Practice test 2 of 10 — Iowa permit test

25 questions · Pass mark: 20 of 25 (80%) · No time limit

Practice test 2 questions

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Question 1 of 25Safe driving and hazards

Strong winds are blowing across the road. What should you do?

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Question 2 of 25Safe driving and hazards

You drive into thick smoke or fog and can barely see. What is the safest choice?

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Question 3 of 25Safe driving and hazards

You feel very sleepy while driving. What should you do?

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Question 4 of 25Right of way

At a four-way stop, another driver waves you on, but it is their turn. What is the safest thing to do?

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Question 5 of 25Speed and following distance

When should you leave more space between you and the car ahead?

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Question 6 of 25Right of way

Your light turns green, but an ambulance with flashing lights and a siren is coming. What should you do?

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Question 7 of 25Sharing the road (Iowa)

On an Iowa street, the car ahead in the next lane has stopped for a pedestrian. What should you do?

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Question 8 of 25Sharing the road

A car is stopped ahead with people getting out of it near a crosswalk. What should you do?

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Question 9 of 25Emergencies and equipment

When should you use your hazard warning lights?

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Question 10 of 25Alcohol, drugs and penalties (Iowa)

Does Iowa’s implied consent law apply to drivers from other states?

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Question 11 of 25Signals and pavement markings

A row of white triangles across your lane points toward you. What does it mean?

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Question 13 of 25Speed and following distance

The road is wet from rain. What should you do?

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Question 14 of 25Right of way

You have stopped at a stop line, but your view of the cross street is blocked. What should you do?

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Question 15 of 25Turning, passing and lanes

You need to turn at the next intersection. When should you get into the correct lane?

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Question 16 of 25Road signs

Road sign for this question (regulatory sign)

What does this sign mean?

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Question 18 of 25Safe driving and hazards

You see children playing near the road ahead. What is a good step to take?

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Question 19 of 25Emergencies and equipment (Iowa)

Your brakes stop working while driving in Iowa. What does the manual say to try first?

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Question 20 of 25Road signs

Road sign for this question (warning sign)

You are on the main road and see this sign. What is the best thing to do?

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Question 22 of 25Right of way

At a corner with no painted lines, is there a crosswalk?

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Question 23 of 25Speed and following distance

Driving well over the limit on a short trip usually:

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Question 24 of 25Road signs (Iowa)

An Iowa Hill warning sign says the road ahead goes down a hill. What does the manual say to do first?

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Question 25 of 25Signals and pavement markings

A crossing signal shows a white walking person. What does it mean for people on foot?

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1 of 25

Answer each question to see the explanation. Keyboard: A–D or 1–4 to answer, N next, P previous.

Answers and explanations (text version)

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

  1. Question 1: A. Slow down and grip the wheel firmly

    Strong crosswinds can push your car. Slow down and keep a firm grip on the wheel.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

  2. Question 2: B. Slow down, and pull off the road to stop

    Slow down with low beams on. If you must stop, pull fully off the road so cars behind do not hit you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

  3. Question 3: B. Stop in a safe place and rest

    The only cure for being drowsy is rest. Stop in a safe place and sleep or switch drivers.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Fatigue

  4. Question 4: C. Look for other traffic, then go

    A wave is not a promise that the way is clear. Look for other traffic and people before you go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

  5. Question 5: D. In rain, fog, or at night

    Leave more space when it is wet, foggy or dark, since you need more time to see hazards and to stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

  6. Question 6: A. Stay stopped and let it go by

    A green light does not let you go when an emergency vehicle with a siren is coming. Stay where you are and let it pass.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

  7. Question 7: D. Do not pass it

    "Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down for a pedestrian."

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Applying Your Driving Skills — 5.11 Sharing the Road with Bicyclists and Pedestrians

  8. Question 8: C. Slow down and watch for people

    People getting out of a car may step into the road, so slow down and watch for them.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Pedestrians

  9. Question 9: B. When your stopped car could be a hazard

    Use hazard lights when your car is stopped or very slow and could be a hazard to others.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Breakdowns

  10. Question 10: D. Yes, it applies to non-residents too

    The consent law "also applies to any non-resident drivers traveling in the state."

    Handbook: Chapter 3: Preparing to Drive — 3.8 Alcohol and Drugs

  11. Question 11: B. Yield at that line

    A row of white triangles, called a yield line, shows where you must yield.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

  12. Question 12: B. A right turn

    This sign bans right turns at that spot, so you must go straight or turn left if allowed.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

  13. Question 13: B. Slow down and leave more space

    Wet roads give your tires less grip, so slow down and leave more space ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

  14. Question 14: D. Edge forward until you can see, then go

    After stopping, edge forward slowly until you can see cross traffic, then go only when it is clear.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

  15. Question 15: C. Well before the intersection

    Move into the correct lane well before the intersection so you do not swerve at the last moment.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Turns

  16. Question 16: B. You must not drive onto this road from here

    This sign means do not enter. You must not drive onto the road or ramp from this direction.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

  17. Question 17: C. 20 mph

    Where no limit is posted, the limit is "20 mph in any business district."

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Basic Driving Skills — 4.5 Appropriate Speed

  18. Question 18: D. Cover the brake so you can stop fast

    Taking your foot off the gas and covering the brake cuts the time it takes to stop if a child runs out.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

  19. Question 19: A. Pump the brake pedal several times

    If your brakes fail, "Pump the brake pedal several times" to build pressure; then use the parking brake slowly.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Applying Your Driving Skills — 5.14 Equipment Failure Emergencies

  20. Question 20: A. Watch for cars joining and adjust your speed

    At a merge, both drivers share the job. Watch for cars joining and adjust your speed or lane to help them merge.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

  21. Question 21: C. 25-35 mph

    "Snowplows typically operate at 25-35 mph," and many drivers hit them from behind.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Applying Your Driving Skills — 5.13 Inclement Weather Driving

  22. Question 22: A. Yes, there is usually an unmarked crosswalk

    At most intersections there is an unmarked crosswalk even with no painted lines, and you must yield to people using it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

  23. Question 23: A. Saves very little time and adds a lot of risk

    Speeding on most trips saves only a few minutes but raises the chance and harm of a crash.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Basic speed rule

  24. Question 24: C. Check your brakes

    The Hill sign warns that the road goes down a hill, and "You should check your brakes before going down the hill."

    Handbook: Chapter 2: Traffic Signs & Rules of the Road — 2.3 Warning Signs

  25. Question 25: B. They may start to cross, watching for turning cars

    The walking person means people may start to cross, but they should still watch for cars that are turning.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

Practice test 2 of 10 for the Knowledge test (instruction permit) (the Iowa DOT): Our practice tests use 25 questions, 20 of 25 (80%) to pass (the Iowa DOT does not publish a fixed format). Our practice tests are untimed.

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