Indiana · Handbook chapter 1 · 5 min read

Chapter 1: Getting your learner's permit

How to get an Indiana learner's permit: the minimum ages, driver education enrollment, the documents to bring, the vision screening, the two-part knowledge exam and who may supervise you while you practice.

Why this chapter matters

The learner's permit is your first Indiana credential, and the knowledge exam you pass to get it is the test our practice sets prepare you for. The permit rules also decide who may sit beside you while you practice, a favorite topic on the exam.

Who can apply

• Age 15: only if you are enrolled with a BMV-licensed behind-the-wheel training provider. You show a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment dated no earlier than three weeks before your class starts. A certificate for an online theory course alone does not count.
• Age 16 or older: no driver education is needed.
• Everyone must pass a vision screening and the knowledge exam, and prove identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Indiana residency.
• Applicants under 18 must give an emergency contact who is at least 18.

Documents to bring

The BMV accepts only original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. You need:

• One document proving your identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate issued by a government agency (hospital certificates are not accepted) or an unexpired U.S. passport.
• One document proving lawful status (for U.S. citizens, the identity document usually covers this).
• One document showing your full Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a W-2.
• Two documents proving Indiana residency, such as a bank statement or utility bill dated within 60 days, or school records.

If you do not have two residency documents, an adult aged 18 or older who lives with you can sign an Indiana Residency Affidavit and show their own Indiana credential and documents.

Financial liability for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, an adult must sign a sworn statement of financial liability in person at the branch. By signing, the adult agrees to share responsibility for damage you cause while driving. The law sets an order of preference that starts with the custodial parent. If the adult later withdraws, your permit or license is canceled until someone else signs.

The vision screening

Every permit and license applicant takes a vision screening, even when renewing. If you normally wear glasses or contacts to drive, tell the staff and wear them for the test. A permit can carry a restriction such as B (glasses or contacts required) or G (daylight driving only).

The knowledge exam

• It is a computer-based multiple-choice exam based on Indiana law, defensive driving and the Driver's Manual.
• It has two parts: one on traffic signs and one on traffic laws and safe driving.
• You need 80 percent or higher on each part to pass. A strong score on one part cannot make up for a weak score on the other.
• No appointment is needed unless the exam must be read to you, but you must arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes.
• If you fail, you may try again on the next business day. A pass stays valid for 180 days.
• The exam is offered in English and 19 other languages. If yours is not one of them, you may bring an interpreter by appointment, who must sign an affidavit promising to help only with translation.

Who may supervise you

The supervising driver always sits in the front passenger seat and must have valid driving privileges (not expired, suspended or revoked).

For drivers under 18, "relative" means related by blood, marriage or legal status. Young people in the care of the Department of Child Services may also practice with a licensed driver aged 25 or older approved by the department.

How long the permit lasts

• A learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
• You can renew it up to 30 days before it expires.
• If it has been expired for more than 180 days, you must take the knowledge exam again.