Indiana Driver's License Requirements
To get a driver’s license in Indiana, you’ll need to show proof of identification and pass the vision, written, and driving tests.
To get an Indiana driver’s license, every resident—regardless of age—must obtain and hold a learner’s permit for at least 180 days before applying for a driver’s license. Once this is complete, submit your driving log and provide proof of identification. You must also pass the vision test and driving skills exam.
So, think you’re ready to hit the road? Before you apply for a driver’s license, please note that the requirements vary from state to state. Fortunately,
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Indiana?
Regardless of your age, you must obtain and hold a learner’s permit for 180 days before applying for a driver’s license. Before heading down to an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) location, you’ll need to gather all your acceptable identification documents:
- Proof of identity: a U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, foreign passport, or consular report of birth abroad
- Proof of lawful status: a U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, foreign passport, or consular report of birth abroad
- Proof of Social Security: your Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, non-SSA-1099 form, a pay stub (with your name and SSN), or Social Security Administration documents (proving you are ineligible for an SSN)
- Proof of Indiana residency: a computer-generated bill with your name and address (from a utility company, credit card company, doctor, or hospital), bank statement, pre-printed pay stub, or Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement
Please visit the
Indiana BMV website
for a complete list of all approved identification documents you can use. Change your name recently? If your current legal name, date of birth, or gender is different on your lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes made:
- Name: adoption papers, marriage license, divorce decree, court order, or an original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate
- Date of birth: court order or an original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate
- Gender: a certified, amended birth certificate, a Physician's Statement of Gender Change, or a physician’s signed and dated statement on letterhead
What are the requirements for young drivers?
To obtain a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in an approved driver’s education course. Don’t forget to present your Certificate of Driver Education enrollment form. You must present documents of identification and pass your vision screening and knowledge exam.
If you are at least 16 years old, you can forgo completing a driver’s education course.
You must hold a learner’s permit for at least 180 days. You can then apply for a probationary driver’s license when you are at least:
- 16 years and 90 days old (with driver’s education)
- 16 years and 270 days old (without driver’s education)
To apply for a probationary driver’s license, you must:
- Present a signed Log of Supervised Driving Practice and proof of completing a driver’s ed course, if applicable
- Pass a vision screening and driving test (if the driver’s ed provider does not offer a skills test waiver)
Please note: a written test will be required if you have any points on your driving record.
Applicants under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian sign an agreement of
financial liability
when applying for a driver’s license.What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
New residents have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver’s license. If you are at least 18 years old and possess a valid out-of-state license, visit a BMV location and present:
- One of the following items:
- Your current out-of-state driver’s licenseA copy of your official driving recordA verification letter
- Documentation proving your identity, lawful status, SSN, and Indiana residency
You are also required to pass a vision screening.
How to get a driver’s license in Indiana
For new drivers: hold a learner’s permit for at least 180 days
This part cannot be stressed enough! In the State of Indiana, you must have a learner’s permit before applying for an Indiana driver’s license.
Submit your driving log
You must log a minimum of at least 50 hours (including 10 hours at night) of supervised driving into your Log of Supervised Driving Practice.
Vision test
Before you can drive, you must be able to see the road clearly!
If your visual ability does not meet state standards, you’ll be referred to a specialist. Once you can certify with a doctor’s note that your vision has been corrected to meet state standards, you still must pass your vision screening.
Indiana drivers who read without glasses must have 20/20 to 20/40 vision in each eye. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must have 20/50 vision in each eye. Depending on your vision, you may have driving restrictions placed on your license.
Written exam
To demonstrate your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices, you will need to take a two-part multiple-choice written exam. You will need to get at least 80% of the answers correct in order to pass.
To prepare, study the
Indiana Driver’s Manual
and take the practice knowledge exam
available on the BMV website.Driving skills exam
You’re almost there! The final step in your journey to an Indiana driver’s license is passing the driving skills exam. Appointments are required, so make sure to schedule your
driving test
.You must bring your own vehicle to the exam, and it must:
- Be properly registered and insured
- Pass vehicle inspection
- Be legally equipped and in safe and clean condition
- Have interior cameras deactivated
- Have at least two windows slightly open
During your driving exam, you will automatically fail if you commit any traffic violations. So first things first: put on your seat belt! The following actions may detract from your final score:
- Failing to signal or check your blind spot
- Failing to use both hands on the wheel
- Driving too slow for conditions or stopping unnecessarily
- Reversing too fast
- Leaving turn signal on after completing lane change
- Driving too closely to the car ahead
Driver test waiver: if you have a learner’s permit and already took your driving exam during your driver’s ed course (if your school participates in the BMV’s waiver program), you’re off the hook!
If you pass your driving test or qualify for the waiver, pay the $17.50 fee and you will receive your permanent license within 14 days.
Key Takeaway Bring all acceptable identification documents and come prepared to pass your vision test and driving exam.
How to save money on car insurance in Indiana
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