Iowa Drivers Manual - 2013

7/29/2019 Iowa Drivers Manual - 2013

1/56

D R I V E R S M A N U A L

2011-2012

Also available electronically at

www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlmanual.htm


2/56

Important message to driversIowa lies at the crossroads of America. With Interstates 35 and 80 intersecting

through the heart of Iowa, state and county roads crisscrossing our countryside, and a vast

network of city streets, it will take diligence from each and every driver to ensure the safety

of all drivers and passengers on Iowas roadways.

This drivers manual contains important information for all of Iowas drivers. We

will need all Iowa drivers to maintain concentration on the road and avoid all in-vehicle

distractions to protect each other from roadway accidents.Obeying the law is the first step to maintaining safety. Respecting the speed limit

and obeying traffic signals and other signs is critically important. A new commitment to safe

driving and instructions on how to navigate in hazardous conditions will guarantee that your

driving experience in Iowa will be enjoyable and pleasant.

This manual will provide you the inormation needed or a general understanding othe principles o sae and lawul operation o a motor vehicle. However, it is NOT intendedto serve as a precise statement o Iowa statutes concerning the operation o a motor

vehicle and should not be considered as such.

For urther inormation, check the Code o Iowa, Chapters 321 through 321J, and theIowa Department o Transportation rules contained in the Iowa Administrative Code.

New ResidentsIf you just moved into Iowa, you will be considered an Iowa resident for the purposes of

drivers licensing and vehicle registration if any one of the following apply:1. You have registered to vote in this state;2. You have enrolled your children in public school;3. You have accepted a permanent job in the state; or4. You have resided continuously in Iowa for 30 days.

If you have a valid out-of-state license, follow these steps to receive your Iowa license.1. Go to a drivers license station.2. Provide necessary documentation (see pages 5 and 6).3. Take required tests and turn in your out-of-state license to DOT. If your out-of-state

license is valid, you may not have to take a knowledge or road test.4. Meet Iowa title, registration and use tax requirements on your vehicle. Consult your local

county treasurers office.Be sure to read this manual carefully. Not only will it provide the information to pass the driver

examination, but it will also broaden your knowledge of safe driving practices.

Terry E. BranstadGovernor of Iowa


3/561

Drivers LicensePermanent Examining and Records Stations

For specic hours o operation, call the drivers license stationor the Motor vehicle Inormation Center at 800-532-1121.

Ames 3708 Lincoln Way

515-296-2393 Open:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Ankeny 6310 S.E. Convenience Blvd.


Burlington Fairway Shopping Center, 2700 Mount Pleasant St.

319-754-8767 Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Carroll 510 Carroll St., Suite 1

712-792-5269 Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.Cedar Rapids 152 Collins Road N.E.


Clinton 316 S. 2nd St.


Council Blus Mall o the Blus, 1751 Madison Ave., Suite 330712-323-1219 Open:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Davenport Kimberly West Shopping Center, 2162 W. Kimberly Road563-386-1050 Open:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Des Moines 2339 Euclid Avenue (renewal only)


Dubuque 2460 Gateway Dr.


Fort Dodge 2313 First Avenue South515-573-5141 Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Iowa City Eastdale Mall, 1700 W. First Ave.319-338-5294 Open:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Marshalltown Marshalltown Plaza Mall, 2500 S. Center Street


Mason City Southport Shopping Center, 1622 S. Federal Avenue


Muscatine 1903 Park Ave.

563-263-5414 Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

Ottumwa 2830 North Court Road


Sioux City 3005 Hamilton Blvd.


Spencer Gateway North Shopping Center, East 18th and Grand Ave.

712-262-6278 Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.Waterloo 103 Crossroads Center



4/562

County Drivers License Stations

Contact the county treasurers oce or visit the countys Web site or inormation on licensingservices in these counties. Also, visit Web site http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlsites.htm.

Adair Clarke Hamilton Louisa Pocahontas Wright

Adams Clayton Hancock Lucas Poweshiek

Allamakee Crawford Hardin Lyon RinggoldAppanoose Dallas Harrison Madison Sac

Audubon Davis Henry Mahaska Shelby

Benton Decatur Howard Marion Sioux

Boone Delaware Humboldt Mills Tama

Bremer Dickinson Ida Mitchell Taylor

Buchanan Emmet Iowa Monona Union

Buena Vista Fayette Jackson Monroe Van Buren

Butler Floyd Jasper Montgomery Warren

Calhoun Franklin Jefferson OBrien WashingtonCass Fremont Jones Osceola Wayne

Cedar Greene Keokuk Page Winnebago

Cherokee Grundy Kossuth Palo Alto Winneshiek

Chickasaw Guthrie Lee Plymouth Worth


5/563

Contents

Section 1 - The Drivers LicenseWho Needs A License? ................................................................4Vision ............................................................................................4Knowledge Test ............................................................................5Driving Test ...................................................................................5Proof of Age and Identity ..............................................................5Social Security Number ................................................................6Certification of Iowa Residency ....................................................6

Types of Drivers Licenses............................................................6Graduated Drivers License ...................................................6Class C - Operator (Non-commercial) ...................................7Class D - Chauffeur (Non-commercial) .................................7Class M - Motorcycle .............................................................8Motorcycle Instruction Permit - Restriction 1 .........................8Operator Instruction Permit - Class C Restriction 2 ..............8Commercial Instruction Permit - Restriction 3 .......................8Chauffeurs Instruction Permit - Restriction 4 ........................9Moped License - Restriction 5 ...............................................9Minors Restricted License - Restriction 6 .............................9Minors School License - Restriction 7 ..................................9Commercial Drivers License (CDL) ......................................9Summary Chart of License Types .......................................10Restricted Commercial Drivers License ............................ 11

License Renewal ........................................................................11Special License Information ....................................................... 11

Name Changes ................................................................... 11Driver Education .................................................................. 11Duplicates, Replacements and Validations ......................... 11License Number .................................................................. 11License and Permit Possession .......................................... 11Military Service .................................................................... 11Organ Donor/Medical Alert ..................................................12Medical Advance Directive ..................................................12Voter Registration ................................................................12Drivers Privacy Protection Act ............................................12Special Restrictions .............................................................12Selective Service Registration.............................................12

Section 2 - Trac Signs and Rules o the RoadTraffic Signs ................................................................................13Warning Signs ............................................................................14Regulation Signs ........................................................................15Slow Moving Vehicle Sign ..........................................................15Guide Signs ................................................................................15Service Signs..............................................................................15Route Signs ................................................................................16Traffic Signals .............................................................................16Railroad Crossings .....................................................................16Road Work Zones .......................................................................17

Pavement Markings and Other Lane Controls ...........................17When to Yield the Right-of-Way .................................................18School Buses..............................................................................19Parking .......................................................................................20Approaching Stationary Emergency or Maintenance Vehicles ...21Cell Phones and Texting While Driving .......................................21

Section 3 - Sae Driving TipsBasic Driving...............................................................................23Proper Turning Techniques .........................................................24Signal When You Slow Down .....................................................25Hand Signals ..............................................................................25Appropriate Speed......................................................................25Closed Cars on a Hot Day ..........................................................26Bad Weather Driving ..................................................................26Space to Cross or Enter .............................................................28Passing .......................................................................................28Defensive Driving .......................................................................29Avoiding/Minimizing Accidents ...................................................30Changing Lanes .........................................................................31Backing .......................................................................................31Night Driving ...............................................................................32Rural Road Driving .....................................................................32Communicating - Headlights, Horn and

Emergency Signals .................................................................33Blind Spots .................................................................................34Sharing the Road........................................................................35

Interstate Driving ........................................................................37Driving Safely in Traffic ...............................................................38Economizing ...............................................................................39Roundabouts ..............................................................................40Handling Emergencies ...............................................................42Before You Drive - Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment ...........43

Section 4 - Protecting Your Driving PrivilegesUnlawful Use of Your License .....................................................45Cancellation ................................................................................45Suspension .................................................................................45Mandatory Revocations ..............................................................45Barred (Habitual Offender) .........................................................46Moving Violations .......................................................................46

Reinstatement ............................................................................46OWI - Operating While Drugged or Intoxicated ..........................46Open Container Law...................................................................47Civil Penalty (Victim Reparation) ................................................47Accidents - Financial Responsibility and

Reporting Requirements .........................................................47How to Avoid Suspension Following an Accident .......................47Methods of Proving Financial Responsibility ..............................48Out-of-State Convictions ............................................................48Work Permits (Temporary Restricted Licenses) .........................49

Section 5 - Be in Shape to DriveAlcohol and Drugs ......................................................................50Persons with Disabilities Parking Identification Permits .............51

Seat belts and Child Restraints ..................................................51Self-help Review Questions .......................................................52


6/564

1. The Drivers LicenseWho Needs a License?Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motorcycle ormoped on public streets and roads in Iowa is required tohave a license. You are considered an Iowa resident forpurposes of driver licensing if you have: registeredtovoteinthisstate; enrolledyourchildreninpublicschool;

acceptedapermanentjobinthestate;or livedinIowacontinuouslyfor30days.

