In Indiana, licenses that are issued to teens are called “probationary licenses.” Every person under the age of 21 in Indiana who has a driver’s license has a probationary license, and the steps required to obtain one can get a little complicated. If you’ve ever been confused about how to get your Indiana probationary license, don’t fret; here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Driver Education
Teen driver education in Indiana consists of 30 hours of classroom time and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel drives. You must be at least 15 years old to begin driver education. If you’re 16 years or older, you don’t need to take driver education and you can skip to Step 3.
Step 2: Enrollment Certificate
As soon as you enroll in behind-the-wheel training, ask the company you registered with for a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment (CDE) form.
Step 3: BMV Knowledge Exam
When you have your CDE form, take it to the BMV to complete a knowledge exam. If you’re 16 years or older, you don’t need a CDE form to take this exam. You do not have to schedule an appointment for this exam unless you require accommodations.
Step 4: Permit
Once you have passed the knowledge exam you must also pass a vision screening, and then you’ll be eligible to apply for your learner’s permit. Don’t forget to bring the required identification documentation when you go to the BMV!
Step 5: Road Test
After you’ve completed driver education, had your permit for at least 180 days and completed the required supervised driving, you’ll be eligible to take a road test. Make sure to bring proof of completion of driver education, a signed Log of Supervised Driving and a parent or guardian when you take your road test.
Step 6: Probationary License
Once you pass your road test you’ll receive your probationary license! Please note that in order to obtain a probationary license you must be at least 16 years and 90 days old if you took driver education, or 16 years and 270 days old if you did not take driver education.
Click here for more information on Indiana probationary licenses!
Indiana Driver Education
How To Apply For Your Indiana Learner’s Permit
What Forms Do I Need for my Indiana Learner’s Permit?
