What You Need Before You Go to the BMV
Indiana issues driver's licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To get one, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a BMV branch in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail.
Proof of identity means a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Indiana address on it — it must be dated within the last 60 days. Proof of your Social Security number can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the BMV. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV branch in person with proof of identity, proof of Indiana residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Indiana Driver's Manual, which you can read online for free at the BMV website.
- The road test requires you to demonstrate basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws in real traffic.
- First-time drivers under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 180 days and complete a driver education course before taking the road test.
- The total cost is $25 for a learner's permit and $30 for a driver's license, and licenses are valid for eight years.
Getting Your Learner's Permit
If you are a first-time driver under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. You will take a written test at the BMV covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving from the Indiana Driver's Manual. The manual is free and available on the BMV website. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent.
The learner's permit costs $25 and is valid for two years. Once you have it, you must hold it for at least 180 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat.
If you are 18 or older and have never held a driver's license, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to the road test, but you will still need to pass the written test first.
Taking the Written Test
The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Indiana traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test covers information from the Indiana Driver's Manual, which covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean.
You can take the test on a computer at the BMV branch. The test takes about 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts.
The BMV website has a free practice test that mimics the real test. Using it before you go to the branch will show you which topics you need to study more.
Scheduling and Taking the Road Test
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test at the BMV branch. The road test checks whether you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You will drive in real traffic for about 20 to 30 minutes while an examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores your performance.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, headlights, turn signals, and wipers. You must also bring your learner's permit or written test receipt, and a licensed adult must sit in the back seat during the test if you are under 18.
The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like turning, parking, merging, and stopping at traffic lights. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to use turn signals, speeding, or not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass the road test, the BMV will issue your driver's license on the spot. The license costs $30 and is valid for eight years. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card in the mail within two weeks.
If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions end when you turn 18.
You must renew your license every eight years. The BMV will mail you a renewal notice before your license expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person.
Finding a BMV Branch and Scheduling an Appointment
Indiana has BMV branches in most counties. You can find the branch nearest you and check its hours on the BMV website. Many branches now require appointments, especially for road tests. You can schedule an appointment online through the BMV website or by calling the branch directly.
Wait times vary by location and time of year. Branches in larger cities tend to be busier. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time will save you from waiting in line on the day you go.
Some BMV branches offer extended hours in the evening or on Saturday mornings. If you work during the day, check whether a branch near you has evening or weekend appointments available.
Special Situations
If you already have a driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to Indiana without taking the road test. You will need to pass the written test and bring your out-of-state license, proof of Indiana residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The cost is $30.
If you are a non-citizen, you can get a driver's license if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document that shows you are allowed to be in the United States. You will need to bring your immigration document along with the other required documents.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may be able to get a license with restrictions or accommodations. Talk to the BMV about your situation before you schedule your road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a driver's license in Indiana?
If you are 18 or older and have never had a license, you can complete the written and road tests in one visit, usually within a few hours. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 180 days after getting your learner's permit before you can take the road test. The plastic license card arrives by mail within two weeks of passing the road test.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is no extra fee for retakes. Most BMV branches let you schedule another test within a few days. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing more.
Can I use a rental car for the road test?
Yes, as long as the rental car is registered and insured. The car must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers. Make sure the rental company allows you to use the car for a driving test before you schedule your appointment.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
If you are under 18, Indiana requires you to complete a driver education course before you can take the road test. The course can be taken online or in person through a school or private provider. It typically takes 30 hours to complete.
What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?
You can get a replacement at any BMV branch. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The replacement costs $25 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you explore.