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Iowa permit-test flashcards

Read an existing practice question, consider its choices, then reveal the answer and explanation. This set has 20 sourced cards selected from the existing Iowa printable sample.

Selected Iowa skills, rules and common signs. Use the full handbook for more topics and its driving diagrams.

Use Tab to reach a card’s answer control and Enter or Space to open it, or tap the control. This works without JavaScript. Cards do not record a score, save an attempt or change your quiz progress.

Recall the rule, then check the source

Card 1 · Signals and road markings

Your signal is red and you intend to continue straight. The intersection appears empty. What must you do?

  1. Stop and wait for a signal permitting your movement.
  2. Slow down and proceed if you can see both cross streets.
  3. Proceed after yielding without stopping.
  4. Treat the red light as a warning if no one is waiting.
Show answer for card 1

Correct answer: Stop and wait for a signal permitting your movement.

A steady red signal requires a stop. An empty intersection does not authorize a straight-through movement against it.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 2 · Signals and road markings

A flashing red light controls your approach to a rural junction. What is the correct sequence?

  1. Reduce speed and continue unless cross traffic is close.
  2. Stop completely, check for conflicts, and proceed only when safe.
  3. Wait for the flashing red light to turn green.
  4. Stop only if another driver reaches the junction first.
Show answer for card 2

Correct answer: Stop completely, check for conflicts, and proceed only when safe.

A flashing red signal is treated like a stop sign: a complete stop comes before yielding and proceeding when safe.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 3 · Signals and road markings

Your light turns yellow while you still have enough distance to stop safely. What should you do?

  1. Accelerate to enter before the red appears.
  2. Maintain speed because yellow always permits entry.
  3. Stop before entering the intersection.
  4. Enter, then stop in the intersection if the light changes.
Show answer for card 3

Correct answer: Stop before entering the intersection.

Yellow warns of an approaching red signal. Stop when you can do so safely; drivers already in the intersection should complete their movement cautiously.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 4 · Signals and road markings

A flashing yellow signal faces you at an intersection. How should you approach?

  1. Make a mandatory stop even if the intersection is clear.
  2. Keep your speed because crossing traffic has no priority.
  3. Wait until the light becomes a steady green.
  4. Slow down, check carefully, and yield as necessary.
Show answer for card 4

Correct answer: Slow down, check carefully, and yield as necessary.

Flashing yellow calls for caution. It does not remove your duty to check for and yield to conflicting road users.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 5 · Signals and road markings

Your light turns green, but cars ahead leave no room beyond the intersection. What should you do?

  1. Wait until you can enter without blocking the intersection.
  2. Enter halfway to reserve your place in the queue.
  3. Move in because the green light guarantees a clear path.
  4. Follow the vehicle ahead closely enough to fit beside it.
Show answer for card 5

Correct answer: Wait until you can enter without blocking the intersection.

A green signal is permission to proceed only when the path is clear. Do not block the intersection or disregard people and vehicles already there.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 6 · Signals and road markings

You are turning left on a flashing yellow arrow while an oncoming car approaches. What does the arrow require?

  1. Turn first because the arrow protects your left turn.
  2. Yield to the oncoming car and pedestrians before turning.
  3. Wait for a green arrow even if a safe gap opens.
  4. Enter the oncoming lane to make the car yield.
Show answer for card 6

Correct answer: Yield to the oncoming car and pedestrians before turning.

A flashing yellow arrow allows a cautious turn after yielding. It is not a protected turn ahead of oncoming traffic.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 7 · Signals and road markings

A green arrow permits your turn, but a pedestrian is still crossing your path. What should you do?

  1. Turn because the arrow takes priority over anyone already crossing.
  2. Pass immediately in front of the pedestrian at low speed.
  3. Yield until the pedestrian has cleared your path.
  4. Sound the horn and continue along the arrow.
Show answer for card 7

Correct answer: Yield until the pedestrian has cleared your path.

A green arrow permits the indicated movement but does not cancel the duty to yield to people or vehicles already in the intersection.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 11; 2.9 Traffic signals. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 8 · Signals and road markings

The reversible lane above your car displays a steady yellow X. What should you plan to do?

  1. Remain in it until an oncoming vehicle appears.
  2. Use it only to pass the next vehicle.
  3. Stop in the lane and wait for a green arrow.
  4. Leave that lane as soon as it is safe.
Show answer for card 8

Correct answer: Leave that lane as soon as it is safe.

A steady yellow X warns that the lane is changing use. Move out safely rather than continuing until opposing traffic arrives.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 15; 2.15 Reversible lanes. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 9 · Signals and road markings

You are choosing a lane controlled by overhead signals. What does a red X over a lane mean?

  1. Do not drive in that lane.
  2. Use it only if you intend to turn left.
  3. Enter after yielding to vehicles already there.
  4. Use it until the next signal is reached.
Show answer for card 9

Correct answer: Do not drive in that lane.

A red X closes that lane to traffic moving in your direction. Do not enter it because adjacent lanes are crowded.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 15; 2.15 Reversible lanes. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 10 · Signals and road markings

A pedestrian hybrid beacon changes to steady red as you approach its crosswalk. What must you do?

  1. Slow down but continue if the nearest half of the crossing is clear.
  2. Stop and remain stopped during the steady red indication.
  3. Treat it as a flashing yellow warning.
  4. Stop only if a pedestrian signals you to wait.
Show answer for card 10

Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped during the steady red indication.

The steady red phase requires drivers to stop. The later flashing-red phase has a different stop-and-proceed-when-clear instruction.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 18; 2.20 Pedestrian hybrid beacons. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 11 · Signals and road markings

You have stopped at a pedestrian hybrid beacon. It now flashes red and the crossing is clear. What may you do?

