Indiana DMV · Permit Test Prep
Indiana DMV Practice Test 2026
Updated for 2026 · Sourced from the official Indiana handbook
The Indiana BMV knowledge exam is a 34-question multiple-choice test drawn from the official Indiana Driver's Manual, covering traffic signs and signals, safe vehicle operation, and the rules of the road. You need 80% (28 of 34) to pass, and Indiana sets no official time limit, so you can work at your own pace. Indiana issues a learner's permit at age 15 with driver education, and new drivers must hold the permit for at least 180 days before a license. Work through the real, manual-sourced practice questions below, then download DMV Ace for 1,000+ more Indiana-specific questions, progress tracking, and a full explanation on every answer.
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Topics covered on the Indiana DMV written test
The 34 questions on the real Indiana test are drawn from these chapters of the official Indiana Driver Handbook.
Obtaining a New Credential
Learner's permit eligibility, required documents, vision screening, the knowledge exam, and the 180-day permit-holding rule.
Restrictions and Endorsements
License restriction codes, probationary-license limits, and motorcycle and for-hire endorsements.
Points, Suspensions, and Insurance Requirements
Indiana's point system, license suspensions, financial-responsibility rules, and minimum insurance.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs; steady and flashing traffic lights; and pavement markings.
Safe Vehicle Operation
Turning, passing, following distance, lane changes, blind spots, and the no-zone around large trucks.
Speed Control and Roadways
Urban, residential, and interstate speed limits; roundabouts; and adjusting speed for conditions.
Sharing the Road
School buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and slow-moving vehicles on hills.
Accidents and Emergency Situations
Crash duties, vehicle breakdowns, impaired and distracted driving, and emergency-vehicle response.
Practice Questions
12 free Indiana DMV practice questions
Real Indiana-specific questions sourced from the official Indiana Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.
Question 1 · Speed Limits
What is the maximum speed limit on rural interstate highways in Indiana?
- A65 mph
- B70 mph✓ Correct
- C75 mph
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, the maximum speed limit on rural interstate highways is 70 mph for passenger vehicles. Heavy trucks are limited to 65 mph.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 40 · Rural Interstate Highway Speed Limits
Question 2 · Right of Way
When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, which one must yield?
- AThe vehicle on the left must yield✓ Correct
- BThe vehicle on the right must yield
- CNeither vehicle needs to yield
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, when two vehicles arrive at an intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 40 · Right-of-Way Rules
Question 3 · Lane Changes & Passing
What must you do before returning to your lane after passing another vehicle?
- ASee both headlights of the passed car in your rearview mirror✓ Correct
- BHonk to alert the passed driver
- CWait at least five seconds after passing
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, wait until both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in your rearview mirror before returning to your original lane.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 38 · Passing Other Vehicles
Question 4 · Pedestrian Laws
Why should you use extra caution around a pedestrian carrying a white cane?
- AThey are visually impaired✓ Correct
- BThey are a crossing guard
- CThey have limited mobility
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, a pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog is blind. Drivers must slow down, yield the right-of-way, and proceed with caution.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 55 · Visually Impaired Pedestrians
Question 5 · Sharing the Road
What must you do when a school bus has its stop arm extended?
- ASlow down and pass carefully on the left
- BHonk to alert children before passing
- CCome to a complete stop and wait✓ Correct
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, when a school bus displays its stop signal, drivers must come to a complete stop and wait until the stop arm is withdrawn.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 48 · School Buses
Question 6 · Highway Driving
What should you do before changing lanes on an interstate highway?
- ASignal, check mirrors, and check your blind spots✓ Correct
- BFlash your headlights to warn other drivers
- CHonk your horn before moving over
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, always signal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spots before changing lanes or passing on an interstate.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 46 · Driving on Interstate Highways
Question 7 · Weather & Visibility
What should you do when heavy rain begins while you are driving?
- AMaintain your current speed
- BDrive close to the vehicle ahead for guidance
- CReduce your speed and turn on your headlights✓ Correct
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, when rain reduces visibility, slow down and turn on your headlights. Pull over if rain becomes too heavy to see clearly.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 44 · Visibility
Question 8 · DUI Laws
What is the only thing that can sober a person up after drinking alcohol?
- AFresh air
- BHot coffee
- CTime✓ Correct
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, only the passage of time allows a person to overcome the influence of alcohol. Coffee and fresh air do not reduce blood alcohol content.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 45 · Impaired and Dangerous Driving
Question 9 · Parking Rules
When may you park or stop on a freeway shoulder in Indiana?
- AWhenever you need to make a phone call
- BOnly if no part of your vehicle is on the road
- COnly in an emergency✓ Correct
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, parking on a freeway shoulder is prohibited except in an emergency situation.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 60 · Vehicle Equipment Failures
Question 10 · Accidents & Emergencies
If you accidentally miss your exit on the interstate, what should you do?
- AProceed to the next exit✓ Correct
- BBack up on the shoulder
- CMake a U-turn across the median
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, if you miss your exit, continue to the next one. Never back up or make a U-turn on the interstate.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 46 · Driving on Interstate Highways
Question 11 · Turns & Intersections
When waiting to turn left at a multilane intersection with a blocked view, what should you do?
