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New drivers · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana Learner's Permit and Permit Test Guide
A learner's permit lets Indiana residents practice driving before getting a driver's license. Here is who qualifies, what to bring to the BMV, what is on the permit test, the rules for practice driving and what comes next, from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
15minimum age if enrolled in approved behind-the-wheel driver education (16 without)
80%score needed on each section of the knowledge exam
180 dayspermit holding period before a probationary license
50 hoursof supervised driving, including 10 at night
The short answer
You can get an Indiana learner's permit at 15 if you are enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driver education course, or at 16 without one. Bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, lawful status and Indiana residency, and pass a vision screening and the knowledge exam (80% or higher on each section). Most applicants do not need an appointment, but arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes. Before a probationary license, you must hold the permit for 180 days and, if under 18, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving.
Who can get a learner's permit
The BMV lists two paths to a learner's permit:
| Path | Minimum age | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| With driver education | 15 | Enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel training course and a valid Certificate of Driver Education from the course provider; identification documents; vision screening; knowledge exam |
| Without driver education | 16 | Identification documents (unless you already hold an ID card); vision screening; knowledge exam |
From the Indiana BMV Learner's Permit page, read November 9, 2026.
What to bring to the BMV
When you apply for a learner's permit, the BMV says you must present documents that prove your:
- identity,
- Social Security number,
- lawful status, and
- Indiana residency (two unique documents).
If you do not have two documents proving Indiana residency, an adult who is at least 18 and lives with you can sign an Indiana Residency Affidavit and present their own unexpired Indiana driver's license or ID card, one document proving their identity and two documents proving their residency. Applicants under 18 also need an adult to sign an agreement of financial liability in person at a branch. The BMV posts a checklist of required documents. From the BMV Learner's Permit and Driver's License pages, read November 9, 2026.
The Indiana permit test (knowledge exam)
What it covers. The knowledge exam is based on the Indiana Driver's Manual. It has multiple choice questions in two sections: traffic maneuvers and traffic signs.
Passing score. You need 80% or higher correct on each section.
Appointments. You do not need an appointment unless you need the exam read to you, are deaf or hard of hearing, or need a foreign language interpreter. Otherwise you must arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes to take the computer-based exam that day.
If you fail. Wait until the next business day to take it again. Passing results are valid for 180 days.
How to study. Review the Indiana Driver's Manual by chapter, take the BMV's practice knowledge exam, and watch the BMV's knowledge exam video library.
The BMV offers the knowledge exam in many languages besides English, and an interpreter can be requested for others. From the BMV Knowledge Exam page, read November 9, 2026.
Vision screening
You must pass a vision screening to get a license or permit. If you normally wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them for the screening. The BMV says that if you wear glasses or contact lenses, a Type B restriction (must wear glasses or contact lenses when driving) is placed on your driver's license.
The BMV may waive the screening if you provide Vision Screening Documentation, State Form 56520, completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. If your vision does not meet state standards, you will be referred to an eye doctor.
From the BMV Vision Screening page, read November 9, 2026.
Who you can practice driving with
The supervising driver must have valid (not expired, suspended or revoked) driving privileges. The BMV rules:
| Permit holder | May practice with |
|---|---|
| Under 16, enrolled in driver education | A licensed driving instructor or a BMV-approved certified driver rehabilitation specialist (front passenger seat); or a licensed driver 25 or older related by blood, marriage or legal status; or a licensed spouse 21 or older |
| Under 18, not in driver education | A licensed driver 25 or older related by blood, marriage or legal status; a licensed spouse 21 or older; or a licensed instructor from a driver training school or a certified driver rehabilitation specialist |
| 18 or older | A licensed driver 25 or older, or a licensed spouse 21 or older |
The supervising driver sits in the front passenger seat. Different rules apply to permit holders under the care and supervision of the Department of Child Services. From the BMV Learner's Permit page, read November 9, 2026.
From permit to probationary license
If you are under 21 when you get your Indiana driver's license, it is a probationary license. To get one, the BMV says you must:
- be at least 16 after successfully completing an approved driver education program, or at least 16 years and 270 days without it;
- have held a learner's permit for 180 days (about six months); and
- if you are under 18, complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, at least 10 of them at night, recorded in a Log of Supervised Driving, and have an adult co-sign for financial liability.
With a daylight-only restriction on the permit, the 10 nighttime hours are not required, but the 50-hour total is. A probationary license cannot be renewed until your 21st birthday. From the BMV Driver's License page, read November 9, 2026.
Renewing or replacing a learner's permit
You can renew an expired learner's permit, or replace a lost or stolen one, by bringing the required documents to a BMV branch. You can replace it online if your name and address have not changed since you last received the permit.
You must retake the knowledge exam if your learner's permit has been expired more than 180 days.
From the BMV Learner's Permit page, read November 9, 2026.
Keep the practice car ready at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 9, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana learner's permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Indiana?
According to the Indiana BMV, you can get a learner's permit at 15 if you are enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driver education course and show a valid Certificate of Driver Education. Without driver education, you must be at least 16.
What do I need to bring for a learner's permit?
Documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, lawful status and Indiana residency (two unique documents), according to the BMV. You must also pass a vision screening and a knowledge exam, and if you are under 18 an adult must sign an agreement of financial liability in person at a branch.
What is on the Indiana permit test?
The BMV knowledge exam is based on the Indiana Driver's Manual. It has multiple choice questions in two sections, traffic maneuvers and traffic signs, and you must score 80% or higher on each section to pass.
Do I need an appointment for the permit test?
No, unless you need the exam read to you, are deaf or hard of hearing, or need a foreign language interpreter. The BMV says you must arrive at the branch at least 30 minutes before it closes to take the computer-based knowledge exam that day.
What happens if I fail the permit test?
The BMV says you must wait until the next business day to take another knowledge exam. Passing results are valid for 180 days.
Who can I practice driving with on a learner's permit?
If you are under 18, a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is at least 25 and related to you by blood, marriage or legal status, a licensed spouse who is at least 21, or a licensed driving instructor or certified driver rehabilitation specialist. They must sit in the front passenger seat. If you are 18 or older, a licensed driver at least 25 or a licensed spouse at least 21.
How long do I have to hold a permit before getting a license?
To get a probationary driver's license, the BMV says you must meet the age requirements and have held a learner's permit for 180 days (about six months). The minimum age is 16 if you have successfully completed an approved driver education program, or 16 years and 270 days if you have not.
How many supervised driving hours does Indiana require?
At least 50 hours, including at least 10 hours at night, recorded in a Log of Supervised Driving and presented to the BMV when you apply for a driver's license. With a daylight-only restriction on the permit, the 10 nighttime hours are not required, but the 50-hour total is.
Getting a new driver on the road?
Schedule service with the Michigan City Ford team, or read our Indiana title and registration guide.
Sources
Learner's permit, knowledge exam, vision screening and licensing rules are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, read November 9, 2026. Rules can change: check the BMV before your visit. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website. Photo is illustrative.
- Learner's Permit, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 9, 2026
- Knowledge Exam, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 9, 2026
- Vision Screening, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 9, 2026
- Driver's License, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 9, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026