How to Get Your Indiana Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Indiana license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Indiana learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Indiana residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Indiana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Indiana permit knowledge test
The Indiana knowledge test has 50 questions; you must answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Indiana-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Indiana knowledge exam, you may retake it. You must pass each section (signs and rules) at 80% or higher. Some BMV branches limit attempts per day, so check with your local branch before returning.
The best prep path is to read the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free IN practice test and the full 50-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Indiana learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $9).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Indiana's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Indiana license
Schedule your Indiana road test through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $17 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Indiana steps in order
As listed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles:
- Download and read the Indiana Driver's Manual from in.gov/bmv.
- Enroll in an approved driver education course if you are 15.
- Visit a BMV branch with proof of identity, lawful status, SSN, and two residency documents.
- If under 18, bring a parent or guardian to sign the application.
- Pass the 50-question knowledge exam (16 signs + 34 rules) at 80% each section.
- Pass the vision screening and pay the permit fee to receive your learner's permit.
- Hold the permit at least 180 days if under 21 (or 60 days if 21 or older).
- Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 hours at night.
- Pass the driving skills test at a BMV branch.
- Pay the license fee to receive your Indiana probationary or full driver license.
FAQ: Getting Your Indiana License
How old do I need to be to get a Indiana learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Indiana learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Indiana permit test?
The Indiana permit knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Indiana permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Indiana residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Indiana?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver manual lists Indiana's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Indiana driver license?
Yes — Indiana issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free IN practice tests mirror the real Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Indiana-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.