A 15-year-old Iowa permit holder rides a motorcycle while an unrelated 25-year-old follows in a car. What else does section 321.180B require?Iowa Code § 321.180B(1)(c)(1)
An adult Iowa motorcycle permit holder is accompanied by a friend who is neither family nor an instructor. How old must the friend be?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(b)(1)
An immediate family member accompanies an adult Iowa motorcycle permit holder. What minimum age does section 321.180 set for the family member?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(b)(1)
An Iowa motorcycle permit holder is charged with not carrying the permit, but held a valid one that day. What does section 321.180 provide?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(a)
An Iowa rider already licensed for motorcycles is issued an instruction permit for another vehicle. What does section 321.180 say about riding the motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(a)
An Iowa rider holds a Class C license and nothing else. What does section 321.189 say about that license and motorcycles?Iowa Code § 321.189(1)(a)(3)
Can a single Iowa driver's license cover both a car and a motorcycle under section 321.189?Iowa Code § 321.189(1)(b)
Can an Iowa motorcycle instruction permit be renewed under section 321.180(5)?Iowa Code § 321.180(5)
Show all 108 questions (100 more)
Permits and the Class M license, continued
For how long may an Iowa instruction permit run under sections 321.180 and 321.180B?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(a)
How close must the accompanying person stay to an Iowa motorcycle permit holder under section 321.180?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(b)(2)
How many Iowa motorcycle permit holders may one accompanying person supervise at the same time?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(b)(2)
What does Iowa Code 321.174 require before anyone operates a motorcycle on a highway?Iowa Code § 321.174(1)
What is the youngest age at which Iowa issues an instruction permit under section 321.180B?Iowa Code § 321.180B(1)(a)
What license must the person accompanying an Iowa motorcycle permit holder hold under section 321.180?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(b)(1)
What may an approved motorcycle education course excuse an Iowa student from under section 321.178?Iowa Code § 321.178(1)(c)
What must an adult pass to be issued an Iowa instruction permit under section 321.180?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(a)
What must an Iowa rider under 18 complete before a Class M license is issued under section 321.180B(5)?Iowa Code § 321.180B(5)
Where must the accompanying person be while an Iowa permit holder operates a motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.180(1)(b)(2)
Which class of Iowa driver's license is valid for operating a motorcycle under section 321.189?Iowa Code § 321.189(1)(a)(5)
Which Iowa credential does section 321.196(2) carve out of the rule allowing renewal without a test within a year of expiry?Iowa Code § 321.196(2)
Who may give the motorcycle education course that Iowa Code 321.180B(5) requires of riders under 18?Iowa Code § 321.180B(5)
Helmets, lamps, plates and equipment 28
A two-wheeled Iowa motorcycle is fitted with conversion hardware for two detachable stabilizing rear wheels. How does section 321.435 treat it?Iowa Code § 321.435
At night, within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must an Iowa rider use a beam that does not glare, under section 321.415?Iowa Code § 321.415(1)(a)
At what tread depth does Iowa Code 321.440 treat a pneumatic motorcycle tire as unsafe?Iowa Code § 321.440(1)
Does adding two detachable stabilizing wheels make an Iowa motorcycle a 'reconstructed' vehicle under section 321.435?Iowa Code § 321.435
From 20 mph on dry, level pavement, within what distance must the service brakes stop an Iowa vehicle weighing under 5,000 pounds?Iowa Code § 321.431(1)
From how far away must the horn on an Iowa motorcycle be audible under section 321.432?Iowa Code § 321.432
From how far behind must the red rear lamp on an Iowa motorcycle be plainly visible under section 321.387?Iowa Code § 321.387
From how far to the rear must an Iowa motorcycle's stop signal be plainly visible in normal sunlight and at night?Iowa Code § 321.404
How far to the rear must the mirror on an Iowa motorcycle let the rider see under section 321.437?Iowa Code § 321.437(1)
How many brakes must an Iowa motorcycle have under section 321.430(2)?Iowa Code § 321.430(2)