- AEdge into each lane as it clears
- BAccelerate quickly when the nearest lane opens
- CWait until you can see all lanes are clear before turning✓ Correct
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, never begin a left turn until you can verify that all lanes you need to cross are clear and the turn can be completed safely.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 38 · Rules for Safe and Legal Turning
Question 12 · Traffic Signs & Signals
A flashing red traffic signal requires drivers to do what?
- AYield without stopping
- BSlow down and drive through carefully
- CStop completely before proceeding✓ Correct
Why: According to the Indiana Driver's Manual, a flashing red signal has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.
Source: Indiana Driver Handbook, page 34 · Red Flashing Lights
988+ more Indiana practice questions in the app
Download DMV Ace — FreeIndiana-specific rules to know
A few traffic rules that are particular to Indiana and frequently show up on the test.
180-day permit-holding requirement
An Indiana learner's permit must be held for at least 180 days before you can apply for a driver's license. The permit is available at 15 with an approved driver education course, or 16 without driver education.
Probationary-license night driving restrictions
For the first 180 days, drivers under 18 may not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM. After that, until age 18, they may not drive Sunday-Thursday after 11 PM, Saturday-Sunday between 1 AM and 5 AM, or before 5 AM on weekdays, with work, school, and religious exceptions.
Passenger restriction for new drivers
During the first 180 days of holding a probationary license, drivers under 18 may not carry passengers, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 (or a spouse who is at least 21) in the front seat.
No telecommunication devices for under-18 drivers
Probationary drivers under 18 may not use any type of telecommunication device while driving, except to place a 911 emergency call. This is stricter than the general rule for adult drivers.
Statewide hands-free law
Since July 1, 2020, all Indiana drivers are prohibited from holding a mobile device while the vehicle is moving. Voice-operated, Bluetooth, and speakerphone use is allowed; holding the phone is a citable violation that can add points.
How to get your Indiana driver's license
The knowledge test is one step in Indiana's licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.
Check the age and eligibility requirements
Eligibility in Indiana: 15 if enrolled in an approved driver education course (with behind-the-wheel training); 16 if not enrolled in driver education. Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.
Study the official handbook
Read the Official Indiana Driver's Manual (in.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.
Pass the knowledge test
The Indiana written test has 34 questions, and you need 28 correct (80%) to pass. Permit/licensing fee: $9 for a learner's permit.
Build supervised driving experience
Hold your permit for the period Indiana requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.
Pass the road test and get licensed
After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Indiana issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.
Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Indiana DMV office.
How DMV Ace prepares you for the Indiana test
1,000+ Indiana-specific questions
Every question is sourced from the official Indiana Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.
Explanations on every answer
Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.
Hard Questions module
A curated bank of the trickiest Indiana questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.
Smart progress tracking
See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Indiana DMV.
FAQ
Indiana DMV permit test — common questions
How many questions are on the Indiana BMV knowledge exam?
- The Indiana knowledge exam has 34 multiple-choice questions covering traffic maneuvers and traffic signs. You must answer at least 28 correctly (80%) to pass, and Indiana sets no official time limit.
What's the passing score for the Indiana BMV permit test?
- 80% — meaning you can miss no more than 6 of the 34 questions. The threshold is the same for first-time testers and retakes.
What's the minimum age to get a learner's permit in Indiana?
- You can get an Indiana learner's permit at 15 if you are enrolled in an approved driver education course with behind-the-wheel training, or at 16 if you are not enrolled in driver education. You must hold the permit for at least 180 days before applying for a license.
Can I take the Indiana knowledge exam online?
- No. Indiana requires the knowledge exam to be taken in person on a computer at a BMV branch. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes to take the exam that day.
How many times can I retake the Indiana knowledge exam if I fail?
- There is no limit on the number of attempts, but if you fail you must wait until the next business day to try again. Once you pass, your result stays valid for 180 days.
How much does an Indiana learner's permit cost?
- An Indiana learner's permit costs $9 as listed on the BMV fee chart. A driver's license for applicants under 75 costs $17.50, with reduced fees for older drivers.
What are the night driving restrictions for new Indiana drivers?
- For the first 180 days with a probationary license, drivers under 18 may not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM. After that, until age 18, they may not drive Sunday-Thursday after 11 PM, between 1 AM and 5 AM on weekends, or before 5 AM on weekdays, with work, school, and religious exceptions.
Does Indiana have a hands-free phone law?
- Yes. Since July 1, 2020, all Indiana drivers are prohibited from holding a mobile device while the vehicle is moving. Hands-free, Bluetooth, and voice-operated use is allowed, and drivers under 18 may not use any telecommunication device except to call 911.
Coming Soon
Indiana motorcycle permit test prep
Studying for your motorcycle endorsement instead? Dedicated Indiana motorcycle practice is coming to DMV Ace soon — meanwhile, the app already includes full motorcycle question banks for every state.
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