Indiana Permit Practice Test — BMV Written Test, Free to Start

Free 10-question Indiana permit practice test, then 40-question practice tests, each question cited to the Indiana Driver's Manual.

The exam

This practice test is 40 questions in 2 parts — 10 road signs, 8 right; 30 road rules, 24 right — and every part has to be passed. Everything on it comes out of Indiana Driver's Manual. Officially it is the knowledge test; most people call it the written test, or the permit test.

Indiana does not publish how many questions its knowledge test asks. This practice test asks 40, and passes at the 80% set by Indiana’s own rules (the Indiana Driver's Manual, printed p.63: “On the actual knowledge examination, you must have 80% or higher correct on each component to pass the exam.”).

How this works

Most practice tests hand you a bank of questions and leave the manual somewhere else. This one puts them together.

You read one law and the reason behind it, then answer a question on that law while it is still fresh. Get it right and you move on; get it wrong and you have found the gap while it is cheap to fix, not on the morning of the exam.

Learning one rule at a time, and proving it immediately, is what turns a manual you skimmed into something you actually know — and it makes studying feel like getting somewhere rather than like waiting to find out.

Ask a question about Indiana road law

Easier than searching the manual: ask in your own words — how far from a fire hydrant you may park, when you must stop for a school bus — and the answer comes from Indiana Driver's Manual or Indiana’s code, with the page or the section it is in. When neither says, the answer says so rather than guess. Or tick Nationwide and compare every state on one question.

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Indiana driving law, answered

Indiana driving questions, answered

What it costs

  • One payment, once — not a subscription. Nothing renews and there is nothing to cancel, for an exam you sit one time.
  • Free to start: a 10-question test and the first section of cards. No sign-up and no account.
  • Paying opens the rest of the cards, unlimited full-length practice tests, and retests built from exactly the questions you got wrong.
  • Every level up to Prepared — 3 tests passed in a row.
  • Do the work, fail the real exam, and we refund you.

What Indiana tests

55 concepts, 325 separate rules. Each one is a page of its own.

Questions from the Indiana test

Who may supervise a permit driver under 18 who is not in driver education?

A licensed relative 25 or older in the front seat. A grown relative beside you can grab the wheel or warn you in time. A younger driver has too little experience to help. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.4: “You may practice driving with a licensed driver who has valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) driving privileges and is 25 years of age or older.”

How old must you be to apply for a license if you completed a BMV-licensed driver education program?

At least 16. Driver education gives you trained practice, so you may apply a little sooner than without it. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.9: “You must be at least 16 years old with completion of a BMV licensed driver education program”

Until what age is an Indiana driver's license probationary?

Until the driver turns 21. Young drivers crash more often, so their license carries extra limits until they gain years of experience. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.10: “If you are younger than 21 years of age when you obtain a driver’s license, your driver’s license is considered probationary until you turn 21 years of age.”

Who must wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle in Indiana?

The driver and every passenger. In a crash, a belt keeps you in your seat instead of being thrown into the windshield or out of the car. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.55: “Indiana law requires a driver and all passengers to use seat belts at all times when a vehicle is in operation.”

When may you use a phone while driving in Indiana?

When it is hands-free, or to call 911 in an emergency. Holding a phone takes your hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road at the same time. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.45: “The only exceptions to this prohibition are when hands-free communication is enabled or if the telecommunications device is being used to contact 911 for a bona fide emergency.”

How many points does speeding 1 to 15 mph over the limit add?

2 points. Even small speeding tickets count, and points build up into suspensions if you keep collecting them. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.21: “1 – 15 miles per hour over the speed limit 2 points”

What must be in effect before you drive a vehicle in Indiana?

Liability insurance that meets the state minimum. If you cause a crash, insurance pays for the harm you did. Without it the people you hurt may get nothing. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.22: “Indiana law states a person may not operate a motor vehicle in Indiana if financial responsibility is not in effect with respect to the motor vehicle, or the person is not otherwise insured to operate the motor vehicle.”

What is Indiana's legal blood alcohol limit for driving?

A BAC of .08. Alcohol slows reactions and dulls judgment long before a driver feels drunk. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.23: “Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in excess of the legal limit (.08) is a criminal offense and has an immediate effect on your privilege to operate a vehicle.”

How long is the suspension for two major offenses causing injury or death within 10 years?

