How to Get an Indiana Driver’s License as an Adult

In Indiana, you follow the adult path once you are at least 16 years and 270 days old.

If you are younger than that, you go through the teen driver education process instead. That includes approved classroom or online lessons plus behind-the-wheel training.

This guide explains the steps for people who meet the adult age and are getting an Indiana driver’s license for the first time. It also covers people who already have a license from another country.

Rules can be a little different depending on your situation. You can double-check with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or contact Drive Zone if you have questions.

First-Time Applicants (No Prior License)

If you are 16 years and 270 days or older and have never had a driver’s license, here’s the usual process:

1. Get a learner’s permit.
   Go to a BMV branch, pass a vision screening, and pass the written knowledge exam. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving only with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old (or your licensed spouse who is at least 21) sitting in the front passenger seat.
2. Hold the permit for at least 180 days.
   Most new drivers need to keep a valid learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days before they can apply for a full license.
3. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving.
   You need to log at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night, on the BMV’s Log of Supervised Driving Practice form. You can practice with a qualified supervisor or take lessons with a licensed driving school.
4. Pass the driving skills test.
   Schedule the test at a BMV branch or through a licensed driving school. Bring your permit, a properly registered and insured vehicle, and a licensed adult if needed.
5. Apply for your license at the BMV.
   Bring your completed Log of Supervised Driving Practice. If you took the skills test at a driving school, also bring proof that you passed. The BMV will give you a temporary paper license that is good for 30 days. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail. If you are under 21, the license is probationary until you turn 21.

Source: Indiana BMV Driver’s License overview and related pages.

Out-of-Country License Holders

If you are 16 years and 270 days or older and already have a driver’s license from another country, you usually do not start with a learner’s permit. The process focuses on verifying your documents and completing the required tests.

What you need to show

Bring your out-of-country license in one of these ways:

• The license is written in English, or
• The license plus a clear, accurate English translation, or
• The license plus an International Driving Permit.

Required steps

1. Provide the required identification and residency documents.
2. Pass the vision screening.
3. Pass the knowledge exam.
4. Pass the driving skills exam (unless it is waived under a reciprocal agreement).

You can take the skills exam at a BMV branch using your out-of-country license (along with a translation or International Driving Permit if needed).

If you prefer to take the skills exam at a driving school, you will also need a valid Indiana learner’s permit.

The BMV may give you a temporary paper credential that is good for 30 days while they verify your documents. Your permanent credential will be mailed once verification is finished.

Reciprocal agreements

Indiana has reciprocal agreements with certain countries (currently including Japan and Taiwan). If you have a license from one of these countries that is still active or expired less than three years, the skills exam may be waived. You will still need to pass the vision screening and knowledge exam.

Source: Indiana BMV “Residents with Out-of-Country Licenses” page and related FAQs.

Already Licensed in Another U.S. State?

If you have a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state, the process is usually simpler.

Visit a branch, show your documents, and pass a vision screening. In most cases you will not need to retake the knowledge exam. New residents are expected to get an Indiana license within 60 days of establishing residency.

Helpful Official Resources

• Indiana BMV homepage
• BMV: Residents with Out-of-Country Licenses
• BMV: Driver’s License overview
• BMV Contact Center: 1-888-692-6841

Need Help With a Different Situation?

There are many different situations that this page does not cover. If what you are dealing with doesn’t quite fit the steps above, text us at 317-602-8497. We can help point you toward a more personalized solution.

Need behind-the-wheel practice or help getting ready for the skills test? Contact Drive Zone for lesson options.