What You Need to Bring to the BMV
Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires you to bring specific documents when you go in person to get your learner's permit. You will need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana residency. A passport, state ID, or birth certificate works for identity. Your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return works for your SSN. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You also need to bring a completed process for Learner's Permit or Driver's License (Form DL-43). You can fill this out at home before you go, or the BMV will give you one to complete there. If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you — they will need to sign the process in front of the BMV staff.
Bring payment for the permit fee. Indiana charges $20 for a learner's permit that is valid for one year. The BMV accepts cash, check, or card at most locations.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, Indiana residency, and a completed DL-43 form.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign the process.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Indiana Driver's Manual.
- Your learner's permit is valid for one year and costs $20.
- You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Indiana.
The Written Test and What It Covers
Before you receive your permit, you will take a written test at the BMV. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. All questions come from the Indiana Driver's Manual, which the BMV provides free online and in print at any BMV branch.
The test covers three main areas: road signs and their meanings, traffic laws and right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about speed limits, parking rules, what to do at a red light, how to handle a skid, and what different road signs mean. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the BMV office.
You can retake the test if you do not pass on your first try. Most people wait a few days and study the manual again before coming back. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the $20 fee each time you test.
Age Requirements and Restrictions
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Indiana. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a learner's permit if they are learning to drive for the first time.
Once you have your permit, Indiana law requires you to follow certain rules while you are learning. You must always have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass your road test and get your driver's license within that year, you will need to renew your permit and pay the $20 fee again.
Where to Go and How Long It Takes
You can visit any BMV branch in Indiana to get your learner's permit. The BMV website has a branch locator tool where you can enter your zip code and see the nearest office, hours, and whether you can make an appointment. Some branches are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can save you time.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the branch is. This includes filling out your form, taking your photo, passing the written test, and receiving your permit. If you fail the test, you will need to come back another day to retake it.
Many BMV branches now let you schedule an appointment online. Making an appointment can cut your wait time significantly, especially at busy locations. Walk-ins are still accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours like lunch time or after school.
What Happens After You Get Your Permit
Your learner's permit is a temporary document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult. It is not a driver's license, and you cannot drive alone. The permit gives you the legal right to be behind the wheel while learning, as long as a may have access to supervising driver is with you.
While you have your permit, you should practice different driving situations: highway driving, night driving, rain or snow, parking, and busy intersections. Indiana does not require a minimum number of practice hours before you can take your road test, but the more you practice, the better prepared you will be.
When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test at any BMV branch. The road test costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected. If you pass, you will receive your driver's license on the spot.
Renewing or Replacing Your Permit
If your learner's permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to renew it. You can renew in person at any BMV branch by bringing the same documents you brought the first time, plus your expired permit. The renewal fee is $20, and you will not need to retake the written test — your passing score is on file.
If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any BMV branch. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and proof of your SSN. The replacement fee is $20. You do not need to retake the test for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit without a parent if I am under 18?
No. Indiana law requires a parent or legal guardian to be present and sign the process if you are under 18. The BMV staff will ask for their ID to verify they are your parent or guardian. If you do not have a parent available, a court-appointed guardian or a person with legal custody can sign instead.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test as many times as you need. Most people study the Indiana Driver's Manual for a few days and come back. Each time you test, you pay the $20 fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you could retake it the same day if you want, though most branches recommend waiting a few days to study.
Do I need insurance to get a learner's permit?
No. You do not need insurance to get your learner's permit. However, you will need proof of insurance when you take your road test and get your driver's license. The vehicle you are driving must be insured, but the insurance does not have to be in your name.
Can I drive on the highway with my learner's permit?
Yes, you can drive on the highway with your learner's permit as long as a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. There are no restrictions on highway driving for permit holders in Indiana, though your supervising driver should be comfortable with highway speeds and traffic.
How long can I keep my learner's permit?
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you have not passed your road test by then, you will need to renew it by paying the $20 fee again. You can renew as many times as you need until you are ready to take your road test.