Iowa CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
Iowa gives CDL tests through Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), Motor Vehicle Division. Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in Iowa.
Knowledge tests for a Iowa permit
- General Knowledge (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if your vehicle has them) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, H, N, T)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 365 days.
Iowa endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
Iowa notes for this endorsement
Iowa is NOT a TSA self-managed state. You pass the 30-question hazmat knowledge test (ELDT theory required for first-timers) at a testing site AND complete the standard TSA Security Threat Assessment — fingerprinting/background check enrolled through TSA's vendor (IDEMIA/Universal Enroll, a.k.a. IdentoGO), not the DOT. Start the HME application (HazPrint help desk 855-347-8371) before fingerprinting; results typically take about 30-45 days. State endorsement fee is $5; the TSA background-check fee is separate. Renews on the TSA 5-year cycle.
- Tanker (N) practice
Iowa notes for this endorsement
Tank vehicle endorsement; $5 state fee.
- Passenger (P) practice
Iowa notes for this endorsement
Passenger endorsement; $10 state fee. Requires passenger knowledge and skills tests, and ELDT for first-timers.
- School bus (S) practice
Iowa notes for this endorsement
School bus endorsement; $10 state fee. Requires the P (passenger) endorsement basis plus S knowledge and skills tests, and ELDT for first-timers.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
Iowa notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers; $5 state fee. Knowledge test only (no separate skills test).
The Iowa skills test
Components: Pre-trip vehicle inspection, Basic vehicle control skills, On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must supply a vehicle that is validly registered, in good working order, and representative of the class of license you're applying for; the state does not provide a test vehicle.
Where and how to book: Iowa administers CDL skills tests at Iowa DOT driver's license service centers and participating county treasurer sites, and through DOT-authorized third-party testers (community colleges and private schools such as Kirkwood and Western Iowa Tech). Third-party tests are identical to state tests but may require class enrollment and carry their own fees. Iowa DOT publishes a statewide CDL testing-locations list. (Iowa DOT certifies third-party testers such as colleges, community colleges, government agencies, Iowa businesses, nonprofits and transit systems under 761 IAC 607.14.)
Waits and retests: Iowa DOT does not publish official wait times; availability varies by site. Some third-party testers can't schedule until at least three business days after registration to allow DMV-system entry. Using a school that bundles testing, or a third-party tester, often shortens the wait.
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-10-12; confirm testing details with Iowa.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full Iowa CDL requirementsor build your Iowa checklist.