Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Age 15 — with enrollment in an approved driver's education course
- Age 16 — without driver's education
- Must be an Indiana resident
- Parent or legal guardian must accompany you if under 18
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You'll need to bring original documents (no photocopies) to prove:
- Identity — certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card
- Social Security number — Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099
- Indiana residency (2 documents) — utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, school enrollment, etc.
- Driver's education enrollment — if applying at age 15
- Parent/guardian consent — must be present and sign if under 18
Verify your documents: Visit in.gov/bmv for the official document requirements list. This can change, so always check before your visit.
Step 3: Study for the Knowledge Test
The permit test is the same 50-question BMV knowledge exam: 34 general questions + 16 road signs. You need 80% on each section.
- Download the Indiana Driver's Manual (free from BMV website)
- Take our free practice test — aim for 90%+ before going in
- Focus on: road signs, OWI laws, right-of-way, speed limits, school bus rules
Step 4: Visit Your Local BMV Branch
- Find a branch: Use the BMV Branch Locator at in.gov/bmv/branch-locator
- Schedule online if your branch offers appointments (recommended to avoid wait times)
- Bring all documents from Step 2
- Pass the vision screening — 20/40 minimum with or without corrective lenses
- Pass the knowledge test — 50 questions, 80% per section
- Pay the fee — check in.gov/bmv for current permit fees
Step 5: After You Get Your Permit
Your permit comes with restrictions. Here's what you must do over the next 180 days:
- Always drive with a supervisor — licensed driver age 25+ (or spouse 21+) in the front passenger seat
- Log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- No handheld phone — Indiana's hands-free law applies to all drivers
- Hold the permit for at least 180 days before you can apply for a license
- Stay violation-free — infractions can delay your license eligibility
Step 6: Get Your License
After 180 days with no violations, you can apply for a probationary license:
- Age requirement: 16 years + 90 days (with driver's ed) or 16 years + 270 days (without)
- Pass the driving skills test — if you fail, wait 7 days to retake
- Probationary license lasts until age 21, with curfew restrictions
Timeline: If you start at age 15 with driver's ed, the earliest you can get your license is approximately 16 years and 90 days old. Plan ahead!