What an Indiana learner's permit is and who needs one

An Indiana learner's permit is a document that lets you practice driving under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You must have a learner's permit before you can get a regular driver's license in Indiana, unless you are 18 or older — in that case you can skip the permit and go straight to the license test.

The permit shows that you have passed the written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. It does not let you drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times while you are behind the wheel.

Indiana issues two types of learner's permits: the standard learner's permit for people under 18, and the adult learner's permit for people 18 and older. The rules and restrictions are different for each.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test about Indiana traffic laws and road signs at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch to get a learner's permit.
  • A licensed driver at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat next to you every time you drive with a learner's permit.
  • If you are under 18, your permit lasts one year and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive.
  • If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the road test, or you can get an adult permit that lasts 180 days.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana address to the BMV.

Documents you need to bring to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires specific documents before you can take the written test. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a state ID card — something that proves who you are. You also need to show your Social Security card or a document that has your Social Security number on it, such as a W-2 form or a tax return.

Bring proof that you live in Indiana. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms at the BMV.

Bring your money — the fee for a learner's permit in Indiana is $20. The BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

The BMV provides a free study guide called the Indiana Driver's Manual. You can read it online at the BMV website or pick up a printed copy at any BMV branch. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. The test is given on a computer at the BMV, and you get your results right away.

If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay the $20 fee each time.

Rules for driving with a learner's permit if you are under 18

Indiana's graduated licensing system puts restrictions on young drivers to reduce the risk of crashes. During the first 180 days with your permit, you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., and you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls, except in a true emergency.

After 180 days, if you have not had any traffic violations or crashes, the restrictions ease. You can then drive until 11 p.m. with your supervising driver. You still cannot use a cell phone. These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and get your regular license.

If you get a traffic ticket or are in a crash while you have a learner's permit, the clock resets. You go back to the stricter rules, even if you had already been driving for several months.

Rules for driving with a learner's permit if you are 18 or older

If you are 18 or older, you do not have to get a learner's permit at all. You can go straight to the BMV, pay the license fee, pass the written test and road test, and get your full license. Many adults do this because it is faster.

If you choose to get an adult learner's permit, it lasts 180 days and has fewer restrictions than a youth permit. You can drive at any time of day or night, and there is no age requirement for the person supervising you — they just need to have a valid license. You still cannot use a cell phone while driving. After 180 days, your permit expires and you must take the road test to get a full license.

How long your permit is good for and what happens when it expires

If you are under 18, your learner's permit is good for one year from the date you pass the written test. During that year, you must pass the road test and get your regular license. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will have to take the written test again and pay the $20 fee.

If you are 18 or older with an adult permit, it lasts 180 days. After that, it expires and you cannot drive with it anymore. You must take the road test before the 180 days are up, or you will have to start over with the written test.

You can renew your permit before it expires by going back to the BMV, but you will have to take the written test again. There is no way to straightforward extend a permit without retesting.

How to move from your learner's permit to your regular license

Once you have had your learner's permit for at least 180 days (if you are under 18) or at any time (if you are 18 or older), you can schedule a road test at the BMV. The road test costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to different road situations.

To schedule your road test, call the BMV branch where you want to take it or go online to the BMV website. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the keys to the car you will be driving. The car must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before you start.

If you pass the road test, you will get your regular license the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake it, though you will have to pay the $20 fee again and schedule another appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone with a learner's permit in Indiana?

No. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old (if you are under 18) or any licensed driver (if you are 18 or older) sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. Driving alone with a learner's permit is illegal and can result in a ticket.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while I have a learner's permit?

If you are under 18, any traffic violation resets your permit restrictions to the strictest level, even if you had been driving for months. You go back to the 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. rule and must wait another 180 days before the restrictions ease again. If you are 18 or older, a ticket does not affect your permit, but it may affect your insurance rates.

Do I have to get a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the written test and road test for a full license. Many adults do this because it is faster. An adult permit is only useful if you want supervised practice time before taking the road test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day with no limit on attempts. You will pay the $20 fee each time you take it. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the Indiana Driver's Manual more carefully.

Can I use my learner's permit to drive in other states?

An Indiana learner's permit is only good in Indiana. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive with it. Some states honor learner's permits from other states, but Indiana's does not automatically transfer, so check the rules of the state you are visiting.