You do not need an Iowa drivers license if you: aredrivingamilitarymotorvehiclewhileondutywith

the U.S. Armed Forces; aredrivingfarmequipmentbetweenthehomefarm

and any nearby (not more than two miles) farmlandor farm operation; or

areastudentorvisitorandhaveacurrentlicensefrom your home state or country.

If you have any questions, contact the Motor VehicleInformation Center by calling 800-532-1121 (toll-free).

You may obtain a drivers l icense if you:

areatleast16yearsofage;(seeIowasgraduatedlicensing system, page 6)

areabletosubmitproofofnameandage; havesuccessfullycompletedanapproveddriver

education course if you are under age 18; haveparents/guardiansconsentifunderage18; passrequireddriverslicensetests; turninanyotherdriverslicenseoridentificationcard

you have; havenothadyour licensesuspended,revoked,

denied, canceled, disqualified or barred; havenotbeenfoundincapableofsafelyoperatinga

motor vehicle due to a mental or physical disability;

and havenounpaidfinesformovingtrafficviolations.

VisionVision is so important that Iowa requires that you pass a

vision screening before you get a drivers license or permit,or when you renew your license. This screening is to makesure you have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, withor without corrective lenses.

Other important aspects of vision are: Side vision - You need to see out the corner of your

eye. This lets you spot vehicles and other potentialtrouble on either side of you while you look ahead.

Because you cannot focus on things to the side, youalso must use your side mirrors and glance to theside if necessary.

Judging distances and speeds - Even if you cansee clearly, you still may not be able to judge dis-tances or speeds very well. In fact, you are not alonemany people have problems judging distances andspeeds. It takes a lot of practice to be able to judgeboth. It is especially important to know how far youare from other vehicles, and to be able to judge safegaps when merging, and when passing on two-laneroads.

Night vision - Many people who can see clearly

in the daytime have trouble seeing at night. Alpeople have more trouble seeing at night than inthe daytime, but some drivers have problems withglare while driving at night, especially the glare ooncoming headlights. If you have problems seeingat night, do not drive more than is necessary; andwhen you do, be very careful.

Because it is so important to safe driving that you seewell, you should have your eyes checked every year or twoby an eye specialist. You may never know you have poovision unless your eyes are tested.

If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses for drivingremember to:

Alwayswearthemwhenyoudrive,evenifyouareonly going a short distance. If your drivers licensesays you must wear corrective lenses and you dontyou could get a ticket if you are stopped by a lawenforcement officer.

TrytokeepanextrapairofglassesinyourvehicleThen if your regular glasses get broken or lost, youcan drive safely. This also can be helpful if you donot wear glasses all the time and you forget to takethem with you when driving.

Dontweardarkglassesortintedcontactlensesanight, even if it is to help with glare. The problem isthat they shut out too much light, light you need to

see clearly.

Vision ScreeningYou may decide to go directly to your doctor and have your

doctor check your vision if you are applying for a non-com-mercial license. The information can be on a form furnishedby the department or it can be a letter from your doctor if thedoctor has measured your vision within 30 days of when youapply for a license.

HearingHearing can be helpful to safe driving. Do not drive with

headphones or earphones that cover or go in both ears

They make it too hard to hear emergency horns or sirensThe sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires can warn youof danger. Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can comeon so slowly that you do not notice it. Drivers who knowthey are deaf or have hearing problems can adjust and besafe drivers. They learn to rely more on their vision and stayalert. Studies have shown that the driving records of hear-ing impaired drivers are just as good as those drivers withgood hearing. A hearing impairment may be indicated onyour drivers license; ask the examiner at the drivers licensestation for details.

1. The Drivers License


7/565

Vision Standards

Acuity

20/40 No restrictions unless you wear

glasses or contacts.

Less than 20/40 No driving when headlights are

but at least 20/50 required.

Less than 20/50 but No driving when headlights are

at least 20/70 required; no driving at speeds

over 35 mph.

Less than 20/70 Not eligible for licensing.*

Field o Vision

140 or better No restrictions.

Less than 140 but at Left and right outside rearview

least 115 in single mirrors will be required.

best eye (70 temporal

and 45 nasal)

Less than 115 Not eligible for licensing.*

*Not eligible for licensing means suspension of your driving privileges

as specified in Section 321.210(1c) of the Iowa Code, or denial of

driving privileges as required by Iowa Code Section 321.177(7).

Knowledge TestThe knowledge test shows how well you know and un-

derstand highway signs and Iowa traffic laws. Each copy ofthe test tells you the number of questions you must answer

correctly to pass the test. Iowas larger drivers license sta-tions offer a computer-based electronic way to complete theknowledge exam.

Driving TestThe driving test shows how well you can control your

vehicle. Unless you can already legally drive in Iowa, youwill need to have a licensed driver bring you and your testvehicle to the test site. That driver should wait for you in caseyou do not pass the test. He or she will not be able to be inthe vehicle when you are taking the driving test.

Before you start on the driving test, the examiner willinspect your vehicles safety equipment. Safety equipment

includes, but is not limited to, seat belts, lights, turn signals,horn, brake lights, tires and windshield wipers. If the safetyequipment does not work, you will not be able to take the testunless the equipment is not needed; for example, if it is asunny day and your vehicles windshield wipers do not work,you can use your vehicle for the test. Your vehicle shouldalso have a current registration sticker on the license plate.Iowa registration laws require both a front and back plate onmost vehicles. You should have the registration receipt inthe vehicle since the examiner may ask to see it. Evidenceof liability insurance is also required.

During the test, the examiner will sit in the front seat withyou. The examiner will give you directions and score youdriving ability. After the test, the examiner will explain theresults. If you did not pass the test, the examiner will explainwhen and how you may take the test again.

Proo O Age And IdentityWhen applying for any license, permit, duplicate license

renewal or nondriver ID, you must prove your age and

identity.If you are under 18 years old and not married, you mus

furnish a primary form of ID, a secondary form of ID, verification of a Social Security number, and a parents/guardiansconsent form. The Social Security card may be used fosecondary ID AND proof of a Social Security number. Theconsent form proves permission from your parent or guardianto drive and is required even if you have a valid operatorslicense from another state. You can get the form at any Iowadrivers license station.

If you are under 18 years old and married, you will have toprove your age and identity by showing your birth certificateand marriage certificate.

All persons must provide one item rom the primarylist and one item rom the secondary list shown belowunless they have an Iowa-issued DL or ID in their pos-session. Photocopies or axes o these documents arenot acceptable.

Primary List1. Iowa photo drivers license.2. Iowa photo ID card.3. Certified copy of U.S. birth certificate that has a raised

seal and is government-issued. A hospital birth certifi-cate is not acceptable.

4. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

(USCIS) document.5. Military ID card. This does not include a dependent IDcard.

6. Valid U.S. passport.7. A notarized copy of either an Inmate Descriptor Inquiry

or a Client Information Inquiry from the Iowa Depart-ment of Corrections.



8/566

Secondary List1. Any document from the primary list.2. Bureau of Indian Affairs or Indian Treaty card.3. Photo drivers license or photo ID card NOT expired

one year or more.4. Court order that does not contain your date of birth,

but does have your FULL name.5. Foreign birth certificate translated by an approved

translator.6. Military discharge, military orders or separation papers

(DD214).7. Military dependent ID card.8. Employer ID card.9. Health insurance card.

10. IRS or state tax document completed by the govern-ment agency. W-2 forms completed by the employerare acceptable.

11. Marriage certificate.12. Gun permit.13. Pilots license.14. Certified school record or transcript.15. Social Security card issued by the Social Security

Administration. A metal card is not acceptable.

16. Canadian Social Insurance card.17. Photo student ID card.18. Voter registration card.19. Welfare card.20. Prison release document.21. Certified or notarized affidavit personally provided by

the childs parent or guardian that identifies a minorchild. The parent or guardian must provide acceptableproof of his/her identity.

Iowa law requires that a Social Security number be a partof the drivers license application. This requirement appliesregardless of the class of license being issued or the age ofthe applicant.

