Indiana Drivers Education

Teens who desire to obtain an Indiana Drivers License in addition to the permitting process are required obtain a Probationary License until their 18th birthday.

There are two distinct types of learner’s permits that are available for teens; both do require that you be at least 16 ½ but have different requirements past age. The Drivers Education Permit is for those who wish to take a drivers education course prior to applying for a drivers license while the other option does not have the requirement of having a drivers education course. Both permits do require that you pass not only a vision test, but also a written examination based on information that is found in the Indiana Drivers Manual. In addition, if you are under the age of 18, a family member must sign a financial responsibility agreement on your application.

If you apply and receive a learner’s permit, you are not allowed to drive alone, if you are under the age of 18 you may practice driving only with a relative with a valid license in the front seat of the vehicle (this applies for non-driver education permit).

If you are applying for a driver education permit, in addition to the identification requirements you must be 15 years old, be enrolled in an approved driver’s education program and pass a standard vision screening test. You are never allowed to drive alone, and may only practice after you have started the program and only with a certified driving instructor in cars equipped for driver training (i.e. dual brake). Once you have completed the driver education program and your instructor has validated your permit, you will be allowed to practice with a relative who holds a valid Indiana license in the front passenger seat. If you do not complete your drivers education class or fail to meet the course requirements, your permit is considered invalid and you will have to apply for a standard learners permit. Once your drivers education permit expires all of your privileges expire with it.

If you have been properly permitted and you are less than eighteen years old, you may apply for a probationary driver’s license. This license is designed specifically for teens who are not yet 18, and has completed the permit requirements. During the first three months you hold a probationary license, you are not allowed to drive with passengers who are not at least twenty one and have a valid driver’s license. The word ‘probationary’ will appear on your license. Should you choose to have this removed when you turn 18, you may do so by applying for an amended license and paying the required fees. It is important to note that while you hold a probationary license, you may only operate a vehicle which has proper restraints for all passengers who are in the vehicle.