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Driver's license renewal - "Knowledge Test"

SalzundPfeffer

SalzundPfeffer

Member
Oct 7, 2009
79
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Des Moines
Long story short, I neglected to notice that my driver’s license expired this past year. I’m now past the 60-day grace period so I have to take the general “knowledgeâ€￾ written test when I go to renew. Luckily I don’t have to take a drive with a DOT worker.

My question is: is this something I should study for? I wanted to know if the questions are specific and nit-picking or general knowledge that every good driver should already know.

I just don’t want to have to take repeated trips to the DOT office and take more time off from work.

Thanks in advance
 
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I've never had to retake it, but if it were me I'd skim the book or website or whatever atleast, just so I didn't look like a moron and not pass.
 
From the last time I took it, I remember the questions being "common knowledge" but so much so that you doubt yourself on the answers.

How much distance is considers safe distance between vehicles when in motion. How many feet are you allowed to park away from a stop sign. How long should you have your turn signal on before turning.

They are all multiple choice, and things you do every day without thinking. I would suggest at least glancing through the book, maybe just take the practice tests.
 
I did have to retake it, and did not get 100%. There are some "technicality" questions that you could trip up on. Now, I got enough right to pass, so no big deal. But, I would make a cursory glance through the website or study materials.
 
Not to gripe about it, because it was my fault I didn't renew, but what is the purpose of retesting? Does the state just assume I have not driven in over 60 days and that my skills need honing? Having to drive with a DOT officer after 1 year makes sense, but this seems unnecessary.
 
SalzundPfeffer said:
Not to gripe about it, because it was my fault I didn't renew, but what is the purpose of retesting? Does the state just assume I have not driven in over 60 days and that my skills need honing? Having to drive with a DOT officer after 1 year makes sense, but this seems unnecessary.
Click to expand...
I suppose they need to have a cutoff somewhere that makes you retest, better have it too soon than too late since it's not that big of a deal to take a test.
 
SalzundPfeffer said:
Long story short, I neglected to notice that my driver’s license expired this past year. I’m now past the 60-day grace period so I have to take the general “knowledge” written test when I go to renew. Luckily I don’t have to take a drive with a DOT worker.

My question is: is this something I should study for? I wanted to know if the questions are specific and nit-picking or general knowledge that every good driver should already know.

I just don’t want to have to take repeated trips to the DOT office and take more time off from work.

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I did the same thing a few years ago. I was nervous like you, but I didn't study and I got all the answers right. It's pretty easy, you'll do fine.

EDIT: Just Googled and they have a practice test available: http://www.iowai.org/dmvquiz/index.php
 
ISUKing said:
How much distance is considers safe distance between vehicles when in motion. How many feet are you allowed to park away from a stop sign. How long should you have your turn signal on before turning.
Click to expand...

I hated these on a written test. I cant tell you how many feet it is, i just know all those distances involved by eye.

My 14y\o sister's taking the test and while grabbing the practice test for her i took it myself. Several trick questions in there that you could answer multiple ways depending.
 
I would consider paying an extra fee if they would send me a friendly reminder in the mail. They might be able to reduce the need of test taking materials (computer systems, etc.) It's not like I study my DL expiration date on a daily basis.

Did this thread cause anyone to pull theirs out and double check?

Thanks for all the replys, btw.
 
Skim it! Make sure you get your numbers correct. The rest isnt a big deal. I had to renew mine and I failed it. I played semi conservative on the number of feet in the examples and it was wrong.
 
Yeah, hope there're no trick questions like the following.

Q##. Choose the best response regarding a cross-country road trip.

A. Drive with your knees when necessary so that you can still dip your fries in ketchup without putting down your Whopper.
B. Text, while still driving 10mph over the current speed limit, your pizza order to the Casey’s in the town ahead so that it is ready for you when you pass through, thereby allowing you to continue making “good time.â€￾
C. Pontificate about the virtues of a clean automobile to your children while accidently spilling a large Coke Classic over your center console and cussing about it.
D. It is better to park your car than to attempt to eat while driving.
 
You can only miss five questions. If you don't pass, I think you have to wait a couple of days to retake it. It would be worth your trouble to get a copy and review it.
 
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