Driver's License Examination
All initial examinations will include an eyesight test, a testing of the ability of the applicant to read and understand highway signs, a knowledge of Indiana traffic laws, a testing of the ability of the applicant to exercise reasonable control in the vehicle, and any physical or mental examination the Bureau sees fit, if necessary.
The Bureau will waive the demonstration portion of the exam for any person who has passed a driver education class and road test given by an approved commercial driver training school or a high school driver education program.
The state requires that both eyes have 20/40 visual acuity or better for an unrestricted license.
Graduated Driver’s Licensing
Indiana has a system of graduated licensing for novice drivers.
At age 15, a learner’s permit may be issued if the applicant is enrolled in an approved driver education course, or age 16 without driver education.
- This permit allows a holder to operate a motor vehicle while the holder is participating in an approved driver education course, with a certified driving instructor in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with dual brake controls, or when a licensed driver at least 25 years old and related by blood, marriage or legal status, or a spouse over age 21 with valid driving privileges is seated in the vehicle’s front passenger seat. If the permit holder is at least 18 years or older, they may also drive with any non-relative who is at least age 25 with valid driving privileges.
- If the learner’s permit applicant is school age, and either habitually misses class, is under suspension for a second time during the same school year, is under expulsion from school, or withdrawn from school for reasons other than proven financial hardship, then the applicant is not eligible to receive his or her learner’s permit until age 18.
- Regardless of age, the permit holder must hold the permit for 180 days and complete 50 hours of certified driving practice (10 hours at night) before receiving an intermediate license.
Drivers are eligible for an intermediate license at age 16 years and 90 days upon successful completion of an approved driver education program or 16 years and 270 days without driver education.
- During the first 180 days of the intermediate stage, unless accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 25, or a spouse over the age of 21, or for lawful employment, school sanctioned activities, or a religious event, individuals under age 21 may not drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Thereafter, until age 18, individuals may not drive between the hours of 1 a.m and 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (“late night” Friday and Saturday) or between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday.
- Also, intermediate license holders under age 21 may not have any passengers other than a sibling, step-sibling, their child or step-child, or spouse of the driver for the first 180 days, unless supervised by a licensed instructor, licensed driver with valid driving privileges at least 25 years old or if the licensed driver is the holder’s spouse, age 21.
At age 21, drivers are eligible for an unrestricted driver’s license. Intermediate licenses automatically expire 30 days after a driver’s 21st birthday.
Driver's License Issuance/Application
The application of an individual younger than 18 years must be signed and affirmed by a parent having custody of the minor applicant, or by a guardian having custody of the minor applicant. If neither parent lives in Indiana and there is no guardian, then any adult willing to assume this responsibility can do so.
A chauffeur’s license may be issued to an individual who is 18 years of age, if that individual has operated a motor vehicle for more than 1 year, makes proper application on the Bureau’s form, passes the examination and tests required for issuance of a chauffeur’s license, and pays the fees prescribed by the Bureau.
A commercial driver’s license for transportation of individuals may be issued if an individual is at least 21 years of age and has at least 1 year of driving experience as a licensed driver.
A public passenger chauffeur’s license can be issued at 21 years of age. A taxicab license can be issued for driving a taxicab. Additionally, the applicant must have at least 1 year of driving experience as a licensed driver.
License includes a color photograph, a signature, and a state assigned number. Social security number may be added upon request.
Driver’s License Renewal
The application for renewal may be filed up to 1 year prior to the license’s expiration date.
All individuals must provide verification of social security number and 2 proof of residency documents upon application for renewal.
An individual who applies for a license renewal must pass an eye exam.
If an applicant is under 21 years of age and has 6 active points on his or her license, he or she must also pass a written examination.
License expires after 4, 5, or 6 years on date of birth for people 18-74; 3 years on date of birth for people 75-84; 2 years on date of birth for people 85 and older.
Drivers under age 75 may renew licenses by mail or over the internet. Mail and electronic option available only every other renewal and only if the name and address have remained the same and the license holder does not require testing.
If an active military person or military family member has an Indiana driver’s license, it does not expire until 90 days after his/her discharge from the military. As far as their family is concerned, their licenses do expire. They can renew by mail with a “photo exempt” license. Military families are the only Indiana motorists who have the privilege of renewing by mail
Types of Driver's Licenses
Driver’s license classes include: (1) operator’s license; (2) chauffeur’s license; (3) public passenger chauffeur’s license; (4) motorcycle endorsement on a license; (5) learner’s permit; and (6) commercial license.