How many headlamps must an Iowa motorcycle carry under section 321.386?Iowa Code § 321.386
Iowa Code 321.385 requires at least two headlamps on most motor vehicles. Which vehicles does it leave out?Iowa Code § 321.385
Iowa Code 321.415 makes drivers dim their headlamps for oncoming traffic and when following. When are motorcycles outside that rule?Iowa Code § 321.415(2)
Iowa Code 321.430(4) requires service brakes on all wheels of new vehicles sold in the state. Which vehicles does paragraph a exempt?Iowa Code § 321.430(4)
Iowa Code 321.445 requires safety belts in 1966 and newer vehicles. Which vehicles does it except?Iowa Code § 321.445(1)
What colors may the stop signal lamp on an Iowa motorcycle show under section 321.404?Iowa Code § 321.404
What does Iowa Code 321.436 say about a muffler cutout or bypass on a motorcycle ridden on a highway?Iowa Code § 321.436
What exception does Iowa Code 321.275(5) allow to its headlight-on rule for motorcycles?Iowa Code § 321.275(5)
What light must illuminate the rear plate of an Iowa motorcycle, and from how far must the plate be legible?Iowa Code § 321.388
Where does Iowa Code 321.37 say the registration plate issued for a motorcycle is attached?Iowa Code § 321.37(1)
Which flashing lamp does Iowa Code 321.423 expressly permit on a motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.423(2)
Which Iowa motorcycles must show a lighted headlamp whenever they are operated on a highway, day or night?Iowa Code § 321.275(5)
Which marking makes a tire unsafe for an Iowa highway under section 321.440, whatever its tread depth?Iowa Code § 321.440(1)
Which motor vehicle does Iowa Code 321.438(3) name as not needing a windshield?Iowa Code § 321.438(3)
Which motorized bicycles must show a lighted headlamp at all times on an Iowa highway under section 321.275(5)?Iowa Code § 321.275(5)
Which riders does Iowa Code chapter 321 require to wear a motorcycle helmet?Iowa Code § 321.275
Which vehicles does Iowa Code 321.317(3) exempt from its requirement of a directional signal device?Iowa Code § 321.317(3)
Which vehicles does Iowa Code 321.404A name in its ban on devices that restrict the light from headlamps and signal lamps?Iowa Code § 321.404A(1)
Passengers, seating and loads 11
An Iowa motorcycle is built with a single seat for one person. May its operator carry a friend on the rear fender?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(b)
How must every person on an Iowa motorcycle sit under section 321.275(3)?Iowa Code § 321.275(3)
May the operator of a motorized bicycle carry a passenger on an Iowa highway under section 321.275(2)?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(a)
What does Iowa Code 321.275(2)(b) say about a passenger's position in relation to the operator?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(b)
What does Iowa Code 321.275(6) say about carrying a package on a motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.275(6)
What must an Iowa motorcycle have for a passenger under section 321.275(2)(b)?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(b)
When do the rules of Iowa Code 321.275 not apply to motorcycles at all?Iowa Code § 321.275(7)
When is an Iowa motorcycle excused from having passenger footrests under section 321.275(2)(b)?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(b)
When may an Iowa motorcycle carry a second person at all under section 321.275(2)(b)?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(b)
Where may the passenger on an Iowa motorcycle sit under section 321.275(2)(b)?Iowa Code § 321.275(2)(b)
Where must the operator of an Iowa motorcycle ride under section 321.275(3)?Iowa Code § 321.275(3)
Lane use and signals 15
Do the lane rules of Iowa Code 321.275(4) cover motorized bicycles as well as motorcycles?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
From which side of the vehicle are hand and arm signals given in Iowa under section 321.318?Iowa Code § 321.318
How many Iowa motorcycles may ride abreast in a single lane under section 321.275(4)?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
How may an Iowa rider give the turn and stop signals that chapter 321 requires, under section 321.317(1)?Iowa Code § 321.317(1)
May an Iowa motorcycle be operated between lanes of moving traffic under section 321.275(4)?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
May an Iowa motorcyclist overtake and pass a car inside the same lane the car occupies?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
