Des Moines Iowa Online Driver Education and Des Moines Iowa Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Des Moines Iowa? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Des Moines Iowa has implemented a graduated driver license program for Des Moines Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Des Moines Iowa.
Des Moines Iowa Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)
You need to be 14 years old to be eligible for an instruction permit in Des Moines Iowa. When you're ready to take your written driver's test, be sure to take the following items with you to your local driver's license office:
- Valid identification documents (for a complete listing of acceptable documents, please visit the Des Moines Iowa DMV website)
- Social Security card
- A completed & signed parental consent form (may be downloaded from the Des Moines Iowa DMV website)
At the driver’s license office, you will be given both a vision test and a written (knowledge) test. If you pass both of these, you will be issued an Des Moines Iowa instruction permit which is valid for two (2) years.
Instruction Permit Restrictions:
You may never drive alone with an instruction permit. Whenever you drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver to supervise you. This person may be any one of the following:
- A certified driving instructor
- A family member who has a driver's license and is at least 21 years old
- A licensed driver who is at least 25 years old (with the written permission of your parents/guardians).
After you turn 16 and have had your instruction permit for six (6) months, you will be ready to apply for your Des Moines Iowa intermediate license.
Des Moines Iowa Intermediate License
To be eligible for an intermediate license, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Had an Des Moines Iowa instruction permit for at least six (6) months
- Complete 20 hours of supervising driving (this must include at least 2 hours at night)
- No citations & No accidents for at least six (6) straight months
- 30 hours of classroom instruction (including 4 hours of substance abuse education)
- Six (6) hours of laboratory, including at least 3 hours of behind-the-wheel driving training
When you go down to the driver's license office, you will need to bring your instruction permit along with the same required documents you took when you went to get your instructional permit.
You will need to pass a road test to get your intermediate license.
Intermediate License Rules/Restrictions:
During the first 12 months after receiving your intermediate license...
- You may not drive between 12:30am and 5am without supervision (exception being if you're driving to or from work or a school-sponsored activity)
- You must complete 10 hours of supervised driving during the first year, 2 of which must be done at night.
- Everyone in the car must be buckled up
- You cannot receive any citations or be involved in any at-fault accidents
If you do all of the above during the first year of having your intermediate license, you will be eligible for upgrading to a full license when the 12-month period is up.
Des Moines Iowa Auto Insurance Liability Coverage Laws
You must have auto insurance liability coverage for any vehicle you drive in Des Moines Iowa. Violation of this law can result in your license being suspended plus a hefty fine. For information on the minimum coverage you are required to have, please contact the Des Moines Iowa DMV.
Des Moines Iowa Drunk Driving Laws
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense which carries severe consequences: Upon your first conviction of a Des Moines Iowa DUI (0.08), you will face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence from a minimum 48 hours to 1 year
- $625-1,250 fine
- Des Moines Iowa license suspension of 180 days
And of course, further Des Moines Iowa DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Des Moines Iowa license suspension or even Des Moines Iowa license revocation.
Des Moines Iowa Cell Phones & Text-Messaging Laws
Currently, Des Moines Iowa has no laws restricting the use of cell-phones or text-messaging devices while driving.
Des Moines Iowa Drivers Education
For a list of state-approved drivers education courses in Des Moines Iowa, please contact the Des Moines Iowa DMV.