What you need to do to get an Indiana driver's permit
To get an Indiana driver's permit, you visit your local BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll pass a written test on road signs and traffic laws, pay a fee (currently $20 for a permit valid for one year), and receive your permit the same day if you pass. The permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat.
Indiana issues permits to people as young as 15, but the rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive depend on your age. If you're under 18, you'll also need to show proof that you're enrolled in school or have a high school diploma or GED. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the BMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a permit.
- The written test covers Indiana traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass it before the permit is issued.
- If you're under 18, you need proof of school enrollment or a high school diploma or GED.
- A licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a permit.
- Your permit is valid for one year and costs $20.
Documents to bring to the BMV
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The BMV accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional ID document like a school ID, work ID, or tribal ID.
You also need proof that you live in Indiana. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and your name isn't on a utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that bill itself.
Have your Social Security number ready — you don't need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you're under 18, bring your school enrollment verification or a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate.
The written test and what it covers
The Indiana written test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do in different traffic situations. You take the test on a computer at the BMV office, and you get your results when ready.
The BMV provides a free study guide online at in.gov/bmv that covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours before their appointment and pass on the first try. If you don't pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts, but you'll pay the $20 fee again.
Age requirements and supervision rules
Indiana issues permits to people 15 and older. If you're 15 or 16, a licensed driver 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. If you're 17 or 18, a licensed driver 18 or older can supervise you.
The supervising driver must have a valid license and be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with a permit, regardless of your age. These restrictions stay in place until you pass your road test and receive your actual license.
Finding your nearest BMV branch and scheduling
Indiana BMV branches are located in every county. You can find the branch closest to you and its hours on the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Some branches are busier than others — branches in larger cities often have longer wait times.
You can walk in without an appointment, but many branches now offer online scheduling. Scheduling ahead can cut your wait time significantly, especially if you go during peak hours like Saturday mornings or right after school. If you schedule online, you'll get a specific time slot, and you should arrive about 10 minutes early.
What happens after you get your permit
Once you have your permit, you can start practicing with a licensed adult supervisor. Indiana requires you to hold your permit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test for your license. During that time, you build driving experience under supervision.
Your permit is valid for one year from the date it's issued. If you don't pass your road test before the year is up, you'll need to renew your permit and pay another $20 fee. When you're ready to take the road test, you schedule it at a BMV branch — the test itself costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
Contact your local BMV branch before you visit. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, the BMV may be able to use that. You'll need to bring documentation of your ITIN and speak with a BMV representative about your specific situation.
Can I get a permit if I'm homeschooled?
Yes. Bring a letter from your parent or guardian stating that you are homeschooled, or bring documentation of your enrollment in an accredited homeschool program. The BMV accepts these in place of traditional school enrollment verification.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or return another day. There's no waiting period, but you pay the $20 fee each time you test. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the study guide more carefully.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You only need to know your Social Security number. The BMV will verify it in their system. Bringing the card itself is not necessary and not recommended for security reasons.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me?
No. You must be present in person to take the written test and receive your permit. The BMV cannot issue a permit without your signature and your test results.