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View All PlansFree Indiana BMV Permit Practice Test 2026
| 90-100 | => | 8% |
| 80-89 | => | 15% |
| 70-79 | => | 21% |
| 60-69 | => | 23% |
| <60% | => | 32% |
To get your Indiana BMV learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 years old and pass a vision screening and the written permit knowledge test. If under 16, you’ll also need to enroll in a BMV-authorized behind-the-wheel training program. The test includes 50 multiple-choice questions covering material outlined in the state’s Indiana BMV 2026 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 80% (40 out of 50 questions).
Use our free online Indiana BMV permit practice test, updated for May 2026, as a study guide. It mimics real exam conditions, providing immediate feedback to speed the learning process.
There are online testing options for those under 21. Once you’re ready to apply for the permit, visit the BMV with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement). Applicants under 16 need proof of BMV-approved behind-the-wheel enrollment and, if under 18, signed consent (in person) from a parent or legal guardian. (Note: If you’re under 18, the BMV will not issue you a permit or license if you have been judged a habitual truant or dropout from school.) Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.
Failing the test requires a retest fee, and after the third attempt, a two-week waiting period applies.
The learner’s permit is the first phase of Indiana’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. To apply, you must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a driver’s education course. Without driver’s education, you’ll have to wait until you’re 16. With a permit, you can drive with a licensed driver (age 25+) or a spouse (age 21+). You must log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night. At 16 years and 90 days old (with driver’s ed) or 16 years and 270 days old (without), you can take a driving skills test for a probationary license, which has nighttime and passenger restrictions. After 180 days and reaching 18 years of age, you can apply for an unrestricted driver’s license.
If you’re 18 or older, most GDL phases don’t apply. You’ll still need to meet the requirements for a learner’s permit and pass the road skills test without GDL-mandated practice hours or driver’s education. In Indiana, what most people call the “DMV” is officially the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles).
Indiana permit test: quick facts
What to expect at the BMV
Where Indiana test-takers struggle most
Based on 12,533 Indiana learners who practiced on our site in the last 30 days. 45% pass our practice tests, with an average first-try score of 68%.
Solid white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction and indicate that lane changes are discouraged or prohibited. A double solid yellow line means neither direction of traffic may cross to pass - many test-takers confuse this with broken yellow lines, which allow passing when clear.
Indiana's probationary license system runs until age 21, not 18 like most states. The penalties and restrictions that apply during this extended probationary period - including strict passenger limits and nighttime curfews - trip up many applicants who assume full rights at 18.
A flashing red light must be treated as a full stop sign - you must stop, yield to cross traffic, and proceed only when safe. A flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution, not stop. The distinction between flashing red and yellow signals is a common source of errors.
Indiana's speed limits in school and construction zones are heavily tested. In active construction zones with workers present, fines are doubled automatically. Speed limits on rural interstates cap at 70 mph while urban interstates default to 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
Following distance rules change in construction zones - drivers should increase to at least 4 seconds of space to account for sudden stops. Indiana's test specifically covers the obligation to merge early using the zipper method rather than passing stopped traffic in a closing lane.
Data updated daily from our practice test results
First-try score distribution
How Indiana learners score on their first practice test attempt
Indiana-specific rules you must know
Rules that are unique to Indiana or differ from most other states
Indiana's knowledge test is split into two independent sections: 16 signs questions (need 14 correct, or 88%) and 34 rules questions (need 26 correct, or 76%). Both sections must be passed separately - failing one section means retaking the entire test on the next visit.
Indiana is one of the only states where drivers do not receive a full unrestricted license until age 21. The probationary phase begins after the initial learner's permit stage and extends through age 20, with nighttime restrictions and passenger limits applying throughout.
Indiana's nighttime driving restrictions change at two separate milestones: once when the driver crosses the 180-day supervised driving mark, and again at age 18. The specific hours and passenger allowances differ at each tier, and both sets of rules appear on the knowledge test.
Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy
M.S. (MIT, Columbia), Chief Educational Researcher. ACES member (Society for Editing). Verifies all 50 state tests against official handbooks weekly.
How to study for the Indiana permit test
- Start here. One of 4 free online Indiana tests. ~6 min. Read explanations as you go.
- Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
- Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.
Why this works
- Exam-like questions from the current handbook + questions most people get wrong. Explanations cite the manual.
- AI Assistant explains like a friend.
- Performance Insights shows where you need work.
- Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.
- Proven Progress Students improve from 68% → 72% after just 3 tests.
