What You Need to Know Before You Start
Indiana issues a new driver license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The process takes place in person at a BMV branch, and you will need to pass a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test before you receive your license. If you are under 18, Indiana's graduated licensing system means you will first receive a learner's permit, then a probationary license, and finally an unrestricted license — each with different rules and waiting periods.
The entire process from learner's permit to full license typically takes several months. You cannot skip steps or move through the system faster, so plan accordingly if you need to drive by a specific date.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to start the process.
- Drivers under 18 must first hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test, and then hold a probationary license for one year before getting an unrestricted license.
- The written test covers Indiana traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free BMV manual available on the Indiana BMV website.
- You must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult driver to your driving test appointment, and the vehicle must be registered and insured.
- New licenses cost $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, and fees do not change based on age.
Documents You Must Bring to the BMV
The BMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy from a hospital or a printout from a genealogy website.
Proof of residency must show your current Indiana address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill — all dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with a parent or guardian, you can use their utility bill or lease as long as you bring a notarized statement from them confirming you live there.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you do not have your card, the BMV can verify your number directly with the Social Security Administration, but this takes longer.
The Learner's Permit for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. The permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle, but you cannot drive alone.
To get a learner's permit, visit a BMV branch with your documents and take the written test. The 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 BMV provides a free study guide called the Indiana Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the BMV website. You can also take practice tests online through the BMV site.
Once you pass the written test and pass the vision screening, you receive your learner's permit when ready. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can schedule a driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
The learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year. If you do not pass your driving test within that year, you will need to renew the permit.
Taking the Driving Test
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a driving test at a BMV branch. You must bring the vehicle you will drive during the test, and it must be registered in Indiana and have current insurance. You must also bring a licensed adult driver — this person will not sit in the vehicle during the test, but they must be present at the branch.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks such as parking, turning, stopping at intersections, and merging. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure.
If you pass the driving test, you receive a probationary license on the spot. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must wait at least one week before retesting. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs $20.
Probationary License Rules for Drivers Under 18
Once you pass your driving test, you receive a probationary license that is valid for one year. During this year, you have restrictions that do not explore to adult drivers. You cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless a licensed adult 21 or older is present.
If you receive a traffic ticket or are involved in an accident during your probationary year, your probationary period may be extended or your license may be suspended. After one year with no violations, your probationary license automatically converts to an unrestricted license, and you can drive without these restrictions.
The probationary license costs $20 and is valid for four years from the date you receive it. When it expires, you will need to renew it at a BMV branch.
Getting a License as an Adult (18 and Older)
If you are 18 or older and have never held a driver license, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go directly to a BMV branch, take the written test, pass the vision screening, and schedule a driving test. The process is the same as for younger drivers, except you skip the 30-day waiting period and the probationary license restrictions.
Bring the same documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Pass the written test with at least 40 correct answers out of 50. Schedule your driving test at the same visit or online through the BMV website. When you pass the driving test, you receive your full driver license when ready.
An adult driver license costs $20 for four years or $40 for eight years. You choose the length when you explore.
Fees and Timeline
The total cost of getting a new driver license in Indiana depends on whether you are under 18 and how long you want your license to be valid. Here is what you will pay:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit (under 18) | $20 |
| Driving test (each attempt) | $20 |
| Probationary license (under 18) | $20 |
| Driver license, 4-year (adult) | $20 |
| Driver license, 8-year (adult) | $40 |
The timeline from start to finish depends on your age. If you are under 18, expect at least 60 days from your first visit to the BMV until you receive your full license — 30 days holding the learner's permit, plus time to schedule and pass the driving test, plus one year on the probationary license before you get an unrestricted license. If you are 18 or older, you can complete the written and driving tests in one or two visits, typically within two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a BMV branch. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. You must visit a branch with your documents to take the test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can retake it as many times as you need. Each attempt is free if you take it on the same day; if you schedule a separate appointment, you may pay a small fee depending on the branch.
Do I need to bring my own car to the driving test?
Yes. The BMV does not provide a vehicle for the driving test. You must bring a car that is registered in Indiana and has current insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers. If the vehicle fails a safety check, the test will be cancelled.
What happens if I move to another state after getting my Indiana license?
Your Indiana license remains valid in other states as long as it has not expired. If you become a resident of another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Most states allow you to transfer your driving record from Indiana, so you may not need to retake the written or driving test.
Can I renew my license online?
Renewal is different from getting a new license. Once you have an Indiana driver license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. For a new license, you must visit a BMV branch in person.