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Indiana · Permit test

Indiana driver's license classes and driver ed

Driver education in Indiana is 30 hours of classroom or online theory plus 6 hours behind the wheel with a BMV-licensed school. It isn't required, but it moves your dates up: a permit at 15 instead of 16, and a license at 16 instead of 16 years and 270 days. Indiana driver's license classes are run by licensed driver training schools, which the BMV lists on a map. The BMV doesn't set or publish course prices.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What do Indiana driver's license classes include?

  • 30 hours of theory, in a classroom or online if your school accepts the online course.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor.
  • You must be 15 to enroll in either part.
  • The driving skills test at the end, if your school takes part in the BMV's skills test program.
Indiana BMV: Driver education providers map ↗Indiana BMV: List of licensed driver training schools (PDF) ↗

How driver ed changes your dates

The BMV is clear that both parts count: for a license at 16 you need the 30 theory hours and the 6 behind-the-wheel hours, plus the 50-hour log.

With driver educationWithout it
Earliest permit15, once enrolled in behind-the-wheel training16
Earliest license1616 years and 270 days

Online drivers ed in Indiana

The BMV allows online theory training as an alternative to the 30 classroom hours. It doesn't cover the behind-the-wheel part, and the BMV says to make sure your school accepts the online course you pick before you start.

An online course on its own won't get you a license at 16. And when you apply for a permit at 15, the BMV wants the enrollment certificate from your behind-the-wheel school, not the online completion certificate. The BMV doesn't publish prices or say which online courses are free.

The Driver Safety Program is a different course

The BMV's Driver Safety Program is a defensive driving course for licensed drivers, not driver education. Any Indiana driver can take a BMV-approved course in a classroom, online or on DVD for a four-point credit on their record, once every three years.

Under 21, two or more traffic convictions can be enough for the BMV to require it. From 21, it's two or more within 12 months. If you get that notice, finish it within 90 days or your license is suspended.

Sources: Indiana BMV · Indiana BMV FAQ · Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 1 and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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