Basic Driving Skills — Iowa Driver's License Practice Test

This Iowa Driver's License Basic Driving Skills practice set has 112 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real Iowa Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Basic Driving Skills bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

1. According to the Iowa Driver's Manual, what reduces a new driver's risk of being in a crash?

   • Experience gained through instruction and practice — Correct answer
   • Reading the owner's manual cover to cover
   • Driving a more expensive vehicle
   • Driving only at low speeds

   Explanation: No manual can completely teach you to be a safe driver. Studies show the risk of a crash diminishes with experience gained through instruction and practice.

   Handbook: Basic Driving Skills — Introduction

2. Where should you look to find the best starting procedures for your vehicle?

   • The vehicle owner's manual — Correct answer
   • The Iowa Driver's Manual
   • The vehicle registration card
   • The insurance policy

   Explanation: Check the vehicle owner's manual for the best starting procedures; they vary depending on whether the vehicle has fuel injection and the type of transmission.

   Handbook: Basic Driving Skills — Starting the Vehicle

3. Which letters appear on the gear selector column of a vehicle with an automatic transmission?

   • P-R-N-D-L — Correct answer
   • A-B-C-D-E
   • 1-2-3-4-5
   • S-M-D-N-P

   Explanation: An automatic transmission needs no manual gear shifting; the gear selector uses the P-R-N-D-L column.

   Handbook: Basic Driving Skills — Shifting Gears