Social Security NumberYou must give your Social Security number to the DOT.

Your Social Security number will then become part of theDOT records, but will not be on your license.

If applying for a Commercial Instruction Permit or a Com-mercial Drivers License (CDL), you must show the examineryour actual Social Security card.

Drivers license personnel will make the final decision onwhat is acceptable proof of identity. If you have questionsconcerning this requirement, please contact your local ex-amining personnel for more information.

If you are a foreign national temporarily in the United

States and are not eligible for a Social Security number, theSocial Security number requirement will not apply. However,you must bring your United States Citizenship and Immigra-tion Services (USCIS) documents to the examiner. The US-CIS control number will be used in lieu of the Social Securitynumber. Your license or non driver identification card will belimited to the period of time you are authorized to be present,but not to exceed two years.

Certication o Iowa ResidencyUpon application for a drivers license or nondriver iden-

tification card, you must show evidence of Iowa residencyAcceptable items to certify your Iowa residency include: Iowavoterregistrationcard. AnIowavehicleregistrationcertificate. Utilitybillshowing30daysofresidency. AstatementfromanIowafinancialinstitutionshowing

30 days of residency.

Rentalorleaseagreementshowing30daysofresidency. PaycheckorpaystubfromanIowaemployer. Childrensschoolenrollmentpapers. Documentationshowingafilingforhomesteado

military tax exemption on property in Iowa. Otheritemswillbereviewedbylicensingperson

nel.

Types O Drivers LicensesGraduated Drivers License

Iowa has a graduated drivers license (GDL) system fodrivers under the age of 18. GDL includes three steps thaallow for increased driving privilege as the driver accumulatesmore skill and demonstrates responsible driving practicesThe three steps are: the instruction permit; intermediate license; and the full license. Driver education is part of the GDLsystem, as well as a remedial driver improvement program itraffic violations occur or if the driver contributes to the causeof a crash or accident.Instruction Permit Availableatage14 Mustbeheldforaminimumof6months Writtenapprovalofparent/guardian Visionscreeningandknowledgetests



9/567

Alldrivingmustbesupervised.Maydriveonlywithparent/guardian, family member over 21, drivereducation teacher, or driver over 25 with writtenpermission of parent/guardian

Numberofpassengerslimitedtothenumberofseatbelts in the vehicle

Mustcompleteapproveddrivereducationcourse Mustlog20hoursofsuperviseddriving;minimum

of two hours must be between sunset and sunrise Mustdriveaccident-andviolation-freeforsixcon-

secutive months immediately prior to application forintermediate license

Instructionpermitwillhavethewordsundereigh-teen

Driver Education Availableatage14 Musthaveinstructionpermit Thirtyhoursofclassroomtoincludefourhourssub-

stance abuse education, minimum of 20 minuteson railroad crossing safety, information on organdonation, and information on bicycle and motor cycleawareness

Sixhourslaboratory;minimumthreehoursmustbebehind the wheel; may use simulators for the remain-ing time

Noparentalwaiverofanybehind-the-wheeldrivetime

Intermediate License Availableatage16 Mustmeetallconditionsofinstructionpermit Writtenapprovalofparent/guardian Mustbeheldforaminimumof12months Maydrivewithoutsupervisionfrom5a.m.to12:30

a.m.; driving is permitted between 12:30 a.m. and

5 a.m. only with a parent/guardian, family memberover 21, or designated adult over 25; with a waiver,may drive to and from work or school-related extra-curricular activities

Mustlog10hoursofsuperviseddriving;minimumof two hours must be between sunset and sunrise

Passengerslimitedtothenumberofseatbeltsinthevehicle

Mustdriveaccident-andviolation-freefor12con-secutive months immediately preceding applicationfor a full license

Intermediatelicensewillhavethewordsintermedi-ate license

Remedial Driver Improvement Appliestoalldriversunderage18 Driverwillbereferredifinvolvedinonemovingviola-

tion or involvement in an accident to which the drivercontributed

DOTmayimposeadditionaldrivingrestrictionsorimpose a suspension

Mustbegin6-monthor12-monthaccident-andviolation-free driving period again to qualify for nextlicensing level

Full License Availableatage17 Mustmeetallconditionsofintermediatelicense Writtenapprovalofparent/guardian Fulldrivingprivilegeswithnorestrictions Fordriversunderage18orage21,thelicenseshal

have the words under eighteen or under twenty-one

Class C - Operator (Non-Commercial)This is the license most Iowans have. With this license

you may drive cars, pickups and trucks whose gross vehicleweight is 16,000 pounds or less. To get an operators licenseyou will have to take the vision screening. You will also haveto take the knowledge test if you have an invalid or expired(over one year) out-of-state license, or if you have not hada drivers license before. If you have a valid out-of-statelicense that allows you to drive by yourself, the driving testmay be waived.

The DOT may also issue this license or a Class M (Mo-torcycle) license to you if you are 16 or 17 years old, and, ibefore you became an Iowa resident, you had a valid drivers

license for at least one year as a resident of another stateTo be eligible you must: livewithaparentorguardian; havenomovingviolationsonyourdrivingrecord; passthevisionscreening;and passtherequiredwrittenanddrivingtests.

If you meet all of these requirements, you do not haveto take a driver education course to get your license. Thelicense may be restricted as an Intermediate License undeIowas Graduated Driver Licensing Law.

Your license will be issued for five years if you are 17years and 11 months through 69 years old. If you are age 70or older, or less than 17 years and 11 months, your license

will be issued for two years.Certain medical conditions and disabilities may restric

license issuance to only a two-year period, regardless oyour age.

A two-year license costs $8 and a five-year license costs$20.

Class D - Chaueur (Non-Commercial)This license covers operation of light straight trucks and

small passenger-for-hire vehicles. This also includes personsexempted from commercial licensing, such as a farmer whois driving a farm truck-tractor semitrailer combination, a paidfirefighter who is driving vehicles in excess of 16,000 pounds

gross vehicle weight rating, and a taxi driver.



10/568

The Class D license has one of three endorsements al-lowing a driver to operate: Endorsement 1: tractor-trailer combinations if a

CDL farm exemption applies. Endorsement 2: single-unit vehicles with a gross

vehicle weight rating of 16,001 pounds or more upthrough a 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rat-ing.

Endorsement 3: passenger vehicles which carryless than 16 passengers, such as taxis.

To get a chauffeurs license you must be at least 18 yearsold. You must pass the vision screening and must havepassed the general knowledge test. You will also be requiredto turn in any out-of-state licenses you have.

Under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986,it is a violation of federal law for the driver of a commercialmotor vehicle to have more than one license. A Class Dlicense is not valid for operating commercial motor vehicles.If you need a commercial license, you will need to study thecommercial drivers manual available at your local driverslicense station.

You will be required to take the driving test in the largestclass of vehicle you want to drive. This also allows you to

operate smaller class vehicles.If you currently have an out-of-state license valid for the

same driving privilege you require in Iowa, the knowledgeand driving tests may be waived.

Your chauffeurs license is good for five years if you are18 through 69 years old. It is good for two years if you are 70years old or older, or where certain medical conditions anddisabilities are involved. A two-year license costs $16 anda five-year license costs $40. The license expires on yourbirthday, but remains valid for another 60 days.

MotorcycleMotorcycle riders must have a license valid for motorcycle

before being able to ride by them selves. If riding with a quali-fied operator, a motorcycle instruction permit is necessary.(See motorcycle instruction permit.) To get motorcycle addedto your current license, you must pass a written test and amotorcycle skills test.

If you wish to have a Class M license without anotherlicense class, you will be required to pass written tests forboth a Class C non-commercial license and motorcycles. Thedriving test will be a motorcycle skill test and an on-the-roadtest with the motorcycle. If an on-the-road test is required withthe motorcycle, the examiner will ride in or on another vehicleand give you directions by prearranged signals.

If you are under age 18, in addition to driver education,

you must have passed an approved motorcycle rider educa-tion course. (The skills test may be waived.) A motorcycleinstruction permit may be necessary for the course if streetriding is part of the motorcycle rider education course.

Adding the motorcycle class to an existing class costs $2for each year the license is valid.

There is a separate manual for motorcycles; motorcyclestudy manuals are available at any drivers license station.

Motorcycle Instruction Permit - Restriction 1For operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle permit

the person instructing you must have a license valid fomotorcycles. The accompanying person must stay withinsight and hearing distance and be on or in a different motovehicle. Only one learner may be supervised by any onelicensed driver.

