Indiana BMV driving test, IN drivers license, CDL, motorcycle practice test

Step by Step Guide to Receiving IN Learner's Permits

Automobile License

Generally, Indiana residents have to earn a learner’s permit at the first stage of obtaining their driver licenses. This rule doesn’t apply to new residents, holding DL from other U.S. states or foreign countries they came from. Persons, applying for the permit, must be at least 15 and must provide a document showing their enrollment in a driver education program, approved by the state authorities. Persons, who are over 16, are not required to prove their enrollment in the program. Other documents, which are necessary to provide, include proofs of identity, legal status, SSN, and residence. Minors under 18 must have their permit applications signed by their parents/guardians.

While collecting the documents, you should get prepared for the IN driver license permit test that must be passed along with a vision screening for obtaining the permit. The test is designed to check your knowledge of Indiana rules of the road and safe driving techniques covered in the Driver’s Manual. It is available in 11 foreign languages, but only in those IN BMV branches, which are equipped with appropriate testing terminals. Besides, audio assistance is available by previous appointment. If the test is failed, the applicant is allowed to retake it the next business day.

Holding the permit, you are allowed to practice your driving skills, while observing certain rules and restrictions. When sufficient practice is gained, a person, who is 21 or older, may apply for a full driver license and pass a driving skills test. Minors, who completed the education program and turn 16 years and 3 months, can apply for a probationary DL provided they have held the permit for at least 180 days. If the program is not completed, you must turn at least 16 years and 9 months to qualify for the probationary DL. Only this type of license is available for minors, who are younger than 21.

Motorcycle License

In Indiana, a motorcycle endorsement is not available for minors under 16 ½ or persons who don’t have a valid DL. Also, an applicant must complete a Ride Safe course and undergo motorcycle specific tests: a knowledge exam and a driving road test. Sometimes, an eye examination is required, too.

To legally practice driving on state roads, the applicant must get a special learner’s permit for motorcycles/motor-driven cycles. A valid driver license and a knowledge exam are mandatory for obtaining the permit.

Commercial Driver’s License

Indiana CDL is available only for those persons, who hold a driver's, chauffeur's or public passenger chauffeur's license for a minimum of a year. If an applicant plans to operate any commercial vehicle except road passenger transport within the state, he/she must be at least 18. Otherwise, the applicant must wait until his/her 21st birthday before applying for CDL. Also, a commercial learner’s permit is mandatory for skills training on the state’s roads.

To earn CDL, an applicant has to undergo a general knowledge test and certain additional specific tests – the choice varies depending on a type of commercial vehicle. All information related to the exams can be found in the CDL test booklet.

Alternatively, you may learn important information about all of the knowledge tests in Indiana on Driver Start website, where the official manuals are presented. Each online learner’s permit test on the website is based on real exam questions provided by Indiana BMV branches. Also, we offer a useful application for smartphones and other mobile devices developed to assist in learning and practice with the test questions on App Store and Google Play.