Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Iowa

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Iowa?


In Iowa, you must be at least 16 years old to obtain a driver’s license.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Iowa?


The Iowa Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages: Instructional Permit, Intermediate License, and Full License.

Instructional Permit: Must be at least 14 years old and enrolled in an approved driver education course.

Intermediate License: Must be at least 16 years old and have held an instructional permit for a minimum of six months.

Full License: Must be at least 17 years old and have held an intermediate license for a minimum of 12 months.

3. How does the GDL program in Iowa define a supervised driving period?


In Iowa, the GDL program defines a supervised driving period as a period of time in which a teen driver is accompanied by an experienced driver in the front seat of the vehicle. This experienced driver must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Iowa teens must complete a minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving, in order to obtain a full unrestricted driver’s license.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Iowa?


Drivers under the age of 18 in Iowa are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12 am and 5 am, unless they are accompanied by a parent/guardian or participating in a legitimate job-related activity. Exceptions are also made for medical and emergency situations.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Iowa?


Yes, there are a few common exceptions to the GDL program in Iowa. Teens who are 18 years of age or older are not subject to the program’s restrictions. Additionally, those who have completed driver’s education classes or have a valid out-of-state driver’s license may be exempt from certain requirements.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Iowa?


In Iowa, a provisional license requires the completion of at least 6 months of supervised driving, with at least 30 hours of practice driving, including two hours of night driving, before the license can be obtained.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Iowa?


Drivers with a provisional license in Iowa are subject to the following restrictions:

1. Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience.

2. May not drive between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., except for work, school, or church-related activities.

3. May not carry passengers who are not immediate family members for the first six months.

4. Must follow all posted speed limits and practice safe driving habits at all times.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Iowa?


In Iowa, a driver with a provisional license is only allowed to carry one passenger under the age of 18 who is not an immediate family member, unless they are supervised by a licensed driver over the age of 21.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Iowa?


In Iowa, drivers must hold a provisional license for two years before applying for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Iowa?


Yes, there is an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Iowa. According to Iowa law, all drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held their license for at least one year.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Iowa?


Yes, there are restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Iowa. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, with the exception of hands-free devices.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Iowa?


No, drivers with provisional licenses are not allowed to drive on highways in Iowa.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Iowa?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in Iowa have the following restrictions:

– Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older at all times.

– May not drive between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. (unless traveling to or from work with written permission from the parent or guardian).

– May not have any passengers in the vehicle other than immediate family members.

– May not use any electronic communication devices, including cell phones, while driving.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Iowa?


To take a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Iowa, you must be at least 16 years old. You must have a valid learner’s permit for six months and have completed at least 24 hours of supervised driving time. You must also have completed an approved driver education program, such as I Drive Safely. On the day of your driving test, you must bring your valid learner’s permit, a vehicle registered in the state of Iowa with up-to-date registration and insurance, and any required documents. You must also pass a vision screening test and a written knowledge test.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Iowa?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Iowa. Additionally, they must have held their provisional license for a minimum of six months before they can take the road test.

16. Does the GDL program in Iowa require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the Iowa GDL program does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Iowa?


Yes, the Iowa Driver Education Program allows GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program to receive a special provisional license. This special license allows GDL program participants to drive for the purposes of school, work, or youth activities.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Iowa?


Yes. The GDL program regulations in Iowa include several exceptions for drivers under 18 years old. Exceptions are made for drivers who are participating in a recognized agricultural program, participating in a recognized vocational program, or who are actively employed in a job that requires them to operate a motor vehicle. Other exceptions may be granted for certain medical or military purposes.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Iowa?


Yes, once a driver reaches 18 years of age, they are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Iowa.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Iowa?


Violations of the GDL program in Iowa can lead to a variety of penalties including license suspension, revocation, fines, and/or other legal consequences. Specific penalties vary depending on the offense and may include:

1) License Suspension: Violations of the GDL program which result in failure to complete the required steps can lead to a license suspension. The length of the suspension will be determined by the court.

2) License Revocation: Serious violations such as underage drinking and driving may result in license revocation. The length of the revocation will depend on the offense and may range from two years up to five years or until the driver turns 21.

3) Fines: Depending on the offense, a driver may be subject to fines up to $1,000.

4) Other Consequences: Violations of the GDL program may also result in community service, substance abuse education classes, or other court-ordered penalties.