To add the motorcycle instruction permit to an existingclass, the cost is $2 for each year the license is valid.

A motorcycle instruction permit will be issued for onefour-year term with no renewal permitted.

Operator Instruction Permit - Class CRestriction 2

This gives you the chance to learn how to drive with thehelp of an experienced driver. To get an instruction permit youmust be at least 14 years old and pass the vision screeningand knowledge test. You must present a parental consenform available at any Iowa drivers license station and proveyour age and identity (page 5).

If you are 14 through 17 years old and have a valid permityou can drive with the following people:

adrivereducationinstructor; aprospectivedrivereducationinstructor; alicensedparentorguardian; amemberofyourimmediatefamilywhoislicensed

and at least 21 years old; or anotherlicensedadultwhoisatleast25yearsold

and has your parents/guardians written permissionto accompany you while you drive.

If you are at least 18 years old and have a valid permityou can drive with: adrivereducationinstructor aprospectivedrivereducationinstructor alicensedmemberofyourimmediatefamilywhois

at least 21 years old anotherlicensedadultwhoisatleast25yearsold

An instruction permit is issued for four years, expiring onyour birthday, with a 60-day grace period after your birthdayThe cost is $6.

Commercial Instruction Permit - Restriction 3This permit allows a person to operate a commercia

motor vehicle while learning to operate it as long as there isa person with a CDL valid for that type of vehicle occupyingthe seat beside the driver. To get this permit you must passthe vision screening and CDL general knowledge test. Thisrestriction is added to your existing license. It is not possibleto obtain a commercial instruction permit only. If you do no

have a license when you apply for the commercial permit, youwill be required to obtain at least the non-commercial ClassC license (operators license) and the commercial instructionpermit will be added to the license. The commercial instruction permit is issued for six months and can be renewed onlyonce in a two-year period. (When you are ready to apply foyour commercial license, you will be required to pass anyother applicable CDL knowledge tests and the skills test.) Thepermit costs $12. A commercial instruction permit may not beused to operate a vehicle transporting hazardous materialsin an amount requiring placarding.



11/569

Chaueurs Instruction Permit - Restriction 4This allows you to learn to drive a vehicle for which you

need a Class D license, but not commercial motor vehiclesthat require a CDL. When driving, you must have someonewho has a Class D or commercial l icense valid for that typeof vehicle in the seat next to you. This restriction is added toyour existing license.

To get your chauffeurs permit, you must be at least 18years old and pass the vision screening and general knowl-edge test.

Moped License - Restriction 5If you are 18 years old or older and have never had a

license, you will need to pass the vision screening and theknowledge test. You may also have to take a skills test toshow you can properly operate a moped. Additional licensingis not required if you possess a valid drivers license. Seepage 37 for additional information.

To get a moped license you must be at least 14 yearsold and pass the vision screening and knowledge test andpresent a parental consent form, along with proof of ageand identity (see page 5). (If you are under 16 years old,you must pass an approved moped education course to geta moped license.)

If you are 16 years old or older and have never had anIowa drivers license, you must pass the vision and knowl-edge test. (If you are under 18 years old, you will also needto present a parental consent form, along with proof of ageand identity. See page 5.)

Minors Restricted License - Restriction 6A Minors Restricted License (valid only for travel to

and from work, or to transport dependents to and fromtemporary care facilities i necessary to hold a job) maybe issued to a person age 16-18 who has completed anIowa-approved driver education course and to whom any

of the following apply: isnotinattendanceatschool; hasnotcompletedtherequirementsforgraduation

in an accredited school; or hasnotobtainedahighschoolequivalency

diploma.

The Minors Restricted License is not valid for drivingduring work or as an instruction permit.

To get a Minors Restricted License, your school districtsuperintendent or principal and your employer mustcomplete a form available from any drivers license station.If you quit or lose your job for any reason, your employer

is required to notify the DOT and your license will becanceled.

You must also pass the vision screening and drivingtest. You may not have to take the knowledge test if youhave a permit that is valid or has not been expired formore than 60 days.

Minors School License - Restriction 7This lets you drive back and orth to school and

school activities between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. You mustuse the most direct and accessible route between yourhome and school.

To get a school license you must have successfullycompleted an Iowa-approved driver education course (un-less you show a hardship exists) and live one mile or morefrom school. One of your parents must sign a consent formand your school superintendent or chairperson of the schooboard must furnish a statement of need on a form providedby the DOT. This form is available from any Iowa driverslicense station.

You must pass a vision screening, but the driving testmay be waived. You will also need to take the knowledgetest unless your instruction permit is still valid.

The license will be issued for a maximum of two yearsand expires on your birthday. You do not need an instructionpermit when you have a school license because the schoolicense will be valid as an instruction permit when not drivingto and from school.

You must hold an instruction permit for six months and beconviction- and accident-free during that period before the

school license is issued.

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)Class A For a combination vehicle with a gross com

bination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds where thegross vehicle weight rating of the towed unit is 10,001 omore pounds.

Class B For a single-unit vehicle with a gross vehicleweight rating of 26,001 or more pounds. A unit can be towedwith this class of license if the gross vehicle weight rating othe towed unit is less than 10,001 pounds.

Class C For a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicleweight rating of 26,000 pounds or less, is designed to carry

16 or more persons--including the driver, or is carrying hazardous material that requires placarding.

The fees for commercial licenses are $16 for two yearsand $40 for five years. The removal of an air brake restrictionor addition of endorsements will be added to this base fee.

Commercial drivers license study manuals are availableat the local drivers license stations. Explanations of speciaendorsements or restrictions are included in this manual.



12/5610

Summary Chart O License Types

License Class Minimum Age Expiration Date Tests Required Cost

A (Commercial) 18 2- or 5-year on See CDL Manual $16*birthdate $40*

B (Commercial) 18 2- or 5-year on See CDL Manual $16*birthdate $40*

C (Commercial) 18 2- or 5-year on See CDL Manual $16*birthdate $40*

C (Non-commercial - 16 2- or 5-year on Knowledge $ 8Operator) birthdate Vision $20

Driving

D (Non-commercial - 18 2- or 5-year on Knowledge $16Chauffeur) birthdate Vision $40

Driving

M (Motorcycle License 16 2- or 5-year on Knowledge $10only - new issuance) birthdate Vision $25

Driving

Restriction 1 14 Same as current Knowledge $ 1 &(Motorcycle Instruction license Vision $ 2 per yrPermit - must be added toan existing license)

C Restriction 1 14 4 years on birthdate Knowledge $ 8(Motorcycle Permit only - Visionnew issuance)

C Restriction 2 14 4 years on birthdate Knowledge $ 6(Instruction Permit) Vision

C Restriction 3 18 6 months Knowledge $12(Commercial Instruction VisionPermit - must be added toan existing license)

C Restriction 4 18 2 years on birthdate Knowledge $12(Chauffeurs Instruction VisionPermit)

C Restriction 5 14 2 years on birthdate Knowledge $ 8(Moped/Motorized VisionBicycle License)

C Restriction 6 16 2 years on birthdate Knowledge $ 8

(Minors Restricted VisionLicense) Driving

C Restriction 7 14 2 years on birthdate Knowledge $ 8(Minors School VisionLicense) Driving

*There are additional fees for the commercial endorsements.Persons under the age of 18, and age 70 or older may be issued a two-year license only. All others will be issued a five-year license.



13/5611

Restricted Commercial Drivers LicenseThe restricted CDL allows suppliers or applicators of

agricultural chemicals, fertilizer, seed or animal feed todrive Class B or Class C commercial vehicles. Class B or Cvehicles are generally single vehicles that normally do notpull a trailer or semitrailer. The only hazardous materials aholder of a restricted CDL can carry are liquid fertilizer suchas anhydrous ammonia (3,000 gallons or less) and solidfertilizer such as ammonium nitrate (provided it is not mixedwith any organic substance).

The restricted CDL is only valid if the distance betweenthe business and the farm being served is 150 miles or less.To obtain the restricted CDL, a person must have a gooddriving record for two years before applying for the license.A good driving record is defined as: holdingnomorethanonelicense; nolossoflicense(suspension,revocation,etc.)for

any reason; noconvictionsfordrivingundertheinfluenceofal-

cohol or drugs (no test refusals), leaving the sceneof an accident, any felony involving a motor vehicle,driving while privileges are withdrawn, speeding 15mph or more over the posted speed limit, reckless

driving, improper or erratic lane changes, followingtoo closely, driving a CMV without a CDL or properendorsements, driving a CMV without a CDL in pos-session; and

noconvictions foraccident-connected trafficlawviolations, and no record of accidents in which theapplicant was determined to be at fault.

