What you need to bring to the BMV

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires specific documents before you can test for your learner's permit. Bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of your Indiana residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth.

For proof of residency, the BMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or government mail also works. For proof of name and date of birth, bring your birth certificate, passport, or state ID from another state. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document along with your original birth certificate.

You do not need to bring a parent or guardian to the BMV office, though anyone under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the permit process. If you cannot go together, your parent or guardian can sign the form at home, and you can bring the signed document with you.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, Indiana residency dated within 60 days, and your legal name and date of birth to the BMV office.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process, but they do not have to be present at the BMV office.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Indiana Driver's Manual.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • Indiana charges a fee for the learner's permit that varies depending on how long you want it to be valid.

How the written test works

The BMV gives you a written test on a computer at the office. The test has 50 questions about road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is based on information in the Indiana Driver's Manual, which you can read online at the BMV website or pick up at any BMV office.

You have one hour to finish the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again each time you take it.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language or need other accommodations, contact your local BMV office ahead of time to arrange it.

What your learner's permit lets you do

Your Indiana learner's permit allows you to drive a passenger vehicle on public roads, but only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you. The supervising driver must hold a valid driver's license from any state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only other permit holders or unlicensed drivers in the car.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your permit expires before you pass the road test and get your license, you will need to renew it at the BMV office. You can renew your permit before it expires, and the new permit will be valid for another year from the renewal date.

There are no restrictions on the times of day you can drive with your learner's permit, and there are no limits on how many miles you can drive. However, you must follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and seat belt requirements.

The fee and how long the permit lasts

Indiana charges a fee for your learner's permit. The amount depends on how long you want the permit to be valid. A one-year permit costs less than a longer-term permit. You pay the fee when you explore at the BMV office, and it is non-refundable even if you do not pass the written test.

Your permit becomes valid when ready after you pass the written test and the BMV issues it. You can start driving with a supervising driver right away. The permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue, after which it expires and you must renew it if you have not yet passed your road test.

When you are ready to take your road test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can schedule a road test with the BMV. During those 30 days, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, city streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. The more varied your practice, the better prepared you will be.

To schedule your road test, contact your local BMV office or use the online scheduling system on the BMV website. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy seasons, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you plan to use for the test.

The road test itself takes about 30 minutes. An examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must pass the road test to get your regular driver's license.

Renewing your permit before it expires

If you have not passed your road test by the time your learner's permit is about to expire, you can renew it at the BMV office. You do not need to retake the written test — you only pay the renewal fee and the BMV issues you a new permit valid for another year.

You can renew your permit up to 30 days before it expires. Renewing early means you do not have a gap where you cannot drive legally. If your permit expires before you renew it, you will have to reapply and retake the written test, which costs more than a straightforward renewal.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it when ready at the same BMV office or return another day. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. However, you will pay the test fee each time you take the test, so failing multiple times will cost you more money.

Before you retake the test, review the Indiana Driver's Manual again and focus on the topics you found difficult. Many BMV offices offer free study materials and practice tests online. Some people find it helpful to take a driver education course, which covers the same material and may help you understand the rules better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Indiana does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to meet the age requirement, pass the written test, and bring the required documents to the BMV office.

What if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to your local BMV office and request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the original permit fee. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The BMV will issue you a new permit with the same expiration date as your original permit.

Can I drive a motorcycle with my learner's permit?

No. Your learner's permit is only for passenger vehicles. To ride a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle learner's permit, which requires a different written test and has its own rules about supervising riders.

Do I have to take driver education classes to get my learner's permit?

No. Indiana does not require driver education to get a learner's permit. You only need to pass the written test. However, taking a driver education course can help you prepare for the test and may lower your insurance rates later.

What if I move to another state while I have my Indiana learner's permit?

Your Indiana learner's permit is only valid in Indiana. If you move to another state, you will need to get a learner's permit from that state. Contact the DMV or equivalent agency in your new state to find out what documents and tests you need.