So you just turned 15 years old and are ready to start driving?
Or maybe you’re already an adult and are just starting to get your first driver’s license.
Whatever the case, we have the complete guide to the Indiana driver’s license requirements for YOU. Here, we’ll talk about the whole process, from the steps and requirements, to all the other details.
With this, you’ll know exactly what you need to do.
So shall we begin?
How to Get a Driver’s License in Indiana
If you’re 15 years old, you need to complete the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. This consists of 3 stages, namely:
- Learner’s permit
- Probationary license
- Adult driver’s license
Let’s go over these stages one by one.
How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Indiana
For the learner’s permit, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you will have to get this before anything else.
Now, with a learner’s permit, you’ll be allowed to learn how to drive, as long as you’re accompanied by:
- A licensed driver at least 25 years old that is a family member
- A licensed driving instructor
- Your licensed spouse if he/she is above 21 years old
That said, here’s how to get a learner’s permit in Indiana:
- Enroll in a state-approved driver’s education course.
NOTE: You don’t need to complete the course before you apply for a learner’s permit.
NOTE II: This is only required for 15-year-olds. If you are already 16 years old and above, this is not a requirement, but still highly recommended.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
- Social Security Number
- Proof of residency in Indiana
- Proof of enrollment in a state-approved driver education course (for 15-year-olds only)
- Go to the nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. If you are below 18 years old, you need to go with your parent or legal guardian
- Fill up an application form for a learner’s permit. For those below 18, make your parent or legal guardian co-sign the application form.
NOTE: you can find the form at the BMV office.
- Take and pass the vision screening test.
- Take and pass the knowledge exam.
NOTE: the coverage of the exam includes the topics in your driver’s ed. You can also review the Indiana Drivers Manual.
NOTE II: if you don’t pass the exam, you can retake it on the next business day
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay the application fee of $9.
- Get your temporary learner’s permit from the BMV. The BMV will mail you the official learner’s permit in 14 days.
Here’s one thing 15-year-olds should know. You can only start supervised driving when you turn 16 years old. Don’t worry, though, as a learner’s permit will expire in 2 years.
How to Get a Probationary Driver’s License in Indiana
If you are below 21 years old, you can get a probationary license after you have held your learner’s permit for 180 days, completed your driver’s ed (again, this is only for 15-year-olds), and are at least 16 years and 90 days old.
NOTE: for teens that haven’t completed driver’s ed, you need to be at least 16 years and 270 days old before you can get a probationary license.
If you are able to fulfill all those, here are the steps to getting a probationary license in Indiana:
- Complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 10 hours of which are night training.
NOTE: waivers can be given by your behind-the-wheel training instructor if you’ve taken the driving test during the driver’s ed course.
- Go to the BMV office and bring these documents:
- Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
- Social Security Number
- Proof of residency in Indiana
- Proof of driver’s ed completion (if applicable)
- Completed driving log signed by your parent, legal guardian, or instructor
- Waiver for a driving test (if applicable)
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Fill up the application form for a probationary license at the BMV. Again, your parent or legal guardian has to co-sign the form.
- Take and pass the vision screening test.
- Take and pass the driving test.
- Pay the license fee of $17.50
- Have your photo taken
- Surrender your learner’s permit
- Receive your temporary probationary driver’s license. Your official probationary driver’s license will be mailed to you in 14 days.
With a probationary license, you’ll be able to drive with some freedom. However, there are still restrictions, including:
- For the first 180 days, you are not allowed to drive unsupervised from 10 pm to 5 am.
- After 180 days, you cannot drive between 1 am to 5 am from Monday to Friday, after 11 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and before 5 am from Monday to Friday
- When you’re driving unsupervised, you cannot bring any passengers except if they are a member of your immediate family.
- You cannot use any type of telecommunication device except if calling for an emergency
How to Get an Adult Driver’s License in Indiana
The process of getting an adult driver’s license is different if you have a probationary license or if it’s your first time applying for a license.
If you already have a probationary license, you can apply for an adult driver’s license once you turn 21. You have 30 days from your birthday to convert your probationary driver’s license.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the myBMV website.
- Request to replace a probationary driver’s license.
- Give your date of birth and Social Security Number.
That’s it! Your adult license will be mailed to you in 14 days.
Congrats!
Now, if you’re 21 years old or older and are getting your driver’s license for the first time, you still have to go through the learner’s permit process.
And, you still have to hold it for 180 days.
But after that, you can jump straight to an adult driver’s license.
Here’s how to do it:
- Complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 10 hours of which are night training.
- Submit these documents to the BMV office:
- Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
- Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
- Social Security Number
- Proof of residency in Indiana
- Completed driving log
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Fill up an application form for an adult driver’s license
- Take and pass the vision screening test.
- Take and pass the driving test.
NOTE: if you fail the exam, you have to wait 14 days before retaking it.
- Pay the driver’s license fee of $17.50.
NOTE: if you are between 75 to 85 years old, the fee is $11. If you are 85 or above, the fee is $7
- Have your photo taken
- Surrender your learner’s permit
- Get your temporary driver’s license at the office. Wait for the official adult driver’s license to be mailed to you in 14 days.
As you can see, it’s almost the same steps as getting a probationary license. But with this, you’ll be able to go straight to an adult license without any restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you even more, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about driver’s licenses in Indiana.
How do I transfer an out-of-state license to Indiana?
If you have a driver’s license from a different state, go to the BMV and present any of the following documents:
- Your current out-of-state license
- A copy of your official driving record
- A verification letter
You must also show proof of your identity, Social Security Number, and proof of residence in Indiana.
You will be required to take a vision test to transfer your license to Indiana. If your license is expired, you will also be required to take a knowledge exam.
Can I get an Indiana driver’s license online?
No, you can’t. If you’re applying for a new license, you have to go to the BMV.
What is an acceptable form of Indiana residency?
Proof of residency in Indiana can be shown through a computer-generated utility bill, credit card bill, or hospital/doctor bill. Other proofs of evidence include tax records, voter registration, and vehicle registration.
How much is an Indiana driver’s license?
The adult driver’s license is $17.50. But if you are between 75 to 85, it becomes cheaper at $11. Still, if you are 85 and above, you just need to pay $7.
As for the learner’s permit, it will cost $9.
Conclusion
And that’s it — your complete guide to the Indiana driver’s license requirements.
As you can see, the driver’s license application is not complicated – it’s only a long process, especially if you’re below 21 years old.
So what are you waiting for?
The sooner you start, the sooner you can become a licensed driver in Indiana.
Good luck!