The initial fee for a restricted CDL is $16 for two yearsor $40 for five years. There is a $1 fee to update the licensefor a different season than the one for which it was issued.The seasonal periods during which a restricted CDL may beused are March 15 through June 30, and October 4 throughDecember 14.

License RenewalYour license expires on your birthday. It is valid for another

60 days.You will have to pass the vision screening any time you

make a personal appearance for renewal. If your license hasbeen expired for more than one year, you will have to passthe vision screening and the knowledge and driving tests.

You can apply for your license renewal from 30 days toone year before the expiration on your license. If you want torenew your license more than 30 days before the expirationdate, you may have to explain to the licensing personnel whyyou are applying for the early renewal.

Special License InormationChange o Address

If your address changes, you must report the addresschange to the DOT within 30 days. Any drivers license stationcan make an address change on your license for $1. Yourlicense will always show your residence address, but youmailing address will also be requested.

Name ChangesIndividuals wishing to change their name must provide

acceptable proof for any name changes. Acceptable itemsare:

1. Court-ordered name change containing full name, dateof birth and court seal.

2. Divorce decree.3. Marriage certificate.

Driver EducationTo get your license before you are 18 years old, you mus

pass an Iowa approved driver education course. Take youcertificate of completion to the driver license station.

If you have successfully completed an out-of-state drive

education course, you should take your certificate or tran-script to the driver education instructor at your school. Theinstructor will verify that the course meets Iowas standardsand may issue an Iowa Completion Certificate. See page 7for information on licensing for persons under age 18 whohave had a license in another state.

Duplicates, Replacements and ValidationsIf your license or permit is lost or destroyed, you may ge

a duplicate from any drivers license station. You must proveyour age and identity (see page 5) and pay a $3 fee.

License NumberThe DOT will assign a number to be used as your drivers

license number. However, you must give your Social Securitynumber on your drivers license application.

License and Permit PossessionYou should have your license or permit with you at al

times while driving. If you are arrested for not having younon-commercial drivers license with you, you will not bepenalized if you can produce your license or permit in courand show that it was valid at the time. You are required tohave your commer cial drivers license in your immediate pos-session when operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Military ServiceIf your Iowa license expires while you are on active duty

with the Armed Forces, it can be extended until six monthsafter you leave active duty. A five-year extension may applyto your spouse and children if they are living with you outsideof Iowa. You may obtain military service extensions by writingthe Office of Driver Services, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA50306-9204. You can also request the department restoreyour license to its records by showing you are in the militaryand were at the time the license expired.



14/5612

Organ Donor/Medical AlertAnyone 18 years of age or older may become an organ

donor. A person under 18 years of age may become a donorwith parental consent.

When you apply or reapply for any type of license, theclerk will ask you if you would like to become an organ donor.This information will print on the front of your license to theright of your address. You can obtain a uniform donor cardat the drivers license station. For further information, consultyour physician.

A medical alert designation may be placed on the front ofyour license to indicate a medical condition that may needspecial attention.

Medical Advance DirectiveThere is a growing concern about how medical care deci-

sions will be made when people are unable to make decisionsfor themselves. An increasing number of people are statingtheir health care choices in writing while they are still ableto make these decisions. These legal documents are calledAdvance Directives, more commonly known as a Living Willand Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. These aredocuments stating your health care choices or naming some-one to make the choices for you if you become unable to doso. When you apply or reapply for any type of license, theclerk will ask you if you would like to have Medical AdvanceDirectives indicated on the face of your license. Ask yourphysician for more information on Advance Directives.

Voter RegistrationIf you are not registered to vote, you may apply to register

electronically when you apply for your license. Voter registra-tion application cards are also available. The forms can befilled out and mailed by the applicant, or DOT employeeswill mail the cards to the proper office after they have beencompleted. You may also update your voter registration.

Drivers Privacy Protection ActCertain personal information about you will not be re-

leased except to authorized recipients under the provisionsof the federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act and state stat-utes. Personal information includes your photograph, SocialSecurity number, drivers license number, name, address,telephone number, and medical or disability information.

Special RestrictionsFor safety reasons it is sometimes necessary to limit driv-

ing privileges. You may be limited to certain types of vehicles,special mechanical controls, or certain other operating restric-tions. Your license is good only under those conditions andcan be suspended if you violate the restrictions.

Selective Service RegistrationIf you are a male age 18 through 25, your application for

a drivers license or nondriver identification card will serveas consent to be registered with the United States SelectiveService System. If you refuse to give consent, your licenseor ID can still be issued. However, DOT will provide consentor refusal information to Selective Service.



15/5613

2. Trac Signs andRules o the Road

There are traffic rules that say where, when and how fastyou can drive. These rules help to keep traffic moving safely.Rules of the road include traffic controls, lane controls, right-of-way laws, and parking rules.

Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, whereyou are, how to get where you are going, and where servicesare located. The shape and color of these signs give cluesto the type of information they provide.

Traffic controls include traffic signals, traffic signs andpavement markings. Traffic control also can be providedby law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossingguards. You must obey directions from these persons.

Trac SignsStandard Colors

Red

Stop, yield or do what is shown on the sign.

GreenDirection. These signs tell where a place is, orhow far a place is from where you are.

BlueServices for drivers. These signs direct you toplaces such as hospitals, hotels, gas stations,eating places, campgrounds or picnic areas.

YellowGeneral warning or caution.

Fluorescent Yellow-GreenGeneral warning or caution. The new color forthese signs is much easier to see in low lightand foggy/rainy weather.

WhiteThese signs tell you about regulations,enforceable laws and ordinances.

OrangeRoad work and maintenance warnings. Be sureto watch for workers on the road.

BrownRecreation and historical points of interest.These signs point out historical sites, parks orrecreational areas.

Standard ShapesOctagon - StopCome to a full stop at an intersectioncontrolled by this sign. Stop at themarked stop line or before enteringthe crosswalk or before your vehicleenters the intersection. Let othevehicles or pedestrians pass if theyare in your path.

Equilateral TriangleYield right-of-way. Slow down andlet vehicles crossing your path goby. If necessary, stop before goingahead. If pedestrians are in or abouto enter the crosswalk, stop untithey have crossed the roadwaythen proceed.

PennantThis sign will be on the left-handside of the road or high way. It warnsyou of a no passing zone.

DiamondWarning. These signs alert you tospecial road hazards. Words opictures on the sign will show youwhy you need to slow down or useextra caution.

RectangleRegulatory or guide. Vertical signstell you what you should or should

not do. Horizontal signs give directions or tell about services driversmay want.

PentagonSchool crossing. These signs markschool areas and school crossingsThe color of this sign may also beyellow.

CrossbuckRailroad crossing. A number signunder the crossbucks shows howmany sets of train tracks you muscross.

CircleRailroad crossing ahead. Thesesigns give you early warning orailroad crossings.

2. Trac Signs and Rules o the Road


16/5614

Warning SignsThese signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and most are diamond-shaped. These signs warn you to slow

down and be prepared to stop if necessary; a special situation or hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are shownbelow.

Intersection/Crossroad Merge Let Gradual Right CurveThere is another road Two lanes of traffic Road ahead curvesahead which crosses the will soon become one gradually to the right.road you are on. Watch lane of traffic. Right Be prepared for thecarefully for cross lane traffic must yield change in direction.traffic in your path. when merging.

Signal Ahead Farm Machinery Slippery When WetThese signs are used Farm equipment may be Road ahead becomeson roads with higher crossing the road. Be slippery in wet weather.speeds. Be ready for ready to slow down for Slow down under thesean intersection and a slow moving equipment. conditions.stop light.

Merging Trac Pedestrian Crossing Chevron SignIf you are on the main Watch out for people Used in addition to theroad and see this sign, who might walk or run curve signs when there isbe prepared for other in front of you. a need to draw addedcars and trucks blending attention to a change ininto your lane. the roads direction.

Two-Way Trac Deer Crossing Ramp SpeedKeep to the right There may be deer trying The recommended speedbecause you are leaving to cross the roadway in on an exit ramp.a one-way street and are the area. Slow down andentering a two-way street. watch carefully.

Divided Highway Begins Hill Advance School CrossingYou are getting close to This sign is a warning to You are nearing a schoolthe place where two-way all vehicles that the road area with a crossing.traffic will be divided ahead goes down a hill. Watch for children and theby a center strip. You should check your marked School Crossing.

brakes before going The color of this sign maydown the hill. be florescent yellow/green.

