Key points
With proof of enrollment in BMV licensed behind the wheel training, you can get a permit at 15.
Source: Handbook p. 3
“Be at least 15 years of age and show proof of your enrollment in a BMV licensed behind-the-wheel training provider”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 3You may practice with a related licensed driver who is 25 or older, or with your licensed spouse who is at least 21.
Source: Handbook p. 4
“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.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 4Learner's permits are valid for 2 years from the date they are issued.
Source: Handbook p. 4
“Learner’s permits are valid for two years from the date of issuance.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 4If you fail the knowledge exam, you must wait until the next business day to retake it.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“If you fail the knowledge exam, you must wait until the next business day to retake it.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5Arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes to take the knowledge exam that day.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“You must arrive at the branch at least 30 minutes before the branch closes to take the computer-based knowledge exam that day.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5A skills exam can be scheduled no more than 3 weeks and no less than 48 business hours ahead.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“A driving skills exam may be scheduled no more than three weeks, and no less than 48 business hours, ahead of time.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5Failing to use a seat belt or speeding is an automatic skills exam failure.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“Failure to follow instructions • Failure to use a seat belt • Failure to react to hazardous driving conditions • Speeding”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7After failing a skills exam, you must wait 7 days to retake it.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“If you fail a driving skills exam, you must wait seven days before you can retake the exam.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7Applicants 18 and older must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice.
Source: Handbook p. 9
“If you are applying for a driver’s license and you are at least 18 years of age, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with:”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 9New residents have 60 days to get an Indiana driver's license.
Source: Handbook p. 2
“When you become an Indiana resident, you have 60 days to obtain a new Indiana driver’s license.”
Indiana Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 2
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | minimum permit age with driver education enrollment | Handbook p. 3 |
| 25, or spouse 21 | minimum age of the supervising driver | Handbook p. 4 |
| 2 years | how long a learner's permit is valid | Handbook p. 4 |
| 180 days | expiration after which a permit renewal requires retesting | Handbook p. 4 |
| 30 minutes | how early to arrive before closing for the knowledge exam | Handbook p. 5 |
| 3 weeks and 48 hours | scheduling window for a skills exam | Handbook p. 5 |
| 7 days | wait after a failed skills exam | Handbook p. 7 |
| 2 months | wait after a third failed skills exam on a permit | Handbook p. 7 |
| 50 hours at 18 or older | supervised driving practice required for adult applicants | Handbook p. 9 |
| 60 days | time for a new resident to get an Indiana license | Handbook p. 2 |
3 questions from the Indiana practice test
1. An Indiana learner under 18 not in driver education practices with a licensed driver. How old must that driver be?
- At least 18
- At least 30
- At least 21, any licensed driver
- At least 25, with valid driving privileges and related by blood, marriage or legal status
Show answer
At least 25, with valid driving privileges and related by blood, marriage or legal status. If you are under 18 and not enrolled in a driver education program, you may practice with a licensed driver who has valid driving privileges, is 25 years of age or older, and is related to you by blood, marriage or legal status. A spouse who is licensed and at least 21 also qualifies. The supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat, and the practice hours go into the supervised driving log.
2. How far ahead may an Indiana driving skills exam be scheduled?
- No more than three weeks and no less than 48 business hours ahead
- Up to six months ahead
- At least 30 days ahead
- Same day only
Show answer
No more than three weeks and no less than 48 business hours ahead. A driving skills exam may be scheduled no more than three weeks, and no less than 48 business hours, ahead of time through IN.gov/BMV or the BMV Contact Center, though a license branch visit may get you a sooner slot. You must provide your own legally equipped, insured vehicle in safe and clean condition, and the examiner may reject an unsuitable vehicle. The BMV charges nothing for the exam itself.
3. After failing Indiana's computer-based knowledge exam, when may the applicant try it again?
- Later the same hour
- On the next business day
- After waiting 30 calendar days
- Only at the next annual renewal
Show answer
On the next business day. The manual sets the retest wait at the next business day after a failed knowledge exam. The applicant cannot simply restart during the same hour, and no 30-day or annual-renewal delay appears in this rule. This timing applies to the computer-based knowledge exam process described for the branch. Keep the testing sequence in mind: a failed attempt ends that day's opportunity, so plan to return on the following business day rather than expecting an immediate second try.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Indiana practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.