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How to Get Your Indiana Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with Indiana BMV directly.

With Driver Education (age 15)

  1. Enroll in an approved driver education course

    Enrolling in an Indiana BMV-approved driver education program lets you apply for a learner's permit at 15 instead of waiting until 16.

    • Driver education enrollment or completion documentation

  2. Pass the knowledge test

    Pass the 50-question knowledge exam at a BMV branch: a 16-question sign section and a 34-question rules section, each requiring roughly 80% on its own, plus a vision screening.

    • Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number

  3. Log 50 hours of supervised driving

    Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including a minimum of 10 hours after dark.

  4. Hold the permit at least 180 days

    Indiana requires holding the learner's permit for at least 180 days before applying for a probationary license.

  5. Apply for your probationary license at 16

    Once you've turned 16, completed driver education, and met the holding-period and supervised-hour requirements, pass the road test to receive a probationary license.

    • Supervised driving log
    • Driver education completion certificate

  6. Follow probationary license restrictions

    For the first 180 days, no driving 10 p.m.-5 a.m. and no passengers unless a licensed driver 25+, a certified instructor, or a parent/guardian 21+ is in the front seat. After 180 days until age 18, curfew loosens to Sun-Thu 11 p.m.-5 a.m. and Fri-Sat 1 a.m.-5 a.m.

  7. Wait for full, unrestricted status

    Probationary status continues until your 21st birthday — it's not lifted at 18, and the license can't be renewed early to bypass it.

Without Driver Education (age 16+)

  1. Apply for a learner's permit at 16

    Without completed driver education, the minimum age to apply for a learner's permit is 16.

  2. Pass the knowledge test

    Pass the same 50-question, two-section knowledge exam and vision screening at a BMV branch.

    • Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number

  3. Log 50 hours of supervised driving

    Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including a minimum of 10 hours after dark.

  4. Hold the permit at least 180 days

    The same 180-day minimum holding period applies before the probationary license road test.

  5. Apply for your probationary license at 16 years 270 days

    Without driver education, the minimum age for a probationary license is 16 years 270 days rather than 16.

    • Supervised driving log

  6. Follow the same probationary restrictions

    The 180-day curfew and passenger restrictions, followed by the looser curfew until 18, apply the same way regardless of the driver-education path.

Notes

  • Indiana's zero-tolerance law sets a BAC of 0.02% or higher as a Class C infraction for drivers under 21.
  • Drivers under 21 can't use a telecommunications device at all while driving, even hands-free.
  • Exact fees and current procedures change over time — confirm the current process on the official Indiana BMV website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-21