Proprietary Driver Education Schools
Application Instructions

There are specific, legal steps that must be taken by individuals seeking approval to conduct proprietary schools of instruction, including driver’s education courses in Iowa.  The process, at this time, involves two separate state agencies (1) the Secretary of State and (2) the Iowa Department of Transportation.  It is the responsibility of the private driving school applicant to contact each of these agencies to obtain the necessary documents and approvals before any instruction may begin. 

You must first contact the Secretary of State’s office to obtain authority to do business in Iowa.  This will involve securing appropriate financial responsibility, taxpayer identification and a registered name of your driving school.  This must be completed before going farther with this process.   You can obtain information on the Secretary of State’s web site or by calling the customer service number for that office at 515/242-6303. 

After obtaining the necessary documents from the Secretary of State’s office, you will need to complete the “Proprietary Driver Education Program Approval” and “Proprietary Driver Education Teacher Approval” forms and return them to the Department of Transportation for review.

You must obtain the appropriate Iowa teaching credentials to conduct classroom or behind-the-wheel driver’s education instruction.  If you need assistance in obtaining the required driver’s education teaching credentials for Iowa, contact Gary Borlaug at (515) 281-3483 of the Practitioner Preparation & Licensure Bureau of the Department of Education.

Upon approval of your program, as per Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Rules, and verification that each instructor listed has obtained the required teacher certification and endorsement, the forms will be signed and returned to the applicant.  These forms are available for printing from this web site.

Final approval and a course identification number will be returned to you from the Department of Transportation.

THIS ENTIRE PROCESS MUST BE COMPLETED
BEFORE CONDUCTING DRIVER’S EDUCATION COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN IOWA

For NEW Proprietary Driver Education Schools

1. Print and complete the following two forms in their entirety.

   • Proprietary Driver Education Program Approval Form 431180

   • Proprietary Driver Education Teacher Approval/Update Form 431184

2. Sign and date both forms.

3. Include a check for $25 made payable to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

4. Mail both forms, check and proof of authority to do business in Iowa to:
        Iowa Dept. of Transportation
        ATTN:  Toni Kerkove
        Office of Driver Services
        2060 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 103
        Waterloo, IA  50702

For RENEWAL Proprietary Driver Education Schools

1. Print and complete the following three forms in their entirety (Due December 24 annually).

   • Proprietary School Driver Education Annual Report Form 431182

   • Proprietary Driver Education Program Approval Form 431180

   • Proprietary Driver Education Teacher Approval/Update Form 431184

2. Sign and date forms.

3. Include a check for $25 made payable to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

4. Mail forms and check to:
        Iowa Dept. of Transportation
        ATTN:  Toni Kerkove
        Office of Driver Services
        2060 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 103
        Waterloo, IA  50702

If you are unable to get these forms from this website or for more information regarding proprietary driver education schools, contact:

Iowa Dept. of Transportation
ATTN:  Toni Kerkove
Office of Driver Services
2060 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 103
Waterloo, IA  50702

Telephone:  319-235-8032
E-Mail:  Toni.Kerkove@dot.state.ia.us

Related websites:

Minor Restricted License (MSL) Questions & Answers

Public School District Driver Education Program Application Instructions