Midwest · Learner’s Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Indiana
Indiana teens enrolled in a BMV-approved driver education program can get a learner’s permit at 15; otherwise the minimum age is 16. The permit must be held 180 days before the driving skills exam.
Indiana permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15 — 15 if enrolled in approved driver education; 16 without |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner’s Permit |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours, including 10 at night |
| Minimum holding period | 180 days |
| Issuing agency | Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Indiana?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15
- Practice hours
- 50 hours
- Waiting time
- 180 days
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 43/100. Easiest in the Midwest: Nebraska (#3) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? New Hampshire is the only state with no learner’s permit — teens practice at 15½ with a licensed adult, no paperwork first. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Indiana permit date · ⚔️ Compare Indiana with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Indiana
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15 (15 if enrolled in approved driver education; 16 without). If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Indiana driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Indiana’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Indiana residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Indiana requires 50 hours, including 10 at night. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Indiana, that's 180 days. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Indiana learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Indiana?
The minimum age is 15 (15 if enrolled in approved driver education; 16 without). Indiana calls this credential the Learner’s Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Indiana require?
Indiana requires 50 hours, including 10 at night. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Indiana?
The minimum holding period is 180 days before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Indiana?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Indiana an easy state to get licensed in?
Indiana ranks #19 of 50 on our Ease Score (43/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.