About the Indiana BMV written test
The Indiana knowledge test (often searched as the Indiana permit test or Indiana DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Indiana driver handbook published by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Indiana applicants take a knowledge exam at a BMV branch based on the Indiana Driver's Manual, plus a vision screening, to earn a learner's permit. Teens must also log supervised practice and hold the permit for at least 180 days before the license road test.
Indiana permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can get a learner's permit at 16, or at 15 if you are enrolled with a BMV-licensed behind-the-wheel training provider and have driver education paperwork.
- Vision screening
- A vision screening is required to get or renew a permit.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% is the legal limit for operating a vehicle; failing a chemical test brings a 180-day suspension and refusing brings one year.
- Seat belt law
- The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is moving; children under 8 need a child restraint.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you test.
What Indiana drivers should know
- Rural interstates allow 70 mph for passenger vehicles unless posted lower.
- Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is under 500 feet.
- Move over or slow to 10 mph below the limit for emergency and stopped assistance vehicles.
- Allow at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist.
- New drivers under 18 need 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 at night.
Topics covered in our Indiana practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Indiana permit test
- Read the official Indiana driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the BMV.