Divided Highway Ends T-Intersection Ahead School Crossing

Two-way traffic will no The road you are on does Watch out for children.longer be divided by a not go straight ahead. Reduce speed. Obeycenter strip. Watch out Prepare to turn right or crossing guard signals.for oncoming cars. left. Look out for children

playing. The color of thissign may also befluorescent yellow/green.

Horse-drawn VehicleBe alert for slow moving,horse-drawn vehicleson the roadway. Reduceyour speed and pass slowly.



17/5615

Regulation SignsThese signs give you information about rules for traffic

direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking and other specialsituations.

Some regulation signs have a red circle with a red slashover a symbol. Theseindicate you cannot dosomething; for exam-ple, no left turn, no right

turn, or no U-turn.

Speed Limit SignsThese signs indicate the maximum or

minimum safe speed that is allowed. Themaximum limits are for ideal conditions andyou must reduce your speed when conditionsrequire it, such as when the roadway is slip-pery (during rain) or it is difficult to see clearlydown the road (during fog). Some high speed

roads have minimum speed limits. If this minimum speed istoo fast for you, then you should use another route.

Lane Control SignsThese signstell you whereyou can go andwhere you canturn, and oftenuse an arrow symbol. The signs are along the road or hang-ing over the road. Sometimes arrows may be painted onthe road.

Passing SignsThese signs tell you where it

may be safe to pass another ve-

hicle and where you cannot. Pass-ing areas are based on how far youcan see ahead. They consider un-

seen hazards such as intersections, driveways andother places a vehicle may enter the roadway. They indicatewhere you may pass, or the beginning and ending of a pass-ing zone, or where you may not pass. Where passing isallowed, you may do so only if it is safe.

Stop SignA stop sign is red, with white letters, and

has eight sides. It means you must come to afull stop. You must wait until crossing vehicles

and pedestrians have cleared. You must stopat the stop line if one is present. If necessary,you may then pull forward to the stop sign or the edge of theintersection and then proceed when it is safe to do so.

Yield SignA yield sign is shaped like a downward

pointing triangle. It is red and white with redletters. It means you must slow down and yieldthe right-of-way to traffic in the intersection youare crossing or roadway you are entering.

Keep RightThe road ahead is divided. Stay on the right

side of the island or barrier.

Wrong Way

You made a wrong turn and haveentered a lane of oncoming traffic. Getout the safest and quickest way pos-sible.

One WayTraffic moves only in the direction

of the arrow.

Do Not Enter SignA square sign with a white horizontal

line inside a red ball means you cannotenter. You will see this sign at roadway

openings you are not to enter. They areone way against you. You will see themat exit ramps, in crossovers on dividedroadways, and at numerous locations onone-way streets.

Slow MovingVehicle Sign

A reflective orange triangle on the rearof a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph orless. You may see this sign on road workequipment, on farm vehicles, or horse-

drawn wagons or carriages. It shows up asa solid orange triangle by day and a hollowred triangle at night.

Guide SignsThese signs are square

or rectangular shaped, andare green or brown with whitelettering. They show direc-tions and distance to variouslocations such as cities, air-ports or state lines, or to special areas such asnational parks, historical areas or museums.

Service SignsThese signs are square or rectangular

shaped, and are blue with white let ters orsymbols. They show the location of variousservices such as rest areas, gas stations,campgrounds or hospitals.

30



18/5616

Route SignsThe shape o f

route signs indicatethe type of roadway,interstate, U.S., state,or county. When plan-

ning a trip, use a highway map to determine your route.During the trip, follow the route signs. This will help you stayon your route.

Trac SignalsRedCome to a complete stop at thestop line or before entering theintersection.

YellowDo not enter the intersec tionif you can stop safely. I youcannot stop saely, proceedthrough the intersection with

caution.A yellow light warns pedes-trians there is not enough timeto cross the street. Anyonecrossing the street on a yellowlight shall yield the right-of-wayto all vehicles.

GreenGo, but only when the in-tersection is clear. You mustyield to vehicles and pedestri-ans in the intersection. When

the light changes, traffic may be caught in the intersection.You must give them the right-of-way while they clear theintersection.

Yellow ArrowDo not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. I youcannot stop saely, proceed only in the direction o thearrow.

Green ArrowDrive only in the direction of the arrow. Yield the right-of-wayto other vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersec-tion.

Flashing RedTreat it the same as a stop sign.

Flashing YellowProceed with caution. Yield to vehicles andpedestrians, and proceed when it is safe.

Railroad Crossings Motoristsmustuseextracautionatrailroadcross

ings. Trains cannot stop quickly. Nevertrytobeatatrainacrossthetracks.Evenifi

is a tie, you will be the loser. Itisnotwisetoshiftgearswhencrossingrailroad

tracks; you might stall. NEVERSTOPYOURVEHICLEONTHERAILROAD

TRACKS.

Advance warning signs and pavement markings telyou railroad tracks cross the road ahead. Be prepared to stopbefore you get to the tracks if a train is approaching the crossing. Pavement markings are a large X with the letters RRon the road. These marks are not used at all crossings.

Crossbuck signs have been put at many public railroadcrossings. This sign means look both ways, listen for andyield to trains. A number sign under the crossbuck indicatesthere is more than one set of tracks following the sign.

Flashing light signals may be used withcrossbucks. Stop when the lights are flash-ing. Do not cross until you can do it safely.If there is more than one track, be carefulto watch for trains from either the same oropposite direction.

Gates are used with flashing lights atsome crossings. Stop when the lights startto flash before the gate goes down. Remain

stopped until the gates go up and the lightsstop flashing. NEVER DRIVE AROUNDTHE GATES. It is dangerous and againstthe law.

Railroad gates and warning lights areto alert you that a train is in the area. Youmay collide with a train i you go onto thetracks.

It is against the law to pass any vehiclewithin 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

Required StopsAll school buses and vehicles carrying

passengers for hire, and all vehicles requiredto be placarded for hazardous materials,must stop within 15 to 50 feet of railroadtracks before cross-ing. If a police offi-cer or highway traf-fic signal directshighway traffic toproceed, you do not have to stop. You also donot have to stop if the crossing is marked withanEXEMPT sign.

Railroad/highway/side road intersection



19/5617

Road Work ZonesThese traffic control devices and

signs are used to mark construction,maintenance, survey and utility workzones. These help direct drivers andpedestrians safely through the workarea while keeping it safe for workerson the highway. Stay alert and drivecautiously as fines may double inwork area zones.

The most commonly used traffic control devices are signs,barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, tubular markers,flashing arrow panels and flaggers. Most signs in work areasare diamond-shaped, although a few signs are rectangular.Orange is the basic color of these signs and warning devices.These signs and traffic control devices are reflectorized toattract your attention at night.

Slanting stripes on a panel or barricade tell you on whichside to pass. Stripes sloping down to the right mean passon the right. Stripes sloping down to the left mean pass onthe left.

You may encounter road work zones throughout theyear which can be a danger to motorists and road workers

alike due to careless or inattentive drivers. In work zones,remember these tips: Adjustyourspeedtothetrafficconditions. Obeyallinstructionsprovidedbysigns,trafficsignals

and flaggers. Dontfollowothervehiclestooclosely. A lways Expect theunexpected in TheWork

Zone.

Flashing Arrow PanelsLarge flashing arrow panels may

be used in work areas to direct driv-ers into certain traffic lanes. These

panels also alert you that part of theroadway is closed to traffic.

FlaggersPeople with stop/slow

paddles help control trafficin work zones. Fol low theirinstructions. They should bewearing lime green or orangevests, shirts or jackets. Theywill normally use stop/slowsigns. Red flags may be usedoccasionally.

Channelizing DevicesBarricades, vertical pan-

els, drums, cones and tubularmarkers are the most com-monly used devices to alertdrivers of unusual or poten-tially dangerous conditionsin highway and street workareas, and to guide driverssafely through the work zone.Flashing lights are used toalert motorists of a hazard.

Pavement Markingsand Other Lane Controls

Pavement markingshelp direct and regulatetraffic, just like highwaysigns. You will find themalone or used with signsand traffic signals. Whitelines separate traffic

moving in the samedirection. Yellow linesseparate traffic movingin opposite directions.

On two-way roads you will see a solid yellow line with abroken line beside it in some places. Passing is not allowedon the side with the solid yellow line. Vehicles on the sidewith the broken line may pass when the way is clear.