Sample Indiana permit test questions
6 questions written and verified by our content team against the current Indiana Driver Handbook
- Question 1 of 6
For the first 180 days after receiving a probationary driver's license in Indiana, when are you allowed to carry passengers who are not family members?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Only when a licensed individual age 25 or older is in the front passenger seat
During the first 180 days with a probationary license, you cannot drive with any passengers unless a licensed individual age 25 or older sits in your front passenger seat. Your spouse (age 21+) or a driving school instructor also qualifies. The one exception: you may always drive with your child, stepchild, sibling, step or half-sibling, or spouse - no supervising adult needed.
Source: IN Driver's Manual, Chapter 1 - Probationary Driver's License Passenger Restrictions - Question 2 of 6
Under Indiana's Move Over law, what must you do when approaching a parked authorized vehicle displaying flashing amber lights - such as a tow truck or utility vehicle - if you cannot change lanes?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Reduce your speed to 10 mph below the posted limit and proceed with caution
The Move Over law (IC 9-21-8-35) covers more than just emergency vehicles. When you approach an authorized vehicle with flashing amber lights and cannot safely change lanes, you must slow down to 10 mph below the posted speed limit. Failing to comply is a Class B Infraction. Authorized vehicles include tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, utility service vehicles, solid waste haulers, and survey/construction vehicles.
Source: IN Driver's Manual, Chapter 7 - Sharing the Road with Other Vehicles, Authorized Parked Vehicles - Question 3 of 6
After holding a probationary license for 180 days, a probationary license holder under 18 may not drive alone __________, Sunday through Thursday (with a few specified exceptions).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning
A probationary licemse holder under 18 must deal with two separate sets of curfews, depending on how long the driver has held the license. For the first 180 days of holding the license, the restriction is tight: no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. the next morning. After 180 days, the curfew loosens slightly. From Sunday through Thursday, it is 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning. On Friday and Saturday nights, it is 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. (which are technically Saturday and Sunday respectively). Exceptions exist for employment, school activities, religious events, or being accompanied by a qualifying supervising adult.
Source: IN Driver's Manual, Chapter 1 - Probationary Driver's License Time Restrictions - Question 4 of 6
When are school zone speed limits typically in effect in Indiana?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or when beacons are flashing.
Common hours for school zone speed limits are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and whenever school zone beacons are flashing. Local authorities can also establish lower speed limits for school zones whenever children are present. You must slow to the lower posted limit - don't wait for flashing lights if the posted hours apply.
Source: IN Driver's Manual, Chapter 7 - School Zone Speed Limits - Question 5 of 6
Which of these is true about Indiana's law on using a cell phone while driving?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Handheld cell phones are prohibited for all drivers except in emergencies.
State law prohibits all drivers from using a telecommunications device to type, transmit, or read text messages or emails while operating a moving vehicle. Hands-free or voice-operated technology is permitted, and drivers may call 911 in a genuine emergency. Probationary license holders face an even stricter rule - they cannot use any electronic device at all, including for hands-free calls, unless contacting 911.
Source: IN Driver's Manual, Chapter 1 - Public Safety Restrictions and Prohibitions; Chapter 7 - Distracted Driving - Question 6 of 6
If you are 18 or older and hold an Indiana learner's permit, who is permitted to ride as your supervising driver?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - A licensed driver age 25 or older, or your spouse if licensed and at least 21
Adults with a learner's permit must always have a supervising driver in the vehicle. That person needs to hold a valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) license and be at least 25 years old. Your spouse also qualifies as long as he or she is licensed and at least 21. The supervising driver does not need to be related to you otherwise - but the age requirement is firm.
Source: IN Driver's Manual, Chapter 1 - Practice Driving with Your Learner's Permit, If you are 18 years of age or older
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S. (MIT), Chief Educational Researcher, on .
Real Indiana drivers who passed first try
Verified student reviews • Shared with permission
More Indiana permit test study guide & exam resources
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A smarter way to study for the permit test
Challenge Bank™
Our trademarked system automatically saves questions you miss, creating personalized tests that target your weak spots until you’ve mastered the material.
AI-powered feedback
Get smarter as you study. Our new AI-powered feedback provides detailed, question-level insights to help you understand the why behind each answer.
Interactive handbook
Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.
We build our practice questions from the current 2026 IN Driver Handbook and refine them using patterns recent test‑takers report.
Driver handbook • Knowledge‑test/permit overview • Fees & ID requirements • Office/appointment info
We mirror recurring themes (e.g., right‑of‑way traps, sign look‑alikes) and use similar distractors and wording styles.
We don’t collect or publish actual test items and we’re not affiliated with BMV.
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