What the Indiana BMV learner's permit test covers

Indiana's learner's permit test in 2020 consists of two parts: a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules specific to Indiana. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 80 percent to pass.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The BMV uses a vision machine at the testing location. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it when ready, but you cannot take the written test again on the same day if you fail it.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's learner's permit written test has 50 questions about road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving, and you need 80 percent to pass.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the BMV office before or during your permit test appointment.
  • The official Indiana Driver's Manual is the source material for all test questions, and the BMV provides it free online and in print.
  • You can take the written test again if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before retesting at most BMV locations.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Indiana residency to your test appointment.

How to prepare using the Indiana Driver's Manual

The Indiana Driver's Manual is the only official study material you need. Every question on the BMV learner's permit test comes directly from this manual. You can read it free from the Indiana BMV website (in.gov/bmv) or pick up a printed copy at any BMV branch office.

The manual covers 11 main topics: getting your license, vehicle registration, traffic signs and signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, driving in bad weather, sharing the road, alcohol and drugs, crashes and emergencies, and vehicle maintenance. Read through each section carefully. Pay special attention to the traffic sign section—the test includes many sign recognition questions.

Many people study the manual by reading it straight through, but others find it helpful to focus on the sections they feel least confident about first. There is no single "best" way to study, but spending at least a few hours with the manual before your test date gives you a real advantage.

Documents you need to bring to the BMV

Bring three types of documents to your learner's permit test appointment: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Indiana residency.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, a school ID with your photo, or a state ID card. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement—the document must show your name and current Indiana address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the BMV office. They will need to bring their own identification and sign consent forms. Call your local BMV branch ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirements—different branches sometimes have slightly different procedures.

The vision screening and what happens if you fail

The vision test happens at the BMV office, usually before or after your written test. You look into a machine that checks how well you can see at different distances. The test takes less than a minute. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

If you fail the vision screening, you can retake it right away at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, the BMV will not issue your permit. Instead, you will need to see an eye doctor, get a written statement that your vision meets Indiana's standards, and bring that statement back to the BMV. Indiana's vision standard is 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction.

If you pass the vision test but fail the written test, you can retake the written test. Most BMV locations require you to wait at least one day before retesting, though some allow you to retest the same day. Call ahead to find out your local branch's policy.

Retesting rules and waiting periods

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you must pay the test fee each time. In 2020, Indiana's learner's permit test fee was $20.

Most BMV branches require at least one day between test attempts. Some branches allow same-day retesting if you fail in the morning and want to try again in the afternoon, but this varies by location. Before your first test, ask the BMV staff what the waiting period is at your branch, or call ahead to confirm.

Between test attempts, spend more time studying the Indiana Driver's Manual. Many people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt after focusing on the sections they found hardest. There is no penalty for retesting—your learner's permit record will show only your final passing score.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass both the vision screening and the written test, the BMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. During that year, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

Your learner's permit has restrictions. You cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in an emergency). These rules exist to keep new drivers safe while they are learning.

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 180 days and practiced driving, you can take the road test to earn your driver's license. The road test is scheduled separately at a BMV branch and tests your actual driving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test online or by mail?

No. In 2020, Indiana required all learner's permit tests to be taken in person at a BMV branch office. You must show up with your documents, pass the vision screening, and take the written test on a computer at the office.

What if I fail the written test twice?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You pay the $20 test fee each time you test. Between attempts, study the Indiana Driver's Manual again, focusing on the topics that gave you trouble.

Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I just walk in?

This varies by BMV branch. Some branches accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call your local BMV office or check the in.gov/bmv website to find out whether your branch takes appointments and how far in advance you need to book.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Wear them during both the vision screening and the written test. If your vision is correctable to 20/40 with glasses or contacts, you will pass the vision test. Your permit may have a restriction noting that you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

Can my parent take the test for me?

No. You must take the test yourself in person at the BMV office. Your parent or guardian must be present if you are under 18 to sign consent forms, but they cannot take the test on your behalf.