On an Iowa highway with a 55 mph limit, for how far before turning must a rider signal continuously under section 321.315?Iowa Code § 321.315
On an Iowa road with a 35 mph limit, for how far before turning must a rider signal continuously under section 321.315?Iowa Code § 321.315
Traffic is stopped in two rows at an Iowa signal. May a motorcyclist filter forward between the rows under section 321.275(4)?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
What does Iowa Code 321.275(4) say about a car sharing a lane beside a motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
What does Iowa Code 321.316 require before a rider stops or suddenly slows?Iowa Code § 321.316
Which hand and arm signal does Iowa Code 321.318 give for a left turn?Iowa Code § 321.318
Which hand and arm signal does Iowa Code 321.318 give for a right turn?Iowa Code § 321.318
Which hand and arm signal does Iowa Code 321.318 give for stopping or slowing?Iowa Code § 321.318
Which vehicle may an Iowa motorcyclist overtake and pass within the same lane under section 321.275(4)?Iowa Code § 321.275(4)
Motorized bicycles and autocycles 21
A three-wheeler meets Iowa's autocycle definition, but its vehicle identification number calls it a motorcycle. What is it under section 321.1(6A)?Iowa Code § 321.1(6A)
Does the motorcycle exception in Iowa's safety belt law, section 321.445, extend to autocycles?Iowa Code § 321.445(2)
For how long is an Iowa license valid only for a motorized bicycle issued under section 321.189(7)?Iowa Code § 321.189(7)
From what age may Iowa issue a license valid only for a motorized bicycle under section 321.189(7)?Iowa Code § 321.189(7)
How are the wheels of an 'autocycle' arranged under Iowa Code 321.1(6A)?Iowa Code § 321.1(6A)
How high must the safety flag on an Iowa motorized bicycle reach under section 321.275(8)?Iowa Code § 321.275(8)
How is an Iowa autocycle steered under the definition in section 321.1(6A)?Iowa Code § 321.1(6A)
Is a motor scooter a motorcycle under Iowa Code 321.1(40)?Iowa Code § 321.1(40)
On how many wheels may a vehicle travel and still be a 'motorcycle' under Iowa Code 321.1(40)?Iowa Code § 321.1(40)
What color must the safety flag on an Iowa motorized bicycle be under section 321.275(8)?Iowa Code § 321.275(8)
What does Iowa Code 321.1(40)(b) use to separate a motorized bicycle from a motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.1(40)
What extra step does Iowa Code 321.189(7) require of an applicant under 16 for a motorized bicycle license?Iowa Code § 321.189(7)
What happens to an Iowa motorized bicycle license when its holder is convicted of a moving traffic violation?Iowa Code § 321.189(7)
What seating does an Iowa autocycle have under section 321.1(6A)?Iowa Code § 321.1(6A)
What shape and size of safety flag does Iowa Code 321.275(8) require on a motorized bicycle?Iowa Code § 321.275(8)
What top speed marks the upper limit of a 'motorized bicycle' under Iowa Code 321.1(40)(b)?Iowa Code § 321.1(40)
Where on an Iowa motorized bicycle is the safety flag attached under section 321.275(8)?Iowa Code § 321.275(8)
Which controls does the Iowa autocycle definition in section 321.1(6A) call for?Iowa Code § 321.1(6A)
Which Iowa driver's licenses allow the holder to operate a motorized bicycle under section 321.189(7)(d)?Iowa Code § 321.189(7)
Which tests does Iowa Code 321.189(7) set for a license valid only for a motorized bicycle?Iowa Code § 321.189(7)
Which vehicle does Iowa Code 321.1(40) exclude from the definition of a motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.1(40)
Road rules that bind riders 7
An Iowa rider overtakes a car traveling in the same direction on a two-lane road. On which side does section 321.299 say to pass?Iowa Code § 321.299
How closely may an Iowa rider follow another vehicle under section 321.307?Iowa Code § 321.307
How far do Iowa's general motor vehicle laws reach motorcycle operators under section 321.275(1)?Iowa Code § 321.275(1)
Iowa Code 321.285(1) ties a rider's speed to stopping distance. Within what distance must the rider be able to stop?Iowa Code § 321.285(1)
What is the lawful speed for a motorcycle in an Iowa business district under section 321.285, unless otherwise posted?Iowa Code § 321.285(2)
What is the lawful speed for a motorcycle in an Iowa residence or school district under section 321.285, unless otherwise posted?Iowa Code § 321.285(2)
What is the lawful speed for a motorcycle in an Iowa suburban district under section 321.285, unless otherwise posted?Iowa Code § 321.285(2)
Alcohol and insurance 5
