Iowa Teen Drivers
In an effort to save the lives of Iowa’s teen drivers and help them become more responsible drivers, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Through this program, teens must reach certain milestones prior to getting a driver’s license. Obtaining a learner’s permit is the first step.
Iowa Learner’s Permit
You must be at least 14 years to be eligible for a learner’s permit. A learner’s permit must be held for more than a period of six months before applying for a driver’s license and it is valid for four years. To apply for your learner’s permit visit your local Driver’s License station and provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- A document having proof of your Social Security number (SSN)
- Payment for the $6 fee.
You must be accompanied by your parents or have a written consent from them.
While holding your learner’s permit you must adhere to the following restrictions: you must you’re your learner’s permit at all times while driving, you should be accompanied by a supervising driver who should have a valid driver’s license and be above 25 years.
Iowa Provisional License
You must be at least 16 years to be eligible for a provisional license. You must also meet the following requirements: you must have done a state-approved driver’s education course, you must have had your learner’s permit for the last one year without any violations and you must have completed 20 hours of driving practice, including 2 hours at night. To apply visit your local Iowa Department of Transportation office with: learner’s permit, completed Parent’s/Guardian’s written Consent or your parent/guardian and payment of $8.
While holding your Iowa Provisional License, you can only drive under the following conditions:
- You can only drive without supervision between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.
- When you drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. you must be supervised by your parent, guardian or family member who is above 21 years and has a valid driver license (you can only drive during these hour without supervision for work or school purposes)