Indiana’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

In Indiana, there are different paths for young drivers to obtain a license depending on their age, education, and purpose for driving.

How Do I Get a Learner's Permit to Start Driving in Indiana?

Getting a learner's permit is the first step for would-be drivers. The routes available to get a permit depend on the age of the applicant. (Ind. Code Ann. § 9-24-7-1 (2024).)

15-Year-Olds Can Get a Permit by Taking Driver's Education

An teen who's at least 15 and a half years old and is enrolled in driver's education can take a written and a vision test to obtain a learner's permit. The permit allows the teen to drive only with a licensed driving instructor as part of the driver's education course. Once the teen has started the driver's education course, he or she can drive under the supervision of an authorized relative. In Indiana, an authorized relative is a licensed relative who's at least 25 years old or a licensed spouse who's at least 21 years old.

16-Year-Olds Don't Need Driver's Education to Get a Permit

Teens who are 16 years old can apply for a learner's permit without enrolling in driver's education but must still pass the vision and knowledge tests. This permit allows the licensee to drive in Indiana as long as an authorized relative (or licensed instructor) is in the front passenger seat.

How Long You Must Hold a Learner's Permit

The motorist must hold the learner's permit for at least 180 days before advancing to a probationary license.

At What Point Can You Get an Indiana Operator's (Driver's) License?

After holding the learner's permit for 180 days, a teen can apply for an operator's license. The applicant must show completion of 50 hours of supervised driving time (10 of which must have been done at night). The applicant's parent or guardian must also sign a consent and liability statement for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). And to obtain the operator's license, the teen needs to pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. (Ind. Code Ann. § 9-24-3-2.5 (2024).)

Restrictions on Drivers Who Are Younger Than 21

Anyone who is under 21 years old and holds an operator's license is subject to certain restrictions. These drivers are entirely prohibited from using a cellular phone while driving and for the first 180 days of holding an operator's license:

• may not drive from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. unless for school, work, or religious activity, and
• may not transport any passenger other than the driver's child, sibling, or spouse.

These restrictions don't apply if the driver is supervised by a licensed driver who;'s at least 25 years old or a licensed spouse who's at least 21 years old.

Restrictions on Drivers Who Are Younger Than 18

After the first 180 days, a driver who's under 18 isn't permitted to drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. These restrictions are inapplicable if the driver is supervised by a licensed driver who's at least 25 years old or a licensed spouse who's at least 21 years old.

Violations of License Restrictions

Violation of any teen license restriction is a class C violation and carries a fine of up to $500. (Ind. Code Ann. § 34-28-5-4 (2024).)

How Can I Get a Hardship License in Indiana?

Indiana permits individuals who can show hardship conditions to be exempt from certain requirements. The hardship provision can even waive up to six months of the age requirement.

What Are Indiana's Car Insurance Requirements?

Before any driver can operate a vehicle in Indiana, the vehicle must be properly insured. In Indiana, the mandatory insurance requirements are:

• Liability coverage. Must include at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident.

Uninsured driving is a class A infraction and can result in a fine of up to $10,000. A second offense within five years is a Class C misdemeanor and carries up to 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500. (Ind. Code Ann. § 9-25-4-5 (2024); Ind. Code Ann. § 9-25-8-2 (2024); Ind. Code Ann. § 35-50-3-4 (2024).)