Iowa sharing the road practice questions
2 questions below test Iowa’s own sharing the road law, each with the statute or Iowa Department of Transportation handbook section it came from, plus 10 more on sharing the road rules that apply in every state.
The Iowa permit knowledge test has 35 questions in total and needs 28 correct (80%) to pass.
Iowa law
2 questions on Iowa’s own sharing the road rules
These differ from the rules that hold nationally — they are the ones that catch out drivers who studied another state’s handbook.
1. When stopping behind an Iowa school bus with its stop arm extended, you must stop no closer than:
- A5 feet from the rear of the bus
- 15 feet from the rear of the bus
- C30 feet from the rear of the bus
- D50 feet from the rear of the bus
Answer: 15 feet from the rear of the bus. The Iowa Driver’s License Manual requires you to stop behind the school bus when the stop arm is extended, no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus, and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the bus starts moving again.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual — School Buses
2. On an Iowa road with four or more lanes, when meeting a stopped school bus from the front in the opposite lanes:
- You do not need to stop
- BYou must slow to 10 mph only
- CYou must stop only if amber lights are flashing
- DYou must always stop
Answer: You do not need to stop. The Iowa Driver’s License Manual states that when meeting the bus in one of the opposite two lanes (or more) on a road with four or more lanes, you do not need to stop even if the bus has stopped with lights flashing and stop arm out — the only time you may pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual — School Buses — Scenario 2
Sources for the Iowa items above
Applies everywhere
Sharing the road rules that hold in every state
A sample of the national sharing the road bank. All 10 are in the practice run, combined with the Iowa items above for 12 questions in total.
1. Before opening a vehicle door into traffic, you should:
- ATurn on high beams
- BOpen it quickly
- Check mirrors and the blind area for cyclists and traffic
- DSound the horn
Answer: Check mirrors and the blind area for cyclists and traffic. Check behind you before opening. Using the far hand can encourage a shoulder turn that makes approaching cyclists easier to see.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Sharing the road — bicycles
2. An emergency vehicle with lights and siren is approaching from behind. You should generally:
- ATurn left at the next intersection
- BSpeed up to stay ahead
- CStop in your lane immediately
- Move toward the right edge and stop when safe
Answer: Move toward the right edge and stop when safe. Yield promptly, avoid blocking an intersection, move to the right when safe, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Right-of-way — emergency vehicles
3. When passing a bicyclist on a narrow road, you should:
- ASound your horn as you pass
- BExpect the cyclist to ride on the shoulder
- CPass closely so you clear the lane quickly
- Slow down and pass leaving generous space
Answer: Slow down and pass leaving generous space. Cyclists may swerve to avoid debris or a pothole. Slow down, wait for a safe gap, and give as much space as you would another vehicle.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Sharing the road — bicycles
More Iowa topics
Other Iowa rules with their own questions
Sharing the road elsewhere
Sharing the road rules in other states
Sharing the road law is set state by state — compare how another state handles it.
Confirm current Iowa rules
Statutes and handbooks change. Iowa Department of Transportation is authoritative for Iowa sharing the road rules and for the permit test itself.
Visit Iowa Department of TransportationCommon questions
About Iowa sharing the road rules and this practice set.