicle when driving after hours.
• Parental consent form
• Schedule an appointment

WHAT CAN'T I DO WITH THIS LICENSE

• Drive without adult supervision between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. Your parent, guardian, or custodian can complete a Waiver of Intermediate Driver's License Hour Restriction form (form 431170) to waive this restriction for school or work purposes. Once completed, the form needs to be carried in the vehicle when driving after hours.
• 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.
• If the back of your license says you have a passenger restriction, for the first six months you have your intermediate license, you cannot carry more than one minor passenger that is not a relative when driving without adult supervision. A relative means someone that is your brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, or another minor living in your household.
• Carry more passengers than the number of seat belts in your vehicle.

WHAT IF I MESS UP?

If you get a moving traffic conviction, cause a crash, or violate a restriction, 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.