Getting your first Iowa driver license
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (Iowa DOT MVD) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Hold your instruction permit for at least 12 months.
Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Complete approved driver education (30 classroom hours and 6 lab hours).
Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Log 20 hours of supervised driving, 2 after dark, and have a parent sign the affidavit.
Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Stay accident- and violation-free for the 6 months before you apply.
Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Get your intermediate license at 16; a driving test may be waived after driver education.
Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Upgrade to a full license at 17 after 12 more months and 10 more supervised hours.
Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Instruction permit fee
- $6.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Class C license fee
- $4 per year of license validity (a standard 8-year license works out to $32).Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Iowa guide
Official Iowa links
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