Get your first driver's license in Indiana

Online or in person

No, in person at a BMV branch · At least two visitsThe permit and license are applied for at a branch, and the knowledge exam is taken there. You can schedule the driving test online through myBMV (not if your permit has expired or was renewed in the last 6 months). One branch visit for the permit (knowledge exam and vision screening, no appointment needed; arrive at least 30 minutes before closing). Then the driving test, by appointment only, and the license. Teens in driver education may take the driving test with their provider instead.

Cost

$9 permit + $17.50 licenseBMV fee chart (revised 1/1/26): learner's permit $9.00; driver's license under 75 $17.50. The chart lists no separate probationary license fee and no test fees.

You leave with

Learner's permit, then a driver's licenseAt 21 or older your Indiana license is not probationary.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity
     Indiana requires all new license, permit or ID card applicants to prove identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Indiana residency.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • United States birth certificate
     • Unexpired United States passport
     • Unexpired foreign passport (With a visa and I-94 form)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
   • Proof of lawful status
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • United States birth certificate
     • Unexpired United States passport
     • Unexpired foreign passport (With a visa and I-94 form)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
   • Social Security number
     The document must show your full Social Security number.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 form
     • SSA-1099 or non-SSA-1099 form
     • Pay stub with your name and Social Security number
   • Proof of Indiana residency · 2 different documents
     Two printed documents. Without them, you may use an Indiana Residency Affidavit signed at a branch by a qualifying person (for an adult, someone 18 or older who lives with you); the signer generally needs a valid Indiana credential and their own documents.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Computer-generated bill from a utility, credit card company, doctor or hospital (Issued within 60 days)
     • Bank statement
     • Pre-printed pay stub
     • Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement
   • Payment · all that apply

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Indiana Permit Practice Test: 50 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Indiana practice test

3. Pass the knowledge exam and vision screening

   At a BMV branch, with no appointment unless you need the exam read to you. Score at least 80% on each section (traffic maneuvers and signs). If you fail, retest the next business day. A pass is valid for 180 days.

   Knowledge Exam (BMV) ↗

4. Get your learner's permit

   Bring your identity, lawful status, Social Security and residency documents (under 18, also the agreement of financial liability signed by an adult) and pay the permit fee.

   Learner's Permit (BMV) ↗

5. Practice with a supervising driver

   Practice with a licensed driver with valid privileges who is at least 25, or a licensed spouse 21 or older. The BMV does not state a holding period for applicants 21 or older.

6. Schedule and pass the driving test

   Appointments are required, at least 48 hours and no more than 3 weeks ahead, online through myBMV or by phone. Bring a vehicle insured to the state minimum and properly registered; it is inspected before the test. Under 18, a parent or guardian who can sign for financial responsibility must attend; 18 or older, bring a licensed driver. Teens in an approved driver education program may test with their behind-the-wheel provider instead.

   Driving Skills Examination (BMV) ↗

7. Get your driver's license

   New licenses are issued at BMV branches. Pass the vision screening and pay the fee.

   Driver's License (BMV) ↗