In addition to increased instruction time with permits, there is another driving change for teen drivers in Iowa taking effect January 1st. To reduce distractions, young drivers with intermediate licenses will be limited to one unrelated minor passenger during the first six months the juvenile has a license. This does not apply when driving with adult supervision. Also, this restriction may be waived by parents, but only when the license is issued.

The new law also limits a young driver with a minor school license to one unrelated minor passenger when driving without adult supervision. This will apply as long as the driver holds a minor school license. This applies to all persons holding a minor school license, even if the license was issued before Jan. 1, 2014.

An unrelated minor child is defined as someone that is not your brother or sister, step-brother or sister, or a child living in your household. The definition of adult supervisor as it relates to this mandate means your parent, guardian, or custodian; an immediate family member at least 21 years of age, a driver education instructor, or a person at least 25 years old with written permission from your parent, guardian, or custodian. They must sit in the front passenger seat while you are driving.