Iowa Parent-Taught Driver Education

Intermediate License Requirements

Getting Your Intermediate License

In order to get your Iowa intermediate driver’s license, you will need to complete a driver education course and behind-the-wheel driver training.

Intermediate License Eligibility Requirements

Before you can earn your intermediate license, you will need to meet some criteria:

• You must be at least 16 years old before applying for your intermediate license.
• You must have completed a driver education course.
• You must have held an instruction permit for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.
• You must have kept a clean driving record for at least 6 consecutive months prior to applying for your intermediate license.
• You must have notarized written consent from a parent/guardian if they do not accompany you to the driver’s license issuance site.

Steps to Earning Your Intermediate License

The process for getting an intermediate license is straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1. Complete and submit the Parent Taught Driver Education Pre-Qualification application which may be found on the DOT’s website (this is not required, but highly recommended).
2. Complete the first six lessons of online instruction.
3. Pay for the course.
4. Complete the remaining 24 lessons of online instruction.
5. You will need to complete a total of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with your teaching parent, including 3 hours of driving between sunset and sunrise.
6. After course completion, fill out the Application for Parent-Taught Driver Education Program Completion, which can be found on the Iowa DOT website. Mail in the application, in addition to your completed Driving Log for Parent-Taught Driver Education (which can also be found on the Iowa DOT website) and the Exam Scores form provided at the end of your course, to the DOT at:

   Iowa Department of Transportation
   Office of Driver Services
   P.O. Box 9204
   Des Moines, IA 50306

7. Wait to receive the letter of approval and the Certificate of Completion from the Iowa DOT.
8. After receiving these items, schedule your required driving test at any driver’s license issuance site.
9. Pass the driving test and receive your license!

After Receiving Your Intermediate License

After receiving your intermediate license, you can start on your way toward your full license! Find out the requirements for a full license.

What to Bring to the Driver’s License Issuance Site

When you go to take your driving test at the license issuance site, you will need to bring some important items with you. Be sure to have:

1. Your valid Iowa instruction permit.
2. Your official Certificate of Completion from the Iowa DOT.
3. Proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be using for the test.
4. Parent's/legal guardian's Iowa driver's license (or notarized written consent from a parent/guardian if they do not accompany you to the driver’s license issuance site).
5. Required license fees.