Learning how to drive is an exciting experience, so let's take a look at how the process begins: namely, by obtaining your Indiana driver's license learning permit.

Indiana issues two types of permits: the driver education learner permit and the learner permit. You may apply for either permit at a license agency. No appointments are necessary, and the permits cost $9.

Top Driver Education Learner Permit

This permit allows a student driver to take a driver education course that's approved by the state. To obtain this permit, you won't have to pass the knowledge test that's required for the standard learner permit. But, you will need to take the written test later.

To get this type of permit, you'll need to:

• Be between 15 and 16 years old.

• Pass the vision test.

• Provide proof of identity and date of birth from the approved documentation list.

• Have a valid Social Security number. If your number is not in Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) records, you'll have to provide proof of this.

• Have a parent or legal guardian sign the financial responsibility form. In some cases, another person willing to take financial responsibility for you may sign instead.

• Show the completed enrollment certificate from the approved driver education class, which must start within three weeks of your permit application.

(For more details on driver education classes, either through your high school or a private driving school, see our Drivers Education section.)

After you've received your permit and begun your class, you may practice driving with a certified driving instructor sitting in the passenger seat of a car equipped with dual brakes. Or, you may drive in a car without dual brakes if a licensed parent or legal guardian is in the front passenger seat.

You're not permitted to drive alone at all, period.

However, after you've completed the course and had your certificate validated, you may also drive with a licensed stepparent or other relative in the front passenger seat.

If you don't successfully complete the course, your permit becomes invalid and you're not allowed to drive. The same is true if your permit expires.

Once you turn 16, you must apply for your learner permit at a license agency. Please note that to obtain this permit, you will have to pass the written knowledge test.

Top Learner Permit

This permit simply allows the driver the ability to practice driving in order to prepare for the driver's license test. Driver's education classes are not involved with this sort of permit.

To obtain a learner permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Pass the vision test.

• Pass the written knowledge test.

• Provide proof of identity and date of birth from the approved documentation list.

• Have a valid Social Security number. If your number is not in the BMV records, you'll have to provide proof of this.

• Have a parent or legal guardian sign the financial responsibility form. In some cases, another person willing to take financial responsibility for you may sign instead.

As with the driver education learner permit, you're not allowed to drive alone.

However, if you're under 18, you may drive with a licensed parent, legal guardian, stepparent, or other relative stationed in the front passenger seat.

If you're over 18, though, you'll just need to be sure that a licensed driver is sitting next to you.

Once you've obtained this permit, you'll need to wait at least 60 days to take your driver's license test. We cover the test in our Applying for a New License section.

Top Written Examination

Pick up a copy of the Indiana Driver Manual at any license agency, or simply download it. (Japanese and Spanish versions are also available.) By studying the manual, you'll help prepare for the written test. The test contains multiple-choice questions and will grill you on traffic maneuvers, signs, and laws.

Top Vision Test

This test simply measures your visual acuity and range of vision.

Top Expired Permits

You don't want to allow your permit to expire, because if it does, you'll need to pass the written and vision tests again, and pay another $9 for a new permit. Permits are valid for one year.

Plus, you'll have to wait a minimum of 60 days before taking a crack at the driver's license test.

Top Lost Permits

To replace a lost permit, go back to a license agency armed with proper identification. You'll receive a duplicate permit for $9.

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