Indiana DMV Guide: Permit, License, and Road Test
Last updated:
Getting your learner permit in Indiana is a clear, step-by-step process once you understand what is required. This guide explains who is eligible, the documents you should bring, what the knowledge test involves, and what happens after you pass, all handled through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Requirements and fees can be updated over time, so use this as a general roadmap and confirm the current details with your local Indiana BMV branch before your visit.
15 (with driver education)
Permit age
50
Test questions
40 (80%)
To pass
$9
Permit fee
Step by step: getting your Indiana permit
Step 1: Confirm your age and eligibility
In Indiana you can generally begin the learner permit process at 15 when you are enrolled in an approved driver-education course. Without driver education, the minimum age is higher. Younger applicants are part of the state graduated licensing system, so check which path and age requirement apply to you before you start.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Bring documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Indiana residency. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian usually must sign on your behalf. Having these ready in advance keeps your branch visit short and helps you avoid a return trip.
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of Indiana residency
- Parent or guardian consent if you are under 18
Step 3: Enroll in or complete driver education
If you are applying at the earliest age, Indiana ties the permit to enrollment in an approved driver-education course. The course covers traffic laws, defensive-driving skills, and the responsibilities of being a licensed driver. Confirm the specific requirement for your age and enroll early so your timeline stays on track.
Step 4: Pass the knowledge test
Take the 50-question written knowledge test and score at least 40 correct, which is 80 percent, to pass. Because the Indiana exam is longer than many states, practicing full-length sets ahead of time helps you build the focus and accuracy you will need to finish strong.
Step 5: Pass the vision screening and pay the fee
You will complete a quick vision screening to confirm your eyesight meets the driving standard, then pay the permit fee. Once your paperwork is in order, your learner permit is issued and you can begin supervised driving practice.
After you pass the knowledge test
With your Indiana learner permit, you can practice driving while supervised by an eligible licensed adult. The graduated program generally includes a holding period and a required amount of supervised experience, often including nighttime hours, before you become eligible for the road skills test. Use this stage to drive in different weather, on different road types, and at different times of day so that the road test feels routine rather than intimidating.
Tips for Indiana new drivers
Keep your permit with you whenever you are behind the wheel, and follow any nighttime and passenger restrictions that apply during the early stages of licensing. Ask your supervising driver to point out habits you can improve, and rehearse the maneuvers examiners watch closely, such as parking, merging, and yielding at intersections. The careful habits you build now will help you pass the road test and stay safe long after you earn your full license.
Indiana permit and test fees
$9
Learner's permit (driver's or motorcycle) issuance, per the BMV fee chart revised 1/1/26. The knowledge exam itself has no separate fee.
Do not confuse this with the full driver's license fee, which in Indiana varies by age ($17.50 under 75, $11.00 ages 75 to 84, $7.00 at 85 and over) and is paid later when you upgrade from the permit.
Indiana permit restrictions and supervised driving
While you hold the permit
Supervised practice: At least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, recorded in a Log of Supervised Driving
Hold period: Must hold an Indiana learner's permit for 180 days (about six months) before the probationary license
- Under-18 permit holders not in driver education must practice with a licensed driver at least 25 (or a spouse at least 21) seated in the front passenger seat
- Under-16 permit holders enrolled in driver education may practice with a licensed instructor or a related licensed driver at least 25 in the front seat
- Practice time must be logged and presented to the BMV when applying for a license
After you upgrade (provisional/intermediate)
- No driving between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for the first 180 days after licensing
- After 180 days and until age 18: no driving Saturday and Sunday 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday after 11:00 p.m., and Monday through Friday before 5:00 a.m. (work, school, and religious-event exceptions apply)
- No passengers for the first 180 days unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 (or spouse at least 21); no telecommunication device use except 911 calls
Restriction details change. Confirm current rules with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Indiana road test requirements
Applicants must pass a vision screening and a behind-the-wheel driving test (unless a driver education provider administers a skills-test waiver), plus a knowledge test if there are points on the record.
What to bring
- A signed Log of Supervised Driving and proof of driver education completion if applicable
- An Agreement of Financial Liability signed by a parent, guardian, or adult if under 18
- Identity documents as required for the credential
Vehicle requirements
- A safe, properly registered vehicle suitable for the driving test
- Valid insurance as required by Indiana law
Indiana driver handbook summary
Indiana presents a probationary licensing track with firm passenger and nighttime limits that ease as the driver gains experience. BMV materials stress logging 50 supervised hours including 10 at night, holding the permit 180 days, and the device ban that allows only 911 calls. The night curfew tightens then relaxes in stages until the driver turns 18.
Practice for the Indiana test
The fastest way to pass is to rehearse real test format. Our Indiana questions are balanced across the categories the BMV tests.
Find a BMV office in Indiana
Most permits are issued in person. Find your nearest BMV location before you go, and check whether you need an appointment.
Map results come from Google and may include third-party services. Always confirm the office location, hours, and whether an appointment is required on the official BMV website before visiting.
Official Indiana sources
Indiana licensing FAQ
How much does the Indiana permit cost?
$9. Learner's permit (driver's or motorcycle) issuance, per the BMV fee chart revised 1/1/26. The knowledge exam itself has no separate fee. Do not confuse this with the full driver's license fee, which in Indiana varies by age ($17.50 under 75, $11.00 ages 75 to 84, $7.00 at 85 and over) and is paid later when you upgrade from the permit. See the full Indiana fee breakdown and official source on our permit cost page.
What score do I need to pass the Indiana written test?
The Indiana knowledge test has 50 questions and you must answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass.
How many supervised driving hours does Indiana require?
At least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, recorded in a Log of Supervised Driving. Confirm the current requirement and any logging rules with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
How old do I have to be to apply for an Indiana permit?
You can generally begin at 15 when enrolled in an approved driver-education course. Confirm the current requirements with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
What documents do I need to bring?
Plan to bring proof of identity, your Social Security number, proof of Indiana residency, and parental consent if you are under 18.
Do I have to take a test to get the permit?
Yes. You must pass a 50-question written knowledge test and a vision screening to receive your learner permit.
Is there a fee for the permit?
Yes, a permit fee applies. Check the current amount with your local Indiana BMV branch before you go.