How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Indiana?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Indiana. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Indiana?

Indiana intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Indiana?

In Indiana, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Indiana Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Indiana uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 25 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No specific passenger limit; supervised by licensed driver 25+ or spouse 21+ required during curfew hours
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in license suspension for up to 1 year; curfew violations are enforceable traffic offenses

Indiana-Specific Information

Curfew varies by day: 10 PM to 5 AM Sunday through Thursday, 11 PM to 5 AM Friday and Saturday. Age for intermediate license is 16 years 3 months with driver education, 16 years 9 months without. Curfew exceptions for work, school-sanctioned activities, and religious events.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Indiana gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Indiana at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Indiana restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Indiana at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.