At intersections, special arrow markings or heavy whitelines give you directions or mark off pedestrian crosswalks

Crosswalks, Stop Lines and

Directional Arrow MarkingsWhen required to stopbecause of a sign or signal,you must stop before yourvehicle reaches the stopline, or a crosswalk if thereis one. Crosswalks definethe area where pedestriansare to cross the roadway.You must yield to pedestri-ans in or about to enter acrosswalk. Not all cross-walks are marked. Be alertfor pedestrians when cross-ing intersections that do nothave defined crosswalks.Special arrow markingsmay be present.

Reversible LanesSome travel lanes are designed to

carry traffic in one direction at certaintimes and in the opposite direction atother times. These lanes are usuallymarked by double-dashed yellow lines.Before you start driving in them, checkto see which lanes you can use at thattime. There may be signs posted by theside of the road or overhead. Sometimesspecial lights are used. A green arrowmeans you can use the lane beneath it;a red X means you may not. A flash-ing yellow X means the lane is onlyfor turning. A steady yellow X meansthat the use of the lane is changing andyou should move out of it as soon as itis safe to do so.

Traffic orStop

Traffic orProceed

Tube Drum Barricade



20/5618

Shared Center Lane

These center lanes are reserved for making left turns (orU-turns when they are permitted) but can be used by vehiclestraveling in both directions. On the pavement, left-turn arrowsfor traffic in one direction alternate with left-hand arrowsfor traffic coming from the other direction. These lanes aremarked on each side by a solid yellow and dashed yellowlines.

General Lane Use Donotbackavehicleinatravellane.Itisunsafeto

do so. Drivers do not expect a vehicle to be backingtowards them and may not realize it until it is too late.If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up on thetravel lane or shoulder. Continue to travel to the nextexit or crossroad.

Donotstopintravellanesforanyreason(confusion,breakdown, letting out a passenger). Keep movinguntil you can safely pull off the road.

Onaroadwiththreeormorelanestravelinginthesame direction, stay in the right lane except to pass.

If there is a lot of entering traffic, then use the centertravel lane.

Unlessinstructedtodosobyatrafficcontroldeviceor a flagger, never drive on the shoulder of the road.

Onmulti-laneroads,theleft-mostlaneisintendedtobe used to pass slower vehicles. If you pass on theright, the other driver may have difficulty seeing youand might suddenly change lanes in front of you. Neverpass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not. Otherdrivers will never expect you to be there and may pulloff the road without looking.

Wheretherearenosignsorlanemarkingstocontrolturning, you should turn from the lane that is closest

to the direction you want to go, and turn into the laneclosest to the one you came from. Whenmakingturns,gofromonelanetotheother

as directly as possible without crossing lane lines orinterfering with traffic. Once you have completed yourturn, you can change to another lane if you need to.

Reserved LanesOn various roadways one or more lanes may be reserved

for special vehicles. Reserved lanes are marked by signsstating that the lane is reserved for special use, and oftenhave a white diamond posted at the side of the road and/opainted on the road surface. Do not travel in one of theselanes unless operating that type of vehicle.

When to Yield the Right-o-WayWhere vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet oneanother and there are no signs or signals to regulate traf-fic, there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-wayThese rules tell drivers who goes first and who must wait indifferent traffic situations.

The law says who must yield the right-of-way; it doesnot give anyone the right-of-way. You must do everythingyou can to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicleregardless of the circumstances.

Be alert for bicyclists. While bicyclists and motorists musshare the rights and responsibilities of using public streetsand roads, motorists should realize bicycle riders are veryvulnerable in crashes. Therefore, motor vehicle driversshould use good defensive driving skills to avoid collisionswith bicyclists.

IntersectionsThe following right-of-way rules apply at intersections:

Youmustyieldwhenyouwanttomakearightturnafter stopping at a red light, but before the light turnsgreen. However, turns on red must be permitted athat intersection.

Driverscrossingasidewalkenteringorexitingadriveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to pedestrians. Iis illegal to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it.

Pedestriansusingaguidedogorcarryingawhitecane have absolute right-of-way. Do not use your hornas it could confuse or frighten the pedestrian who isblind.

Driversturningleftmustyieldtooncomingcarsthaare going straight ahead.

Youshouldwatchoutforbicyclists.Bereadytoyieldthe right-of-way, even at times the bicyclists shouldyield to you. They have no defense against a car ortruck, so it is your responsibility as a driver to watchout for them.

(Left) This sign means the lane is for bus

and car pool use only.

(Right) This sign means the lane is reserved for bicyclists.

High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes arereserved for car pools and vehicles with morethan one person in them. Signs say how manypeople must be in the vehicle as well as thedays and hours to which it applies. For example, HOV 4 means there must be at leasfour people in the vehicle.



21/5619

Atanintersectionwherethereisnostopsignortrafficsignal, drivers must yield to vehicles coming from theright.

Atafour-waystop,thedriverreachingtheintersec-tion first gets to go first (after coming to a completestop).

Driversentering aroad from adriveway,alley orroadside must yield to vehicles already on the mainroad.

Youmustyieldorstopforpedestriansinmarkedcross-

walks, and at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Youshouldyieldtoothervehicleswhenapproaching

the triangular shaped yield signs.

Overtaking VehiclesDrivers overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direc-

tion must yield to that vehicle and allow the vehicle full useof the lane.

Emergency

VehiclesYou must yield

the right-of-way toa police vehicle,fire engine, am-bulance or otheremergency ve-hicle using a sirenor air horn, and ared or blue flash-ing light. Pull overto the right edgeof the road, or asnear to the rightas possible, when you see or hear an emergency vehicle

approaching from any direction. Follow any instructions givenover the emergency vehicles loudspeaker. If you are in anintersection, drive through the intersection before you pullover. However, if you are on a street or highway separatedby a median strip and the emergency vehicle is on the otherside, you do not have to stop. You must stay at least 500 feetbehind any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens on itsway to an emergency.

Persons who are BlindIf you approach a

person walking with awhite cane or a white

cane tipped with red,you must stop andtake whatever ac-tion is necessary toprevent injury to thatperson. The sameapplies to a personbeing led by a guidedog which is wearinga harness and walkingby or in front of theperson.

Yielding Situations(red car shown here must yield to approaching vehicle)

Car in intersection Car on right

Oncoming traffic At yield sign

School BusesWhen you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flash-

ing amber lights, you must slow down to no more than 20mph and be prepared to stop. If the red lights are flashing oif the stop arm is out, you must come to a complete stop aleast 15 feet from the bus. You must remain stopped as longas the red lights flash or the stop arm is out.

The only exception to this is where you are approaching

the bus from the opposite direction on a road with at leasttwo lanes in each direction.When overtaking a school bus, you may not pass when

red or amber warning lights are flashing.After a school bus has stopped to let students off, watch

for children on the side of the road.

If the red lights are flashing or if the stop arm is out, you muscome to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus andremain stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop armis out.

43

Po

LICe



22/5620

ParkingDrivers are responsible for making sure their vehicles do

not become a hazard after they have been parked. Wheneveryou park your car, follow these guidelines. Parkfarenoughfromanytravellanetoavoidinter-

fering with traffic. Makesureyourcarisvisibletodriversapproaching

from either direction. Parkinadesignatedarea,ifpossible.

Alwayssetyourparkingbrakewhenyoupark.Leavethe vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission,or in park if it has an automatic transmission.

Checktrafficbeforeyouopenthedoor.Getoutofthe vehicle on the curb side if you can. If you haveto use the street side, check traffic before you getout. Shut the door as soon as you can after gettingout.

Neverleavetheignitionkeysinaparkedcar.Lockthe doors whenever you leave your vehicle if it willbe out of your sight at any time.

Ifyoumustparkonaroadway,parkyourvehicleasfar away from traffic as possible. If there is a curb,park as close to it as you can.

Whenyouparkheadeddownhill, turnyourfrontwheels toward the curb or roadside so the vehiclewill roll away from traffic if it moves.

Ifyouareheadeduphill,turnyourfrontwheelsawayfrom the curb. Then let the car roll back slightly untilthe right front tire hits the curb. If you are parkinguphill and there is no curb, turn your front wheelstoward the side of the road. That way, the vehiclewill roll away from traffic if it moves.

