For most counties in Iowa, you will need to make a DMV driving test appointment for a class C driver’s license, a motorcycle license or for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do so, you must contact Iowa’s Department of Transportation (DOT) by phone to make a road test appointment. It is essential that you know that only specific DOT offices in Iowa administer CDL exams. Therefore, you must find the nearest location to you to prevent any delays.


In Iowa, the DMV appointment system is a helpful tool if you need to schedule a driving test, as it reduces the time spent waiting at a local DOT office. Once you determine how to make your DOT driving skills test appointment, you must make sure that you show up prepared for your visit. Being prepared includes gathering the necessary supporting documents and payment for the driving test.

Driving Test Appointments in Iowa
You may be wondering if you can make an Iowa DMV online appointment for your road skills test. In the state, you will need to contact the nearest DOT office in your county to schedule a DMV appointment for a driving exam. In Iowa, you can make an appointment for a driving test for the following license types:

  • Class C
  • CDL
  • Motorcycle

Now that you know which types of driving tests accept appointments in IA let’s take a look at how to go about scheduling the behind-the-wheel test.

How to Make an Appointment with the DMV in Iowa

If you need to take a driving test to obtain either a class C driver’s license, a CDL or a motorcycle license in Iowa, then it is essential that you know that most counties in Iowa administer the test by appointment only. Meaning, you will need to contact your local DOT office location to make a drivers license appointment before you plan to take the exam.

To do so, you must call your local DOT office and speak with a representative who is authorized to make appointments. Most office locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Depending on the location, exams are even offered Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Motorcycle license road tests are also administered during that time, but only if weather permits.

For class C driver’s license road tests, it is common for DOT locations to stop administering exams 30 minutes before the office closes. For CDL driving tests, DOT offices can stop conducting the exam up to two hours before closing. Lastly, if you are interested in taking a driving test for a motorcycle, then you must show up for the test at least 15 minutes before the test begins. You must also bring a helmet and wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

Overall, you should schedule a DMV appointment in Iowa as early as you can to prevent any delays in your exam.

What to Bring to Your Iowa DMV Appointment

Once you schedule and check a DMV appointment in Iowa for a road skills exam, it is essential that you know what to bring with you to the test. Although you have successfully made a DOT appointment, you will not be able to take the exam if you are missing documents that are necessary. Therefore, to prevent any delays, you must bring in the supporting documents that match the roads skills test you are taking.

Regardless of the driving test, you will need to present the following documents at the time of your appointment:

 

  • Documents that show your identity, date of birth, and lawful status or presence

 

      • Including, but not limited to, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card or a certified copy of a birth certificate

 

  • Proof of your name

 

      • If your name has changed since you were last issued a driver’s license or permit, then you must submit proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order

 

  • A document that shows your Social Security number (SSN)

 

      • Such as a Social Security card or a complete W-2 form

 

  • A document that shows proof of your Iowa residency and residential address

 

      • You must submit two documents, such as a state voter’s registration card and a vehicle registration certificate

 

  • Your current driver’s license, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or learner’s permit

 

  • Payment for the license fee

 

 

Also, for the exam, you must bring a vehicle that matches the type of license that you wish to obtain, with proper proof of registration and auto coverage. The examiner will also inspect the vehicle to make sure it meets safety requirements.

Once you gather the above documents and view your DMV appointment in Iowa, you are ready for your driving test appointment. If applicable, then you should also gather your DMV appointment number as confirmation. Failing to bring any of the above documents can result in the canceling or rescheduling of a roads test.

How to Cancel or Reschedule a DMV Appointment in Iowa

If you need to cancel an appointment with the DMV in Iowa, then you are going to need to contact your local DOT office location. The only way that you can cancel an appointment is by phone. Therefore, you must get a hold of the DOT office where you are scheduled to take the exam before you are expected to arrive.

Last updated on Tuesday, September 25 2018.