What You Need to Do to Get an Indiana Driver's License
To get a driver's license in Indiana, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity and residency to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The process takes place in stages: you start with a learner's permit, practice driving, then test for your license. Most people complete it within a few weeks, though timing depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.
Indiana issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of them at night) before you can test for a license. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the license test, though you still need to pass both the written and driving portions.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to start the process.
- Minors must hold a learner's permit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before testing for a license; adults 18 and older can test when ready.
- The written test covers Indiana traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The driving test is conducted by a BMV examiner at a local branch and lasts about 30 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Indiana charges a fee for the license that varies by age and license type, and your license is valid for four to eight years depending on your age.
Documents and Proof You Must Bring to the BMV
The BMV requires specific documents before you can test for a license. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a state ID card to prove your identity. You also need to prove you live in Indiana—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are explore for a learner's permit, bring the same documents. If you are renewing or replacing a license, the requirements are simpler—you may only need your current license and proof of residency, depending on how long it has been since your last license was issued.
Getting Your Learner's Permit (For Drivers Under 18)
If you are under 18, your first step is to get a learner's permit. Visit any BMV branch with your documents and a parent or guardian. You will take a written test on Indiana traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though some branches may require you to wait a few hours.
Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. You can then begin supervised driving practice. Indiana law requires that a licensed driver age 25 or older sit in the front passenger seat while you drive. You must log at least 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 of those hours after sunset. Keep a written record of your practice hours—you will need to show it when you test for your license.
Your learner's permit is valid for one year. If you do not pass your driving test within that year, you must renew your permit before you can test again. Renewal requires another visit to the BMV and another written test.
Passing the Written Test on Traffic Laws
The written test covers Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The BMV provides a free study guide called the Indiana Driver's Manual, available online at the BMV website or in print at any BMV branch. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do in emergencies.
The test itself has 50 multiple-choice questions. You have up to one hour to complete it. You must score at least 80 percent—that is, answer at least 40 questions correctly—to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most branches, though a few may ask you to return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but you pay the test fee each time.
Scheduling and Taking Your Driving Test
Once you have passed the written test (or if you are 18 or older and skipping the learner's permit stage), you schedule a driving test with a BMV examiner. You can book your test online through the BMV website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Wait times vary by location; some branches have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. Check the BMV website to see current wait times at branches near you.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit or current license, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must be in safe working condition—the examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn work. Bring a vehicle you have practiced in if possible; the examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to drive on local streets and may ask you to perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking or a three-point turn. You must follow all traffic laws and obey the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, though you must pay the test fee again and may need to wait for the next available appointment.
License Fees and How Long Your License Is Valid
Indiana charges different fees depending on your age and the type of license you want. A learner's permit costs less than a full license. A driver's license for someone age 18 to 74 costs one amount; a license for someone 75 or older costs less. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the BMV.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 75, and two years if you are 75 or older. Indiana does not require you to renew your license in person every time—you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, such as having no medical restrictions and no changes to your name or address. The BMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires.
What to Do If You Fail Your Driving Test
If you do not pass your driving test, you receive a report showing what you did wrong. Common reasons for failing include not checking mirrors, failing to signal, speeding, or hitting a curb during parking. You can retake the test as soon as the next day at most branches. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time.
Before you retake the test, practice the skills the examiner noted as problems. If you are under 18, you must continue logging supervised driving hours. If you fail three times, some people find it helpful to take a driver's education course, though Indiana does not require one for adults. A course can help you understand what examiners are looking for and build confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my driving test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Many people use a parent's or friend's vehicle for the test. The registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the vehicle when you test.
What if I fail the written test multiple times?
You can retake the written test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, and you can retake it the same day at most branches. Each attempt costs the test fee. Study the Indiana Driver's Manual between attempts, and consider asking someone to quiz you on the material.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get my license?
No. Indiana does not require a driver's education course for anyone. However, if you are under 18, your parent or guardian may require one, and some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one. A course can help you understand traffic laws and build driving skills.
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
For someone 18 or older with no learner's permit requirement, the process can take as little as a few days if you pass both tests on your first attempt and can schedule your driving test quickly. For someone under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving, which typically takes several weeks or months depending on how often you practice.
What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?
You can renew your Indiana license by mail or online even if you are out of state, as long as you meet the conditions for remote renewal. If you cannot renew remotely, you must visit a BMV branch in Indiana in person. Check the BMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.