20 questions from the Iowa driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. An emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens is approaching from behind you while you are currently inside an intersection. What is the correct action?
Answer: Drive through the intersection before pulling over. The handbook instructs drivers already within an intersection to complete their crossing before pulling over to yield.
Iowa driver handbook, page 19: “If you are in an intersection (including roundabouts), drive through the intersection before you pull over.”
2. What is the minimum distance from a railroad crossing where passing is prohibited?
Answer: Within 100 feet. The handbook states that passing is not allowed within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
Iowa driver handbook, page 46: “Do not pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.”
3. When should a driver use the six-or-more-second following distance rule?
Answer: When road conditions are slippery or the vehicle ahead blocks your view. The handbook specifies that a six-second gap is necessary when visibility is blocked or surfaces are slippery, whereas other options refer to different specific rules or general conditions.
Iowa driver handbook, page 41: “When road conditions are slippery or the vehicle in front of you blocks your view, a following distance of six or more seconds is recommended.”
4. According to Iowa law, what is the maximum fine for a passenger under age 18 who is not wearing a seat belt?
Answer: $100. The handbook states that the fine is up to $100 for passengers under the age of 18.
Iowa driver handbook, page 34: “The violation of this law is punishable with up to a $50 fine per passenger and $100 per passenger under 18.”
5. When making a turn where there are no signs or lane markings to control it, which lane should you turn into?
Answer: The lane closest to the one you came from. The rule requires turning into the lane nearest to your original lane to maintain proper traffic flow.
Iowa driver handbook, page 16: “Where there are no signs or lane markings to control turning, you should turn from the lane that is closest to the direction you want to go, and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from.”
6. When driving on a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, where should you generally stay?
Answer: In the right or center lane except to pass. The handbook advises staying in the right or center lane unless actively passing another vehicle.
Iowa driver handbook, page 16: “On a road with three or more lanes stay in the right or center lane except to pass.”
7. What information is provided by the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at railroad crossings?
Answer: A phone number and unique crossing identification number to report problems. The handbook specifies that the ENS sign contains contact information and an ID for reporting hazards at the crossing.
Iowa driver handbook, page 8: “It includes a phone number to contact the railroad and a unique crossing identification number. Drivers should use the phone number and crossing ID to report stalled vehicles, malfunctioning signals, or any other hazardous situation at the crossing.”
8. When driving on rural gravel roads with reduced traction, what is the recommended practice for maintaining vehicle control?
Answer: Slow down, avoid sudden turning, accelerate and brake slowly, and increase following distance. The handbook lists these specific actions as the method to maintain stable control on loose gravel.
Iowa driver handbook, page 55: “Slow down, avoid sudden turning, accelerate and brake slowly, and increase your following distance.”
9. What does a constant tone from parking sensors indicate?
Answer: The vehicle is close to an object. The handbook defines a constant tone as a signal that the vehicle is near an object, whereas shorter intervals between beeps indicate proximity.
Iowa driver handbook, page 31: “A constant tone means the vehicle is close to an object.”
10. If you are involved in a crash with no injuries and your vehicle is operable, what does Iowa law require you to do?
Answer: Move your vehicle out of the driving lanes of traffic. Drivers must clear traffic lanes after minor crashes to reduce the risk of secondary collisions.
Iowa driver handbook, page 22: “Iowa law requires that you move your vehicle out of the driving lanes of traffic if the vehicle is operable and can be safely moved.”
11. When parking on a roadway with a curb, how close must your vehicle be parked to the curb?
Answer: Within 18 inches of the curb or closer. The handbook specifies a maximum distance of 18 inches from the curb when parking on a roadway.
Iowa driver handbook, page 21: “If there is a curb, park within 18 inches of the curb or closer.”
12. How many times per second does the forward collision warning system scan the traffic ahead?
Answer: 20 times per second. The handbook specifies that the scanning frequency for the forward collision warning system is exactly 20 times per second.
Iowa driver handbook, page 30: “The forward collision warning system scans the traffic ahead 20 times per second up to 500 feet in front of your vehicle”
13. How should a driver position their hands on the steering wheel for proper grip?
Answer: At 9 and 3 o’clock or slightly lower at 7 and 5 o’clock. The handbook instructs drivers to place hands at the 9 and 3 positions, or alternatively at 7 and 5, to maintain control.
Iowa driver handbook, page 42: “Your hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock or slightly lower at 7 and 5 o’clock.”
14. According to Iowa law, what is the minimum percentage of light that must pass through tinted windshields and windows immediately to the right or left of the driver?
Answer: At least 70 percent. The handbook states that Iowa law mandates a minimum of 70 percent light transmission for these specific windows.
Iowa driver handbook, page 24: “Iowa law requires tinted windshields and windows to the immediate right or left of the driver to allow at least 70 percent of the light through.”
15. Why should a driver not rely solely on an approaching vehicle's turn signal when deciding to proceed?
Answer: The signal may be left on from a prior turn or the driver may plan to turn beyond you. Drivers must verify the other vehicle's actual movement because signals can be misleading or forgotten, especially on motorcycles where they may not auto-cancel.
Iowa driver handbook, page 50: “Do not turn just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn beyond you or has forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn.”
16. What is the recommended action when the High Speed Alert sounds because the posted speed limit has been exceeded?
Answer: Release the accelerator or lightly brake. The instructions advise releasing the accelerator or lightly braking, advising against slamming the brakes.
Iowa driver handbook, page 30: “If a warning sounds, you should carefully slow the car to the appropriate posted speed limit by releasing the accelerator or lightly braking. Don’t slam the brakes to maintain a safe speed.”
17. What is the minimum distance required when parking near a railroad crossing?
Answer: Closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing. The handbook lists 50 feet as the specific distance restriction for parking near railroad crossings.
Iowa driver handbook, page 21: “Closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing.”
18. How should a driver operate the brake pedal if their vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and they need to stop quickly?
Answer: Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing. The instructions for ABS specifically advise maintaining hard pressure on the pedal, noting that the pedal may push back but should not be released.
Iowa driver handbook, page 41: “Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing.”
19. Under what condition does Iowa law require the use of headlights?
Answer: Whenever visibility is 500 feet or less. The handbook states that headlights are legally required when visibility drops to 500 feet or less, in addition to the sunset-to-sunrise requirement.
Iowa driver handbook, page 49: “Iowa law requires the use of both headlights from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is 500 feet or less, (fog, heavy rain, snow, etc.).”
20. How should a driver handle braking when stopping at an intersection in icy or snowy conditions?
Answer: Begin slowing down long before the stop and brake only when traveling in a straight line. The handbook advises starting to slow down early and ensuring the vehicle is straight before applying brakes to prevent skidding.
Iowa driver handbook, page 61: “Begin slowing down long before anticipating a stop at an intersection or turn. Brake only when traveling in a straight line.”