Learner’s permits allow Indiana residents to practice driving before obtaining a driver’s license.
You may obtain a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel training course. You must show proof by presenting a valid Certificate of Driver Education enrollment form from the behind-the-wheel training course provider. You must also present documents of identification, pass a vision screening, and pass a knowledge examination.
To obtain a learner's permit without enrolling in or completing a driver’s education course, you must be 16 years of age or older, present documents of identification (unless you already hold an identification card), pass a vision screening, and pass a knowledge examination.
Requirements for Obtaining a Learner's Permit
Driving with a Learner's Permit
Renewing or Replacing a Learner's Permit
Requirements for Obtaining a Learner's Permit
- Documents Required to Obtain a Learner’s Permit
When applying for a learner's permit you must present certain documents that establish your:
- Identity,
- Social Security number,
- Lawful status, and
- Indiana residency (two unique documents)
If you do not have two unique documents proving your Indiana residency, you may instead submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit. The affidavit must be signed by an individual who is at least 18 years of age and with whom you reside. The individual signing an Indiana Residency Affidavit must present his or her unexpired Indiana driver’s license or identification card, one document proving identity, and two documents proving their Indiana residency. Please note that the BMV does not accept Matricula Consular cards for purposes of establishing identity or residency.
- Knowledge Exam
You do not need to schedule an appointment for a knowledge examination unless you need to have the exam read to you.
Learn more about the knowledge exam
You must arrive at least 30 minutes before a branch closes to take a computer-based knowledge exam.
- Vision Screening
You must pass a vision screening to get a license or permit, even if you are renewing your existing license or permit.
- Agreement of Financial Liability
An individual who signs an agreement of financial liability for a minor’s learner’s permit or driver’s license application agrees to be responsible with the minor applicant for any injury or damage the minor applicant causes by reason of the operation of a motor vehicle if the minor applicant is liable in damages.
The adult signing the agreement of financial liability must present documents of identification proving his or her identity and age. Please note that the BMV does not accept Matricula Consular cards for purposes of establishing identity or residency.
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Driving with a Learner's Permit
- If you are under 16 years of age and are enrolled in a driver education program:
- You may drive only when you are accompanied by a licensed driving instructor or a certified driver rehabilitation specialist, who is both recognized by the BMV and employed through a driver rehabilitation program. The instructor or rehabilitation specialist must be seated in the vehicle’s front passenger seat.
- You may also practice driving with a licensed driver who has valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) driving privileges and is 25 years of age or older. The licensed driver must be related to you by blood, marriage, or legal status. You may also choose to practice driving with your spouse, who must be licensed and at least 21 years of age. The licensed driver must be seated in your vehicle’s front passenger seat.
- If you are under 18 years of age and you are not enrolled in a driver education program:
- You may practice driving with a licensed driver who has valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) driving privileges and is 25 years of age or older. The licensed driver must be related to you by blood, marriage, or legal status. You may also choose to practice driving with your spouse, who must be licensed and at least 21 years of age. The licensed driver must be seated in your vehicle’s front passenger seat.
- You may also practice driving with a learner’s permit if accompanied by an individual licensed as a driver education instructor who is working under the direction of a driver training school, or a certified driver rehabilitation specialist who is recognized by the Indiana BMV and employed through a driver rehabilitation program. The instructor or rehabilitation specialist must be seated in your vehicle’s front passenger seat.
- If you are under 18 years of age and are under the care and supervision of the Department of Child Services:
You may practice driving with a licensed driver who has valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) driving privileges and is 25 years of age or older. The licensed driver must be related to you by blood, marriage, or legal status. You may also choose to practice driving with a licensed driver, who is 25 years of age or older and approved by the Department of Child Services. The licensed driver must be seated in your vehicle’s front passenger seat.
- If you are 18 years of age or older:
You may practice driving with a learner’s permit only when accompanied by a licensed driver with valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) driving privileges who is at least 25 years of age, or with your spouse provided he or she is licensed and at least 21 years of age or older.
Renewing or Replacing a Learner's Permit
- You may obtain a renewed learner’s permit after your current learner’s permit expires, or replace one that is lost or stolen, by visiting a BMV branch and presenting identification documents.
- You may also replace your learner’s permit online if your name and address have remained the same since the last time you received your learner’s permit.
- You will need to provide your name, date of birth, residential address, and Social Security number in order to replace your learner’s permit.
- Applicants renewing their learner’s permit must retake the learner’s permit knowledge exam if it has been more than 180 days since your last knowledge examination.