Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Indiana. Indiana offers two different types of learner's permits - the Driver Education Learner's Permit for those who would like to get a limited learner permit which allows them as student drivers to enroll for a driver education course; and the Learner's Permit meant for those who wish to get a permit without a course. You are eligible to apply for either permit if:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Indiana who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than one year

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN A DRIVER EDUCATION LEARNER'S PERMIT

This license allows a student, who is at least 15 years of age, to drive while enrolled in a BMV approved driver education course.

While submitting the application for this permit at the Driver License Center, you must bring with you:

1. Proof of identity, age and Indiana residency, as specified by the BMV. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
2. Social Security card.
3. The certificate of driver education form or CDE provided by the school to prove enrollment in a BMV approved driver education course (classes must start within three weeks of application).
4. Financial responsibility agreement signed by parent/guardian.

You have to take the vision test though not the knowledge test at the time of application. When driving with a driver education learner's permit you must be accompanied by a certified driving instructor or a licensed parent/guardian and the car should be equipped with dual brake controls. Once you successfully complete the driver education course the driving education instructor will validate the permit and you can drive accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian who is 21 year of age or older.

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for this permit.

1. Download a copy of the Indiana Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or guardian sign the financial responsibility part of the application.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity, age and Indiana residency, as specified by the BMV. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The correct fee amount for the permit.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for one year. If your learner's permit expires, you will have to get a new one by reappearing for these mandatory tests.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. If you are under 18, the person accompanying you must be a parent/guardian or other relative who is licensed and over 21. This person must sit beside you.

[edit] THE OPERATOR'S LICENSE

In Indiana you can get an Operator's License as early as 16 years and 30 days of age provided you have held a valid Driver Education Learner's Permit for 60 days and have successfully completed the BMV approved driver education course. If you are applying for an Operator's License with a Learner's Permit, you should be at least 16 year and 180 days of age and have held the permit for a minimum of 60 days. Other requirements:

1. You have to pass the road skills test besides the standard vision screening and written test.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or guardian sign the financial responsibility agreement of the application.

Your license is considered a probationary license if you are under 18 year of age and it carries the following restrictions:

1. In the first 90 days after you receive your license you should have a licensed driver 21 years or older sitting beside you if you have passengers in your vehicle.
2. Unless you are going to or returning from work, you should have a parent or adult designated driver while driving during restricted hours - after 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays and after 11 am Sunday through Thursday.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Indiana, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.