Earning Your Indiana Drivers License

The day has finally come! You can finally apply for your Indiana drivers license. There are tons of benefits to having a drivers license: freedom, independence, and possibly your own car to cruise the streets in. While this is an exciting time, there are some things you need to keep in mind when applying for your license. We’ll walk you through it.

Indiana Drivers License Requirements

The first thing to note is that there are two types of Indiana first-time driver’s licenses:

• Probationary drivers license (for 16 and 17-year-olds)
• Drivers license (if you are 18 or older)

The difference is that a regular license does not carry the restrictions that a probationary one does.

To be eligible for a probationary drivers license, you must:

• Be 16 or 17
  • If you’ve completed an approved drivers ed course (driver education online, for instance): Be at least 16 1/2 years old
  • If you haven’t completed a drivers ed course: Be at least 16 years and 9 months old
    • Got questions about drivers ed ? Check out our drivers ed questions and answers (FAQs) page for more information as well as the forms required for your drivers permit
• Have held your learners permit or drivers permit for at least 6 months (180 days)

Applying for a First-Time License in Indiana

To apply for a probationary drivers license:

• Visit a license branch
• Supply identification documents and a signed Log of Supervised Driving
  • In addition to proof of identity, Social Security number, and lawful status, you must present 2 original documents that prove you are an Indiana resident, or an Indiana Residency Affidavit
• Pass a driving skills test, knowledge exam, and vision screening test
• Have a parent/guardian sign an agreement of financial liability

Indiana Probationary Drivers License Restrictions

Your Indiana new drivers license will remain probationary until you turn 18. Until then, these are the rules you are required to follow:

• You are not permitted to drive any passengers for the first 6 months (180 days) you have your license, unless there is also a parent/step-parent/guardian over the age of 21, licensed instructor, or individual over the age of 25 who has a valid Indiana driver’s license in the car
  • You are allowed to drive with your child, spouse, or sibling during the hours set by law
• For 6 months (180 days) after you earn your license, you may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • After this period, you may not drive during these hours:
    • Saturday and Sunday: between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
    • Sunday through Thursday: after 11 p.m.
    • Monday through Friday: before 5 a.m.
• When you are driving, all passengers must wear a seat belt
• You are not allowed to use any type of telecommunication device while driving (unless you are making an emergency 911 call)
• You may drive any time if you are going to or from work, school, or a religious event. This also applies if you are accompanied by an Indiana-licensed driver who is 25 or above

Get on Your Way with Your New Drivers License

Now that you know how to obtain your teen driving license, it’s time for you to get out there and apply for one. We wish you the best of luck!