Getting a driver’s license is an exciting milestone, but in Indiana, the process can look a little different depending on a student’s age. While driver education isn’t required, it’s the key to earning a driver’s license at the earliest possible age: 16 years and 90 days old. Here’s what students and parents should know before getting started.
What’s Required by the BMV
First, to participate in driver education (either the classroom or behind-the-wheel phase of the program), a student must be at least 15 years old.
A driver education program approved by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) must provide 30 hours of classroom training (in-person or online) and six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a BMV-licensed driver training school. Therefore, a student needs to complete both the driver education classroom training and behind-the-wheel instruction to get their probationary driver’s license at 16 years and 90 days old.
DriverEd Safety, a department of the Central Indiana Educational Service Center, is an approved online training and behind-the-wheel instruction provider for Indiana high school drivers, as recognized by the BMV.
What’s a Probationary Driver’s License?
According to the BMV, a probationary driver’s license is the term given to licenses issued to applicants who are younger than 21 years old. Certain restrictions apply to these licenses and are in effect at various times until the driver’s 21st birthday. You can find more information on the restrictions here.
Key Requirements for All New Drivers
Regardless of which path you choose to secure your licensure, all new drivers in Indiana (regardless of age) must meet a few critical requirements:
- Hold a Learner’s Permit for 180 Days: This mandatory waiting period gives you ample time to practice your driving skills under supervision.
- Complete a Supervised Driving Log: You must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with a minimum of 10 hours completed at night. This log must be signed and submitted to the BMV when you apply for your license. The supervising driver must be a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old and related to you by blood, marriage, or legal status. Check out the Indiana BMV site and download the driving hours log.
- Pass All Tests: You must pass a written knowledge exam, a vision screening, and a driving skills test to obtain your license. Many licensed driver training schools can administer the driving skills test, providing a convenient alternative to testing at the BMV.
How DriverEd Safety Fulfills the BMV’s Requirements
The DriverEd Safety program offers approved online training and behind-the-wheel instruction for Indiana high school drivers.
The online course prepares students for the BMV’s written knowledge exam. The course’s open enrollment provides students with the flexibility to start at any time. With ample time to complete the course in 120 days, students can fit the course into their busy academic and extracurricular calendars. Requirements include spending 30 hours in the course, completing 15 units, and passing an online final exam.
Behind-the-Wheel instruction provides students with the opportunity to take instructor-led lessons in a DriverEd Safety vehicle, gaining experience actually driving behind the wheel. Students may purchase individual one-hour lessons with an instructor, with a minimum of two hours, or opt for packages of multiple one-hour sessions for a reduced cost.
The road skills test is an additional service provided by our instructors to students who have completed both online and behind-the-wheel lessons. Our test, an alternative to the BMV’s road skills test, only takes 30 minutes and is administered by an instructor with a car provided by the DriverEd Safety program. Better yet, DriverEd Safety allows students to schedule the road skills test in advance, so they can save the time they would have spent waiting in line at a busy BMV branch location.
Eligible students must complete both the course and the behind-the-wheel instruction requirement. If a student completes an online course that DriverEd Safety did not administer, we must have the completion certificate on file.
If the road skills test is not included in your original package, you can purchase it as a separate add-on $40. The road skills test will be given in a CIESC vehicle. The pick-up and drop-off will be from one of our listed pickup locations. Tests are not administered in all areas and may change without notice.
After completing the test with DriverEd Safety, you’ll hold on to the test completion form and continue logging the 50 required hours log until you meet the BMV’s permit-holding requirements mentioned above.
Why Driver Education is a Smart Choice
Driving for the very first time can be intimidating, but with proper education and instruction, students can feel empowered to drive. While driver education is not a requirement in Indiana, driver education offers significant advantages:
- Earlier Licensure: It’s the only way to get your probationary license at 16 years and 90 days old, giving you more time to gain experience as a new driver.
- Structured Learning: You’ll learn from professional, state-certified instructors who are trained to teach essential driving skills and defensive techniques.
- Potential Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer a discount for teens who have completed a driver’s education course. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify.
- Confidence and Safety: Driver education provides a structured and safe environment to build confidence and learn the rules of the road before you venture out on your own.
How Parents and Guardians Can Support Student Drivers
Facilitating teen driving is about more than just handing over the keys—it’s about guiding them toward safe and responsible driving for the rest of their lives. As a parent or guardian, the way you drive and the habits you model leave a lasting impression. Your student may be learning the mechanics in class and gaining hands-on practice with an instructor, but the time they spend with you in the car is just as important.
This chapter can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking, but your presence and support make all the difference. By reinforcing defensive driving skills, encouraging safe habits, and offering consistent support, you’re shaping the kind of driver your teen will become. Remember that learning any new skill for the first time takes practice, and teens need a supportive environment to learn and adapt their skills. Check out our blog about How Guardians Can Support Their Student Driver.
Create a game plan with your teen that maps out every step of the program. Note the deadlines for course completion and assessments to ensure they are on track to get their license when they’re ready.
A student driver needs at least 50 hours of driving with a guardian or instructor before they can take the final test to earn their license. Behind-the-wheel instruction only covers six of those hours, so your teen is counting on you for the rest.
Get More Resources + Tips for Driving in Indiana
Knowledge is power. We want to empower every student to drive with confidence. Our DriverEd Safety blog provides student drivers with additional, in-depth driving tips to help them feel as prepared as possible.
For instance, drivers in Indiana experience all four seasons on the road, and each season comes with its own set of challenges. We prepare students for a variety of road and weather conditions that are common for drivers in Indiana, from learning how to protect your vehicle from potholes to driving in heavy snow, and preventing your car from overheating. The next time a question about driving pops up, head to our blog or FAQ page for the answers.
Secure Your Spot with DriverEd Safety
Earning a driver’s license is a huge milestone for teens, and a quality driver education program makes all the difference in preparing them for the road ahead. At DriverEd Safety, we’re here to guide students and their guardians every step of the way. Not sure if you’re eligible for the DriverEd Safety program? Take our online questionnaire to find out which package is best for you and secure your spot today.
Additional Resources:
- Driver’s Manual
- Driver’s manual in Spanish (Manual de Conductor)
- Supervised Driving Practice Log
- Parent Guide