Down hill Up hill with curb Up hill without curb(with or without curb)

Parking Is Not AllowedThere are many areas where you cannot park. Check for

signs that may prohibit or limit parking. Some parking restric-

tions are indicated by colored curb markings. Do not park: onacrosswalk; infrontofapublicorprivatedriveway; onanybridgeoutsidecitylimitsorinhighwaytun-

nels; alongsideanotherstoppedorparkedcar(double

parking); closerthanfivefeetfromafirehydrant; closerthan10feetfromastopsign; closerthan20feetfromafirestationentrance; closer than50 feet f romahotelor theateren-

trance;

closerthan50feetfromarailroadcrossing; closerthaneightfeetparalleltoarailroadcrossing; inNOPARKINGZONESwhichareusuallymarked

with signs or yellow painted curbs; inanintersection;or onasidewalk.

Parallel Parking Signalandstopwith

the rear bumper ofyour vehi cle evenwith the rear bum-per of the vehicle infront of the place youwant to park. The twovehicles should beabout one to two feetapart.

Turningyoursteeringwheel to the right,back slowly aiming

the back of your cartowards the front ofthe car behind you.

As the front of your

car clears the backof the car in front of

you, turn your wheelssharply to the leftand continue backingslowly until the backof your car almosttouches the car be-hind you.

S t r a i gh ten you rwheels and pull for-ward to center the carin the parking space.

Your car should be nomore than 18 inchesfrom the curb. Putthe transmission inpark if your car hasan automatic trans-mission and set thebrake. Turn off theengine. (It is againstthe law to leave keysin a running, unat-tended vehicle.)



23/5621

To park by the left-hand curb on a one-way street, followthe same directions but reverse right and left in the instruc-tions.

If your car has a manual transmission, leave it in low gearwhen parked and headed uphill. Leave it in reverse whenparked and headed downhill. This will help prevent an ac-cident if your emergency or parking brake fails.

To leave a parallel parking space, signal your move. Watchfor traffic and turn your steering wheel towards the open lane,

easing your way into traffic.If you park on a road outside city limits, you must make

sure you are completely off the pavement. In all cases, policeare authorized to remove illegally parked vehicles.

Approaching Stationary

Emergency or MaintenanceVehicles

When approaching a stationary vehicle such as a policecar, tow truck, utility or maintenance vehicle that is parkedalong side the road and displaying flashing lights, you are

required to make a lane change. You must make the lanechange only if it is safe to do so according to road and trafficconditions.

If a lane change is not possible, prohibited by law, or un-safe, you must slow down to a reasonable and proper speedfor the existing conditions and be prepared to stop.

Cell Phones and Texting WhileDriving

It is highly dangerous to divide your attention from the taskof driving by using cells phones, text messaging devices andelectronic entertainment devices.

It is unlawful for any driver in Iowa to read, write or senda text message while driving. Before using a hand-heldelectronic communication device to write, send, or read atext message, the vehicle must be brought to a complete

stop off the traveled portion of the roadway. Exceptions toreading a text message are limited to: Amemberofapublicsafetyagencyperforming

official duties Ahealthcareprofessionalinthecourseofan

emergency situation Apersonreceivingsafety-relatedinformation

including emergency, traffic, or weather alerts.It is unlawful for persons under the age of eighteen operat

ing a motor vehicle with a Minor Restricted License, Instruction Permit, Intermediate License, or Minor School Licenseto use an electronic communication device (including celphones) or an electronic entertainment device unless the

motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portionof the roadway.



24/5622

Notes


25/5623

3. Sae Driving TipsNo driver manual can completely teach you how to oper-

ate a vehicle or be a safe driver. Driving requires skill youcan only gain through instruction and practice.

Basic DrivingStarting

Check the vehicle owners manual for the best startingprocedures for the vehicle. The procedures vary dependingon whether the vehicle has fuel injection, and the type oftransmission. Make sure the parking brake is on before youstart the vehicle.

If the vehicle has a manual transmission it must not bein gear, and, in some vehicles, you must depress the clutch.For a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, you mustput the shift selector in park. Otherwise, the vehicle will notstart. You must press on the brake in some newer vehiclesin order to select a gear and/or start the vehicle.

Accelerating

Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Trying to start too fastcan cause the drive wheels to spin, particularly on slipperysurfaces, and cause the vehicle to slide. With a manual-shiftvehicle, practice using the clutch and accelerator so theengine does not run too fast or stall when shifting betweengears.

Braking and StoppingUsing your brakes to stop your vehicle is one of the most

common driving techniques you must learn. The time it takesyour wheels to stop depends on your vehicles weight, size,height and load, and the size, condition and pressure of itstires. This distance is added to your reaction time. Your reac-

tion time is the time it takes you to see the need to stop andget your foot on the brake pedal.

Even if your car and your reflexes are in top condition,the road surfaces still affect how fast you stop. Differentroad surfaces have different contact with your tires. Somesurfaces are loose and allow your vehicle to skid easily. Evenon dry pavement your car will skid if the brakes are appliedtoo hard.

Try to avoid panic stops by watching for things well aheadof you. By slowing down or changing lanes, you may nothave to stop at all. If you do have to stop, it can be a moregradual and safer stop.

As the condition of the road surfaces changes, you should

change your following distance to make sure you have timeto stop. The following table shows how far you will go beforeyour car comes to a stop when driving at various speeds.Remember, these are distances figured under ideal condi-tions. Bad weather, road conditions, condition of your tiresor slower reflexes can increase these distances.

Required StopsYou must always stop:

atrailroadcrossingsifyourvehicleiscarryinghazardous materials;

whenenteringapublicroadfromaprivatedrive; atallstopsigns; beforecrossingasidewalk;

attherequestofanylawofficer; ataflashingredlight,thengoaheadifitisclear; atallredtrafficlights,includingwhererightturnson

red are allowed; whenablindpersonwithawhitecaneorred-tipped

cane is walking in front of you or close enough to youthat the person could be in danger; and

whenablindpersonwithaguidedoginaharnesswalks in front of you or close enough to you that theperson or guide dog is in danger.

See page 16 regarding stops at railroad crossings andpage 19 for stops when approaching school buses displayingflashing lights and/or stop arms.

SteeringUse a proper grip. Your hands should be placed on

opposite sides of the steering wheel (see illustration on thefollowing page) in a comfortable position.

Look well down the road, not just at the road immediatelyin front of your vehicle. Look for traffic situations where youwill need to steer before you get to them. This way, you havetime to steer smoothly and safely.

When turning corners, turn the steering wheel using thehand-over-hand or the push-pull technique.

44

66

88

110

132

154

20

mph

30

40

50

60

70

Reactio

nDist

ance

Brakin

gDist

ance

Stoppin

gDist

ance

25

57

69

123

160

101 189

158 268

227 359

310 464

All distances shown in feet

Distance illuminated by low beam headlights

At night, your headlights cannot follow the

curves, hills, and dips in the road, so you mustreduce your speed. Bad weather, unexpectedactions by other drivers, and fatigue canalso affect your driving and what you can see.

Notes:Reaction time = 1.5 secAt 60 mph, vehicle travels 88 ft/sec

Information courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Reaction Distance + Braking Distance =Stopping Distance

Stopping Distance

3. Sae Driving Tips


26/5624

Do not turn the wheelwith just the palm of onehand; you could lose con-trol. When you completea turn, straighten out thesteering wheel by hand.Letting it slip through yourfingers could be danger-ous.

Drivers of vehicles

equipped with airbagsshould be aware that armspositioned over the center of the steering wheel could beforced backward into the face if the airbag deploys duringa collision.

Proper Turning TechniquesPlan your turns ahead of time. Decide where you want to

be when you finish the turn. Give yourself a chance to slowdown and watch out for both pedestrian and other vehicletraffic. Do not make sharp turns at the last minute; they aredangerous.

Make sure you signal properly and turn from the properlane into the proper lane. Do not cut corners. Do not swingwide on your turns. These actions increase your chances ofbeing in an accident. Generally, other drivers expect you tokeep doing what you are doing. You must warn them whenyou are going to change direction or slow down. This will givethem time to react, if needed, or at least not to be surprisedby what you do.

Turn SignalsTurn signals give other drivers time to react to your moves.

You should use your turn signals before you change lanes,turn right or left, merge into traffic, or park. Getintothehabitofsignalingeverytimeyouchange

direction. Signal even when you do not see anyoneelse around. It is easy to miss someone who needsto know what you are doing.

Signalasearlyasyoucan.Tryandsignalatleastthree seconds before you make your move. You mustsignal at least 100 feet before a turn if the speed limitis 45 mph or less. If the speed limit is faster than 45mph, you must signal at least 300 feet before youturn.

Becarefulthatyoudonotsignaltooearly.Ifthereare streets, driveways or entrances between you andwhere you want to turn, wait until you have passedthem to signal.

If

Documents

Iowa Drivers Manual - 2013