Driver's Ed Iowa: Approved Program for Parents and Teens
Share your experience and support your teen as they prepare to earn an intermediate license. This parent-taught driver's ed program is approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), allowing families to teach and learn together.
Research-Driven Education from AAA Driver Training
SafeMotorist is the leader in online driver education, and AAA Driver Training has been a trusted advocate for road safety for more than 100 years. This teen driving program combines the best of both. The 100% online lessons were developed using industry-leading research and safety data.
Download Your Certificate Instantly
Don't wait for a certificate in the mail. You can immediately download and print your Certificate of Completion from your course dashboard. Apply for your intermediate license as soon as you get your certificate.
About the Course
This class is approved by the Iowa DOT to allow parents to teach their teenage children to drive.
The self-paced program includes 30 hours of high-quality instruction across 10 lessons that parents and teens can complete 100% online on any device. The program ends with a 50-question, multiple-choice final exam.
How It Works
Learning how to drive starts with earning an instruction permit at 14. Once you've held a permit for 12 months and satisfied all other requirements, you can apply for your intermediate license.
The state's requirements include a full training program in traffic laws and motor vehicle operation that all teens must complete. That is just one of five required steps.
Applicants must:
- Verify that both teacher and student are eligible for parent-taught instruction.
- Complete an approved Iowa driver's education program, including 30 supervised hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
- Fill out an application and submit a certificate and driving log to the DOT.
- Receive a letter of completion from the state.
- Successfully pass a DMV road test.
Students will be issued an intermediate license after completing the above steps and paying a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driver's education required in Iowa?
Yes. The graduated driver's license (GDL) program introduces teens to the responsibility of driving privileges a little bit at a time. Intermediate licenses are the middle step between instruction permits and full, unrestricted licenses.
All new motorists under 18 must complete a full education as part of this process. Students can choose between traditional classes via public school or a variety of in-person or online classes taught by professional instructors.
How old do teenagers have to be to take driver's ed in Iowa?
The minimum age for this program is 14. Teenagers must have a valid instruction permit before they start learning.
Who can teach this course?
Only a teen's legal parent, guardian or custodian can lead a parent-taught curriculum. Instructors must also satisfy other requirements, including holding a valid license issued by the DOT.
When will I receive my certificate?
Your Certificate of Completion will be available to download immediately after completing the course. No need to wait — access it directly from your course dashboard.
How long is driver's ed in Iowa?
The approved curriculum includes 30 hours of classroom instruction designed to prepare students to become safe, responsible motorists. Students must also spend 30 hours behind the wheel under adult supervision, including three hours of night driving, before applying.
Can teenagers complete driver's ed online in Iowa?
Yes. Both in-person and online options are offered through approved partners. This program is provided in partnership with AAA Driver Training, a state-approved provider of online driver's ed.