What You Need to Do to Get an Indiana Driver's Permit
To get a driver's permit in Indiana, you visit your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office with proof of identity and residency, pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and pay a fee. The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for one year. You do not need a permit to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car — Indiana law allows anyone to drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older — but having the permit is the official record that you have passed the knowledge test and are ready to move toward a license.
The process takes one visit if you have all your documents ready. Most people complete it in under an hour at the BMV office. The written test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you will pay the fee again.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid photo ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Indiana residency to the BMV office.
- The written test covers 50 questions about Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
- You can practice driving with any licensed driver age 21 or older in the car, even before you have the permit, but the permit is required to take the driving test for your license.
- If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day, but you will need to pay the fee again.
Documents You Must Bring to the BMV
The BMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Indiana residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, or a state ID card. A school ID, work ID, or driver's license from another state does not count. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and bring their own ID.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your name and number on it. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works.
For Indiana residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill with your name and an Indiana address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
How to Find Your Local BMV Office and Schedule
Indiana does not require you to schedule an appointment for a permit test — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. The BMV website has a location finder at in.gov/bmv where you can enter your county or city and see all nearby offices, their hours, and current wait times.
Most BMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have Saturday hours. A few offices in larger cities stay open until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays. Check the specific office's hours before you go, because hours vary by location.
If you want to avoid a long wait, the BMV website shows real-time wait times for many offices. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
What to Expect During the Written Test
The test is taken on a computer at the BMV office and covers Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 50 questions and must answer at least 40 correctly — that is 80 percent — to pass. The test is multiple choice and you see one question at a time on the screen.
The questions cover topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, parking rules, and what to do in bad weather. You can study using the Indiana Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the BMV website. Many people also study using the BMV's online practice test, which mimics the real test format.
You have no time limit on the test itself, though the BMV staff will tell you when to begin and end. Most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day by paying the $20 fee again.
Paying the Fee and Receiving Your Permit
The permit costs $20 and you pay at the BMV office after you pass the written test. The BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you fail the test and retake it the same day, you pay another $20 for the second attempt.
After you pass and pay, the BMV prints your permit on the spot. Your permit is a physical card that you carry with you whenever you drive. It shows your name, date of birth, address, a photo, and the date it expires — one year from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it; when you pass your driving test and get your license, the permit straightforward expires.
What You Can and Cannot Do With a Permit
With a permit, you can practice driving with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the car. That licensed driver must be seated in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Indiana law does not restrict permit holders from using highways or driving at night with a licensed adult present, but you must follow all other traffic laws.
You need the permit to take your driving test for your license. You cannot take the driving test without showing a valid permit. The permit is also your proof that you have passed the knowledge test, so keep it in a safe place.
The permit is valid for one year. If it expires before you pass your driving test, you can renew it at the BMV for another $20. You do not have to retake the written test — you only need to pay the renewal fee and get a new card.
Next Steps After You Get Your Permit
After you receive your permit, you can begin supervised driving practice. You must drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older. There is no minimum number of hours required in Indiana, but the more you practice, the more prepared you will be for the driving test.
When you feel ready, you can schedule your driving test at the BMV. You will need to bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving during the test. The driving test covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. It takes about 30 minutes and is conducted by a BMV examiner who sits in the car with you.
If you pass the driving test, you receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, though there may be a waiting period depending on your age and the BMV office's policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to practice driving in Indiana?
No. Indiana law allows anyone to drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the car, even without a permit. However, you must have a permit to take the official driving test for your license, so most people get one before they start practicing.
Can I take the written test if I am under 18?
Yes, but your parent or guardian must be present at the BMV office and must bring their own ID. You still need to bring your own documents — identity, Social Security proof, and residency proof — just like anyone else.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day by paying another $20 fee. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most BMV offices let you retake the test within an hour of failing, though you should ask the staff when you can schedule your second attempt.
How long is the permit valid?
Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If it expires before you pass your driving test, you can renew it for another $20 without retaking the written test. The BMV will print a new card with a new expiration date.
Can I use my permit to drive alone?
No. Indiana requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the car with you at all times while you hold a permit. You cannot drive alone until you pass your driving test and receive your license.