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Iowa Permit Hours: How Many You Need and How to Track Them
Iowa requires 20 total supervised driving hours, including 2 at night.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 20 |
| Night hours | 2 |
| Minimum permit age | 14 |
| Permit hold period | 12 months |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 |
| Driver education required | Yes |
Night driving rules
Iowa defines night as sunset to sunrise. That means the exact hours shift throughout the year. In winter, you might start logging night hours as early as 5 PM. In summer, you could be waiting until 8:30 or later. Check your local sunset time before heading out if you need night hours.
What your supervisor needs to know
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They need to sit in the front passenger seat and be ready to take over at any time.
Driver education
You can’t skip driver’s ed in Iowa. The state requires a certified course that covers road rules, hazard awareness, and hands-on driving with an instructor.
Tracking your hours
You could track your hours on paper. But you won’t. Moda logs every session automatically and breaks it down by day, night so you’re never guessing how many hours you have left.
How many supervised driving hours does Iowa require?
Iowa requires 20 total supervised driving hours, with 2 of those at night.
What counts as night driving in Iowa?
Night driving in Iowa is defined as sunset to sunrise (varies by season and location). You’ll need 2 hours of night driving.
How long do I need to hold my permit in Iowa?
You’ll need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 12 months before you can apply for your license.