How licensing works in Indiana
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) licenses drivers. New drivers get a learner's permit, then a probationary license that lasts until age 21, then an unrestricted license.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 with driver education enrollment; 16 without | Pass the knowledge exam. Valid two years. Supervisor in the front passenger seat. |
| Probationary license | 16 with driver education; 16 years 270 days without | Hold the permit 180 days. Log 50 hours (10 at night). Night and passenger limits. |
| Unrestricted license | 21 | Renew at 21 to remove probationary restrictions. |
New drivers are most likely to crash in their first months of driving alone, and night driving and carrying friends make that risk higher. Graduated licensing rules give you time to build skill in safer conditions, so you gain experience before the limits come off.
Who can supervise
- Under 16 in driver education: an instructor, a licensed relative 25 or older, or a licensed spouse 21 or older.
- Under 18 not in driver education: a licensed relative 25 or older, a licensed spouse 21 or older, or an instructor.
- 18 and older: any licensed driver 25 or older, or a licensed spouse 21 or older.
- Every supervisor sits in the front passenger seat.
Probationary license limits
| When | Rule |
|---|---|
| First 180 days | No driving 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. |
| First 180 days | No passengers unless a licensed adult 25 or older, a spouse 21 or older, or an instructor is in front (your child, sibling or spouse may ride) |
| After 180 days, under 18 | No driving after 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, before 5 a.m. Monday to Friday, or 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday |
Night limits do not apply when driving for work, school-sanctioned activities or religious events, or with a licensed adult 25 or older or a spouse 21 or older.
The Indiana knowledge exam
The knowledge exam is computer-based and taken at a BMV branch. It has two sections, traffic maneuvers and traffic signs, scored separately. You need 80% or higher on each.
- No appointment is needed. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes.
- If you fail, you can retest the next business day.
- Languages: English plus Arabic, Burmese, Chin, Croatian, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
- American Sign Language is available through a translator scheduled in advance.
- Fifteen-year-olds bring a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment from a BMV-licensed provider. Online completion certificates are not accepted.
Stop Yield Do not enter No passing zone
Rules specific to Indiana
Phones
No Indiana driver may use a handheld phone or other telecommunications device while driving, unless it is hands-free or voice-operated, or you are calling 911. Device use can add points to your record.
Seat belts
Every occupant must wear a seat belt whenever the vehicle is moving, if belts were installed by the manufacturer.
Practice log
Log your 50 hours, including 10 at night, on State Form 54706 and bring it when you apply for your license. Adults 18 and older need the same 50 hours.
Skills exam
You must pass the knowledge exam before the driving skills exam. If you fail the skills exam, wait 7 days. After three failures while holding a permit, you must wait two months.
Key numbers to remember
Many test questions ask for an exact age, time or number. Use this table as a quick review before you practice.
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Permit age | 15 with driver education, 16 without |
| Permit valid | 2 years |
| Permit holding period | 180 days |
| Practice hours | 50, including 10 at night |
| Supervisor age | 25 (relative) or 21 (spouse) |
| First-180-day night limit | 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. |
| Pass mark | 80% on each section |
| Probationary license lasts until | 21 years and 30 days |
Test tips
- Read the Indiana Driver's Manual, especially chapters on licensing, signs and safe driving.
- Learn the numbers: 15, 16, 180 days, 50 and 10 hours, 25 and 21 for supervisors.
- Take these practice tests and the BMV practice exam.
- Arrive early at the branch.
On test day
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your test. Get a good night's sleep, eat something before you go, and arrive early so you do not feel rushed.
- Bring every document on the official checklist, plus your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see.
- Turn off your phone and put it away before the test starts.
- Read each question all the way through, then read every answer before you choose.
- If you are not sure, first rule out the answers you know are wrong.
- Change an answer only if you are sure you misread the question.
If you do not pass, do not give up. Look at the topics you missed, study those parts of the handbook again, and take more practice tests before you try again.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Indiana. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking, alcohol and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your exam.