At what alcohol concentration does a person operating a motorcycle in Iowa commit operating while intoxicated under section 321J.2?Iowa Code § 321J.2(1)
How much of a controlled substance in the blood or urine makes operating a motorcycle an offense under Iowa Code 321J.2?Iowa Code § 321J.2(1)
What alcohol concentration is the limit for an Iowa rider under 21 under section 321J.2A?Iowa Code § 321J.2A
What does Iowa's implied consent law, section 321J.6, say about a person who operates a motor vehicle in the state?Iowa Code § 321J.6(1)
What must an Iowa rider carry under section 321.20B to show financial liability coverage for the motorcycle?Iowa Code § 321.20B(1)
How this list was compiled: Written from the Iowa Code 2026, chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road) and chapter 321J (operating while intoxicated), as published by the Iowa Legislature at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.pdf and https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321J.pdf, checked 2026-09-19. Each question names its section and links to that section's page on legis.iowa.gov. Exam facts on the page come from the Iowa Department of Transportation, https://iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/motorcycle-moped-or-autocycle, checked 2026-09-19: a motorcycle instruction permit takes the motorcycle knowledge exam and a vision screening and is issued for one four-year term with no renewal. That page and the department's motorcycle manual and motorcycle education pages print no question count, pass mark or time limit for the motorcycle knowledge test, so none is given here. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the Iowa Code text; nothing is copied from the Motorcycle Operator Manual the Iowa DOT distributes, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Iowa DOT practice test or another practice test.
How it works
Chapter 321 of the Iowa Code has no helmet rule, puts a permit supervisor on a second vehicle and switches the headlight on from model year 1977. This unofficial Iowa motorcycle permit practice test turns the chapter into 108 questions, each with its section. It asks nothing on riding technique. Code checked September 2026.
Read the full guide
Chapter 321, read for riders
Chapter 321 never uses the word helmet. Section 321.180 puts the permit supervisor on or in a different motor vehicle, within audible and visual distance, one learner at a time. A motorized bicycle is set by a 39 mph top speed, not engine size.
What the Iowa DOT publishes about the test
The Iowa DOT's motorcycle page says an instruction permit takes a vision screening and the motorcycle knowledge exam, runs one four-year term and cannot be renewed. A motorcycle-only license adds the operator knowledge test. For the Iowa motorcycle permit test the DOT names no question count, pass mark or time limit. So Exam mode deals 25 questions, a count this site chose, and its score has no pass or fail. Misses wait under Missed, and Clear my progress clears them.
Set Start from to Permits and the Class M license first: the four-year, non-renewable permit and its supervisor rules sit in sections 321.180 and 321.180B.
Keep motorized bicycles apart from motorcycles: 39 mph at most, no passenger, a Day-Glo flag five feet up, a headlamp lit at any model year.
The lane rules in section 321.275(4) name motorcycles and motorized bicycles alike: full lane, two abreast, no riding between lanes, no same-lane passing.
Questions and answers
Does Iowa have a motorcycle helmet law?
No. Chapter 321 of the Iowa Code has no helmet requirement at any age. Section 321.275 does require a lighted headlamp at all times on a motorcycle of model year 1977 or later and on a motorized bicycle of any model year. That is a statement about the statute, not advice on what to wear.
Who has to ride along with an Iowa motorcycle instruction permit holder?
Someone licensed for motorcycles, who supervises only you (section 321.180). That person stays within audible and visual distance, on or in a different motor vehicle. It can be immediate family aged 21 or more, an approved instructor, or anyone at least 25. Under 18, section 321.180B adds a parent or guardian, and a non-relative needs their written permission.
Are these the Iowa DOT's own test questions?
They are not. The Iowa DOT has no part in this page. The site is unofficial and has never seen the department's questions. Each item was written from the 2026 Iowa Code, and nothing was copied from the Motorcycle Operator Manual. Riding technique is in that manual.