Every day, teens across the United States fantasize about receiving their first driver's license. Some even plan future cross-country road trips and start saving for the car of their dreams. However, there are a few things you must do before you can join the ranks of Iowa's teen drivers.

Top Earning Your Instruction Permit

In Iowa, you may receive an instruction permit at age 14 with approval of your parent or guardian. You can apply for your instruction permit at your nearest driver's license station. No appointment is necessary, but you will be asked to provide proof of your identity and verification of your Social Security number.

Before you can receive your instruction permit, you must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test covering traffic signs, rules of the road, safe driving procedures, and Iowa's motor vehicle laws. The best way to prepare for the knowledge test is to study the Iowa Driver's Manual, available from the Iowa Department of Transportation Web site. Printed copies of the manual are also available at your local driver's license station.

Top Driver Education Courses

Under Iowa's graduated licensing system, teens who have an instruction permit must then complete an Iowa-approved or comparable driver education course to receive an intermediate license at age 16.

Typically, the course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of lab time. At least three of these "lab" hours must be behind the wheel of a car; the other three may be either behind the wheel or using a simulator. In addition to rules of the road, the classroom portion covers information about organ donation, railroad crossing safety, and substance abuse education.

According to Iowa law, driver education courses must be offered or made available by your local school district. Most driver education courses are held during the summer months, although larger school districts may have classes during the fall or spring terms too.

Fees for driver education will vary. For further answers to your questions about Iowa driver education courses, call (515) 237-3180.

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