Indiana Learner's Permit

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

An Indiana learner's permit is the first stage of the state's three-step driver licensing path. Issued by the Indiana BMV at age 15 to teens enrolled in an approved driver education course, the permit must be held while the new driver completes 50 supervised driving hours before any probationary license can be issued.

Minimum age and prerequisites

Indiana issues a learner's permit at age 15 only when the applicant is concurrently enrolled in a state-approved driver education course at a public or private high school, a commercial driving school, or a recognized online program. Without driver education enrollment, the minimum age rises to 16 years 0 months. Adult applicants 18 and older may obtain a permit at any time without driver education by passing the knowledge test and vision screening — adult permits are typically issued for first-time licensees who never held a license elsewhere.

Documents required

To apply for an Indiana learner's permit, bring to any BMV branch:

One identity document — U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.
Social Security card or other proof of SSN.
Two proofs of Indiana residency dated within 60 days, in the parent's name (the teen's residency is established through the parent).
A completed Form 39530 with the parent or legal guardian's signature in the consent section.
The driver education enrollment letter or transcript from the approved provider.

If the applicant is between 15 and 17 years 11 months, a parent or legal guardian must appear in person to sign the financial responsibility consent. Indiana law makes the signing parent jointly liable for any negligent or willful conduct of the minor driver while the permit is in effect.

Knowledge test

The 50-question Indiana knowledge test is the same exam used for the full driver's license. You must score at least 42 out of 50 (84%) to pass. The exam is delivered on a touchscreen at the branch and is available in English, Spanish, and several other languages. Most branches allow the applicant to retake the test the same day after a brief waiting period if the first attempt fails. The knowledge test fee is $9 and is bundled into the permit issuance.

Permit restrictions

An Indiana learner's permit imposes these restrictions:

The permit holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older seated in the front passenger seat, or by a certified driving instructor.
The supervising adult must have at least one year of licensed driving experience.
The permit holder may not use any handheld telecommunications device, even hands-free, while driving — Indiana applies a stricter rule to permit holders than to fully licensed drivers.
All passengers must wear seat belts, and the driver is responsible for passengers under 16.
Driving is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless the supervising adult is a parent or legal guardian.

Supervised practice requirement

Before the permit holder can apply for a probationary driver's license, Indiana requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, of which at least 10 hours must be at night. The hours are tracked on a BMV-supplied logbook signed by the supervising adult and submitted with the probationary license application. The state recommends — but does not require — that practice be spread across varied conditions: city streets, two-lane highways, freeway entrances, residential areas, and adverse weather.

Holding period and next steps

The permit must be held for at least 180 days before the holder can apply for a probationary license at age 16 years 90 days (with driver education) or 16 years 270 days (without). If the applicant turns 18 while still holding the permit, they can apply directly for a full unrestricted license — see the Indiana driver's license page for the adult application path.

Permits are valid for two years from issuance. If the permit expires before the holder applies for a probationary or full license, the knowledge test must be retaken. The permit fee is $9 for issuance and $9 for any duplicate or renewal during the two-year window.