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  • 15Youngest age, with driver educationp. 3
  • 180 daysWith the permit before a driver's licensep. 9
  • 50 hoursOf supervised practice, 10 of them at nightp. 9
  • 2 yearsHow long the permit is validp. 4

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring proof of:

    • Who you are (identity)
    • Lawful status
    • Your Social Security number
    • Indiana residency
    • At 15: a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment

    (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 3)

  2. Bring an adult to sign (under 18)

    A parent, guardian or other adult signs for financial liability at the branch, and you name an emergency contact aged 18 or older. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 3, 7–8)

  3. Pass the vision screening and knowledge exam

    The exam is on a computer, in a traffic signs part and a traffic maneuvers part. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 3, 5)

  4. Practice with a qualified driver

    A licensed relative aged 25+, a licensed spouse aged 21+ or a driving instructor rides in the front passenger seat. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 4)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have a learner's permit

  • Someone qualified to supervise must sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 4)
  • No phone use unless hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 11, 45)
  • Everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 11)

If you don't pass

If you fail the knowledge exam, you may retake it on the next business day. After a failed driving skills exam, wait seven days. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 5, 7)

What comes next

After 180 days with the permit and 50 logged hours, pass the driving skills exam for a probationary license, which stays probationary until you turn 21. (Indiana Driver's Manual, p. 9–10)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Indiana practice exam: 50 questions, 42 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 5 higher.