Indiana Driving Rules & Resources

Learner's Permits

Learner's permits allow Indiana residents to practice driving before applying for their driver's licenses. You may apply for a learner's permit at any Indiana license branch. If you are 16 years of age or older, you must meet the following requirements to obtain a learner's permit:

  • Present documents proving your identity (certified US Birth Certificate or US passport), Social Security number, lawful status (certified US birth certificate), and Indiana residency (computer-generated bill, bank statement dated within 60 days of application, Pre-printed pay stub, W-2 form, or other acceptable form listed in the Indiana Driving Manual), Social Security number, lawful status, and Indiana residency
  • Pass a standard vision screening test
  • Pass a knowledge test

If you are younger than 16 years of age, you must meet the following requirements to obtain a learner's permit:

  • You must be at least 15 years old
  • Show proof of your enrollment in an approved driver education program by presenting the Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment (CDE) form from the school (the online course certificate of completion is not an acceptable document)
  • Present documents proving your identity (certified US Birth Certificate or US passport), Social Security number, lawful status (certified US birth certificate), and Indiana residency (computer-generated bill, bank statement dated within 60 days of application, Pre-printed pay stub, W-2 form, or other acceptable form listed in the Indiana Driving Manual)
  • Pass a standard vision screening test
  • Pass a knowledge test

If you are younger than 18 years of age when you apply for a learner's permit, you must submit a completed Agreement of Financial Liability at a license branch when applying for the permit.

Learner's permits are valid for two years. Learner's permits issued to lawful temporary residents may not reflect standard periods of validity.

Learner's Permit Driving Privileges

If you obtain a learner's permit when you are younger than 16 years of age you may practice driving only after you begin an approved driver education program.

If you have a learner's permit for driver education, you may drive only when you are accompanied by a certified driving instructor in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with dual brake controls, or when a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is 25 years of age or older related by blood, marriage or legal status, or a spouse with valid driving privileges 21 years of age and older, is seated in your vehicle's front passenger seat.

If you are between the ages of 16 years and 18 years and you are not enrolled in a driver education program, you may practice driving with a learner's permit only when a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is 25 years of age or older, or a spouse with a valid driving privileges who is 21 years of age or older, is seated in your vehicle's front passenger seat.

If you are 18 years of age or older, you may practice driving with a learner's permit only when accompanied by a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is 21 years of age or older.