  1. Wait for a green light before moving.
  2. Proceed without checking because every pedestrian must now wait.
  3. Proceed cautiously after checking that the way remains clear.
  4. Drive through at full speed while the red flashes.
Show answer for card 11

Correct answer: Proceed cautiously after checking that the way remains clear.

At flashing red, each approaching driver must first stop if not already stopped, then may proceed when the crossing is clear.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 18; 2.20 Pedestrian hybrid beacons. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 12 · Signals and road markings

A road has a yellow centerline and white lines between lanes on your side. What do those colors ordinarily separate?

  1. Yellow separates same-direction lanes; white separates opposing traffic.
  2. Both colors indicate that all adjacent lanes run in the same direction.
  3. The colors identify speed differences rather than traffic direction.
  4. Yellow separates opposing directions; white separates same-direction lanes.
Show answer for card 12

Correct answer: Yellow separates opposing directions; white separates same-direction lanes.

The linked manual describes yellow lines as separating opposite directions and white lane lines as separating traffic moving in the same direction. This is a text-based color distinction, not a claim about an unseen diagram.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 15; 2.12 Pavement markings. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 13 · Intersections and right of way

You and another car arrive at an all-way stop together. It is on your right, and neither of you is turning. Who goes?

  1. The car to your right goes first.
  2. Go first since you are going straight.
  3. Go first if your road is wider.
  4. Go in the order the turn signals came on.
Show answer for card 13

Correct answer: The car to your right goes first.

When arrivals tie, Iowa has the driver on the left wait for the one on the right. Before you move, make sure that driver has actually gone and is clear of your path.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 19; Right-of-way rules. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 14 · Intersections and right of way

Another vehicle has already stopped at an all-way stop before you arrive. What determines who normally proceeds first?

  1. The vehicle on the right always proceeds first regardless of arrival time.
  2. The driver who stopped first normally proceeds first when safe.
  3. The larger vehicle normally proceeds first.
  4. The driver going straight always proceeds before a turning driver.
Show answer for card 14

Correct answer: The driver who stopped first normally proceeds first when safe.

At an all-way stop, arrival order normally determines priority. The simultaneous-arrival rule does not displace a vehicle that stopped first.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 19; Right-of-way rules. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 15 · Intersections and right of way

No green arrow is lit for your left turn, and a car approaching from ahead will go straight through. What is required?

  1. Turn first if your signal came on before they arrived.
  2. Edge into their lane so they slow down.
  3. Give way and turn only once there is a safe opening.
  4. Turn first, since you are already in the middle.
Show answer for card 15

Correct answer: Give way and turn only once there is a safe opening.

Left-turning drivers give way to oncoming traffic that is going straight. Signaling early announces the turn without earning you the right-of-way.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 19; Right-of-way rules. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 16 · Intersections and right of way

You are leaving a driveway that crosses a sidewalk before reaching the street. A person is approaching on the sidewalk. What should you do?

  1. Pull across the sidewalk so street traffic can see you.
  2. Yield only to vehicles on the street.
  3. Move onto the sidewalk and let the pedestrian walk behind you.
  4. Stop before the sidewalk and yield before entering the street.
Show answer for card 16

Correct answer: Stop before the sidewalk and yield before entering the street.

Drivers leaving a private drive must stop before crossing the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and traffic on the public road.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 41, Required stops (stop before crossing a sidewalk from a private drive); page 19, Right-of-way rules (yield). Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 17 · Intersections and right of way

No sign prohibits a right turn on red. After stopping, you see a pedestrian crossing the road you would enter. What should you do?

  1. Wait for the pedestrian and any conflicting traffic before turning.
  2. Turn immediately because you completed the required stop.
  3. Turn ahead of the pedestrian if your lane looks wide enough.
  4. Wait only for vehicles coming from the left.
Show answer for card 17

Correct answer: Wait for the pedestrian and any conflicting traffic before turning.

A permitted right turn on red still requires a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and conflicting traffic.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 19; Right-of-way rules. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 18 · Intersections and right of way

A bicyclist enters your path when the bicyclist should have yielded. You have room to slow safely. What is your responsibility?

  1. Keep your speed because the other person broke the rule.
  2. Slow or stop as needed to prevent a collision.
  3. Rely on your horn instead of reducing speed.
  4. Continue unless the bicyclist acknowledges your priority.
Show answer for card 18

Correct answer: Slow or stop as needed to prevent a collision.

Right-of-way rules do not excuse a driver from avoiding a collision. Take a safe defensive action even when another road user makes the mistake.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 18; Right of way. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 19 · Intersections and right of way

A car approaching from your left has its right-turn signal on. You are waiting to enter its road. What is safest?

  1. Enter immediately because the signal guarantees it will turn.
  2. Enter if the approaching car has begun to slow slightly.
  3. Wait until its movement confirms the turn and your path is clear.
  4. Assume the signal gives you priority over the approaching car.
Show answer for card 19

Correct answer: Wait until its movement confirms the turn and your path is clear.

An indicator can be left on or activated early. Confirm the vehicle is actually turning before relying on that opening.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 50; Intersections. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

Card 20 · Intersections and right of way

Cars are circulating in a roundabout as you approach the entrance. Who must yield?

  1. Circulating cars must stop for every entering car.
  2. Only vehicles turning left must yield at entry.
  3. The larger of the approaching vehicles has priority.
  4. You must yield to circulating traffic and crossing pedestrians.
Show answer for card 20

Correct answer: You must yield to circulating traffic and crossing pedestrians.

Slow before a roundabout and yield before entering. Traffic already circulating has priority over entering traffic.

Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; p. 54; Roundabouts. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. · Original question review: 2026-09-29

These are selected learning examples, not state examination questions or complete handbook coverage. Read the original source when a condition or exception is unclear.