How to Get an Indiana Driver's License as an Adult

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Indiana, getting your Indiana state driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Hoosier State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. Indiana requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full Indiana license. This article will help you navigate the Indiana licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!

Under 18? We’ve got you covered! There are a few more steps involved in the license process if you are a minor. More information about how to get an Indiana Driver’s License as a teen may be found here.

Summary

If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your Indiana Driver’s License:

• Apply for an Indiana Learner’s Permit
• Pass the Knowledge Exam
• Practice driving for at least 50 hours (10 at night)
• Wait 180 days from the date of your Learner's Permit issuance
• Pass the Indiana Driving Skills Test

Do You Need an Indiana Learner's Permit if You Are 18 and Over?

First time drivers over 18 need an Indiana Learner's Permit. License applicants, regardless of age, who do not hold a current, valid license from another U.S. State must first apply for an Indiana Learner’s Permit. This includes first time drivers who are 18 years of age or older. It is important to note any applicant who is 18 or older is not required to take any type of Driver’s Education before applying for their permit. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers 18 and over enroll in both a classroom and practical driver’s education course to ensure safety on the road.

How to Get a Learner's Permit in Indiana if You Are Over 18

New drivers must apply in-person for a Learner’s Permit at a local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. No appointment is necessary and there is no paper or electronic application to complete prior to your arrival at the BMV. You must ensure, however, that you bring the proper documentation with you in preparation for your in-person permit application. You also must arrive at the BMV office at least 30 minutes before closing in order to be allowed to take your Knowledge Exam.

At the BMV

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the BMV. These will include:

• Proof of Identity
• This may include a valid passport of birth certificate
• Proof of Lawful Status 
• This may include a valid passport of birth certificate
• Proof of a Social Security Number
• Proof of Indiana Residency (two documents)
• These documents may include utility bills, a credit card statement, or a change of address form issued by the United States Postal Service
• What’s the difference between a RealID and a Federal Non-Compliant ID? Read more here.
• Payment for any application fees. Note, the Indiana BMV will accept credit cards, debit cards, cash, or checks. Checks must be made payable to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

You will also be required to have your photo taken and pass a vision screening exam and Knowledge Exam.

The Vision Test

The BMV uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision exam. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your instruction permit.

How Many Questions are on the Indiana Knowledge (Written) Exam?

You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued an Indiana Instruction Permit. The written test is based on information found in the Indiana Driver's Manual and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. 

There are 50 total questions on the Knowledge Exam. These questions are split into two sections: Road Rules (34 questions) and Road Signs (16 questions). You need to answer at least 28 Road Rules questions and 13 Road Sign questions correctly in order to pass your test.

Each question on the Knowledge Exam is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 80% on each section of your Knowledge Exam in order to pass and receive your Learner’s Permit. Applicants are not required to wait any number of days in between attempts at the knowledge exam.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website has a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Indiana Driver's Manual and take as many practice tests as possible in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam. 

Getting Your Learner’s Permit

After you have passed your Knowledge Exam, you will be issued your Learner’s Permit. For your permit to be valid, you must sign the first page. Be certain you inspect your permit for any errors, including misspellings of your name, inaccurate birthdate, and correctional lens restrictions before leaving the BMV.

Can You Practice With a Learner’s Permit in Indiana?

Learner’s Permits are generally valid for two years from the date of issuance. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your permit - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date.  

Permit Waiting Period and Mandatory Practice

There is a 180-day mandatory waiting period for ANY driver holding a learner’s permit, regardless of age. This means you must drive with your learner’s permit for 180 days from the date of issuance before you will be allowed to schedule your Driving Skills Test. 

In addition to this, you must track the number of hours you are practicing behind the wheel. All permit holders, regardless of age, must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, 10 of which must be at night. These hours will need to be recorded on State Form 54706 (Log of Supervised Driving Practice) and signed by the applicant. 

Your permit is not a license to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Learner Permit holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 25 years of age or older holding a valid driving license or a spouse 21 years of age or older holding a valid driving license. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is operating the motor vehicle. Permit holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from a BMV branch.

Indiana does not require permit holders 18 and over to complete any type of institutional driver training, but, as mentioned above, does require minimum hours behind the wheel. To get the most out of your mandatory practice, enroll in behind-the-wheel lessons with a qualified driving instructor at a driving school such as Coastline before attempting your Driving Skills Test.

Taking the Driving Skills Test in Indiana

Before making your skills test appointment, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found on the Indiana BMV website. 

Before you set off for the BMV for the road test, be certain you have the following documents with you:

• Valid Learner’s Permit
• Completed and Signed Supervised Driving Log (State Form 54706)
• Vehicle registration and proof of Indiana insurance
• License of an accompanying driver who is 25 (or 21, in the case of a spouse) or older
• An accompanying driver must be present in the passenger front seat at all times prior to the road test. The BMV Examiner will inform you when the accompanying driver may leave the vehicle.

Remember! You may be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights, and defroster. 

Getting Your Full Indiana Driver’s License

Once you pass your road test, you will be issued a temporary license which will serve as your full driving license until your permanent license arrives in the mail. Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restrictions on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card. Those license holders under 21 will be issued a full, probationary license which will then need to be renewed to a full license on the driver's 21st birthday. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road. 

While the Indiana licensing process may be intimidating, following the guide above will help to ensure a smoother and more successful experience with the Indiana BMV. We at Coastline wish you the best of luck with your new license, and hope you have many happy and safe hours on the road!