How to get an Indiana Drivers License
- Indiana Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required IN and Paperwork
IN Driver's License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your IN driver's license, pass your DMV written test and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Indiana Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our BMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your IN Driver's Permit
If this is your first driver's, you will need to apply for an Indiana learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive an IN drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 180 days before taking the road skills test.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
The Indiana BMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the BMV Exam - Take the Indiana practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Indiana Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Indiana driver's license within 60 days upon establishing a permanent residence in IN. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
If you are between 16 years and 180 days of age, but less than eighteen years of age, and currently have held a valid out-of-state driver's license (excluding learner's permits or the equivalent) for at least 180 days in the state, or combination of states, in which you formerly resided, you must visit a license branch to present your current out-of-state driver's license or a copy of your official driving record. You must also present documents of identification and pass a written examination and a vision screening test.
If you are at least 18 years of age and have held a valid out-of-state driver's license from the state of your prior residence you must visit a license branch to present your current out-of-state driver's license, a copy of your official driving record, or a verification letter. You must also present documents of identification and pass a written examination and a vision screening test. If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than three years you must pass a driving skills test.
International Drivers
Indiana honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit for a period of one year. Once you establish residency in Indiana, you must apply for an Indiana learners permit and pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Indiana BMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Restricted Driver's License (16 years to 17 years of age) may be amended after age 18 to remove the probationary driver designation
- Full Driver's License (18 years of age and older) valid for 4 to 6 years.
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
