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 a valid Certificate of Driver Education from a course provider, proving that you are enrolled in a behind-the-wheel training course. You must also present documents of identification, pass a vision screening, and pass a knowledge examination.
You may obtain a learner's permit without enrolling in or completing a driver’s education course if you are at least 16 years old, pass a vision screening, and pass a knowledge examination. You will also be asked to present documents of identification (unless you already hold an ID card).
How to Obtain 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 prove your:
- Identity,
- Social Security number,
- Lawful status, and
- Indiana residency (two unique documents)
What If I Don't Have Two Documents to Prove I am a Resident of Indiana?
If you do not have two unique documents proving your Indiana residency, you may instead submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit. The person signing the affidavit must be at least 18 years of age and live with you. The person signing must also present:
- Their unexpired Indiana driver’s license or ID card,
- One document proving their identity, and
- Two documents proving their Indiana residency.
Please note that the BMV does not accept Matricula Consular cards for purposes of proving identity or residency.
- Knowledge Exam
You do not need to schedule an appointment for a knowledge exam 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 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 for any injury or damage the minor causes by reason of the operation of a motor vehicle if the minor is liable in damages.
The adult signing the agreement of financial liability must present documents of identification proving their identity and age. Please note that the BMV does not accept Matricula Consular cards for purposes of proving identity or residency.
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Rules for Driving with a Learner's Permit
- If you are under 16 years of age and are enrolled in a driver education program:
- You may practice driving with a licensed driving instructor or a certified driver rehabilitation specialist approved by the Indiana BMV and working in a 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 can also practice driving if you're with a licensed instructor from a driver training school, or with a certified rehabilitation specialist approved by the Indiana BMV and working in a 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 licensed driver who has valid driving privileges (not expired, suspended, or revoked). They must be at least 25 years of age. You may also practice with your spouse if they are licensed and at least 21 years of age or older.
How to Renew or Replace a Learner's Permit
- You can renew your learner’s permit after it expires, or replace one that’s lost or stolen, by bringing the required documents to a BMV branch.
- 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.
- You must retake the learner’s permit knowledge exam if the learner's permit has been expired more than 180 days.