How to Get Your Driver's License in Indiana

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Indiana. Indiana uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 18.

GDL Stages in Indiana

1

Learner's Permit

Age 15+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older or a certified driving instructor
2

Probationary License

Age 16+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 180 days
  • Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for first 180 days
  • No passengers for first 180 days unless family
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 18+

Requirements

  • Turn 18 or turn 21 for certain probationary conditions to fully expire

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 180 days of the probationary license.
  • No non-family passengers are allowed during the first 180 days. Indiana has one of the strictest initial passenger bans in the country.

How restrictions lift: Night and passenger restrictions ease after the first 180 days. The probationary status remains until age 18 or 21 depending on the violation.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to the probationary license restrictions and may apply for a full license directly.

Indiana-Specific Information

Indiana imposes a complete ban on non-family passengers during the first 180 days of the probationary license, making it one of the strictest passenger rules in the Midwest. Some probationary conditions extend until age 21 rather than the more common 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 18 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Indiana.

Indiana uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Probationary License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 180 days of the probationary license.
  • No non-family passengers are allowed during the first 180 days. Indiana has one of the strictest initial passenger bans in the country.

Adults age 18 and older in Indiana can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to the probationary license restrictions and may apply for a full license directly.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Indiana learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Indiana.

Indiana drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website for the most current information.