10 years. Two crashes that hurt or killed people show a danger the state will not keep on the road. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.25: “Drivers who accumulate two judgments from the above list within a 10-year period will have their driving privileges suspended for 10 years.”

What does a red background on a traffic sign tell you?

A rule that needs immediate action. Red is kept for the few signs where stopping or turning back right away prevents a crash. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.27: “Red traffic signs convey traffic regulations that require drivers to take immediate action to avoid threats to traffic safety.”

Which kinds of message can a rectangular sign carry?

Rules, information or warnings. Because a rectangle can carry any of three kinds of message, you have to read what it says. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.28: “Rectangular traffic signs display one of three types of information.”

What does this sign warn of?

An intersection ahead. Cars may enter from either side, so slow down and look both ways as you get near. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.29: “Intersection Ahead”

What does this sign warn of?

A railroad crossing ahead. It is posted well before the tracks so you have time to slow down, look and listen. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.30: “Railroad traffic signs alert drivers to upcoming railroad crossings.”

What does this sign warn of?

A school area where children may cross. Children may step out without looking, so slow down and be ready to stop. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.28: “Five-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they are entering an area near a school in which children may be crossing the road.”

How fast can a vehicle showing the slow-moving vehicle emblem go at most?

25 mph. You will close on such a vehicle very fast, so slow down as soon as you see the emblem. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.30: “A slow-moving vehicle emblem has an orange, fluorescent center and red reflective borders, and indicates a slow-moving vehicle which cannot exceed 25 miles per hour.”

What does this sign tell you?

The safe speed for the curve or ramp ahead. The advisory speed is set for good conditions. In rain or snow, go even slower. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.31: “Speed advisory signs may accompany some warning signs.”

What must you do at this sign?

Stop and yield the right of way. A full stop gives you time to see cross traffic and people on foot before you go. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.28: “Eight-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they must stop and yield the appropriate right of way at an intersection.”

What do plaques below a stop sign show?

Which directions must stop. Knowing whether cross traffic also stops tells you how careful to be when you pull out. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.32: “Supplemental plaques are sometimes added to the bottom of stop signs to indicate directions in which the intersection must stop.”

What does this sign give you?

Directions to a place ahead. Guide signs help you choose your lane and route early instead of at the last second. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.32: “Traffic guidance signs provide drivers with information about the type of road they are traveling on, upcoming highway entrances and exits, and distances to various destinations.”

Facing a green light, when may you drive through the intersection?

When it is clear of vehicles and pedestrians. Green gives you the right of way, but it does not clear the intersection of a car or person still in it. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.33: “If you are facing a green light, you have the right of way and may drive through an intersection as long as the intersection is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians.”

Where should you stop at a stop sign with no stop line or crosswalk?

Before entering the intersection. Stopping in the right place keeps the crosswalk clear and lets you see cross traffic. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.35: “If there is no crosswalk, you should come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.”

What does a raised hand on a pedestrian signal mean?

It is not safe to cross. Drivers who know the walk signal can expect people to step off the curb when it comes on. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.36: “Pedestrian signals display the words “DON’T WALK” or a symbol of a raised hand when it is not safe for pedestrians to cross a street or intersection.”

What do yellow lane markings separate?

Traffic going in opposite directions. Seeing yellow on your left tells you oncoming cars are on the other side of it. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.37: “Yellow lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in opposite directions.”

How many lanes should you change at a time?

One lane at a time. Crossing several lanes at once surprises drivers in each lane you cut across. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.37: “Change only one lane at a time.”

How far before an oncoming vehicle must you be back in your lane after passing?

At least 100 feet. Cutting it closer leaves no room if the oncoming driver is faster than you judged. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.38: “Make sure the passing lane is clear of traffic, as you must return to the right side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle”

Which lane should you be in to turn left?

The far-left lane for your direction. Getting into the right lane early lets other drivers see what you plan to do. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.38: “To turn left, be in the far-left lane for your direction of travel.”

At an all-way stop, who goes first?

The first vehicle to stop. Taking turns in the order of arrival lets everyone know who moves next. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.39: “At an all-way stop, the rule is that the first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to proceed through the intersection.”

Which way does traffic move in a roundabout?

Counterclockwise. Everyone going the same way around the circle removes head-on and broadside crashes. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.40: “A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic enters or exits only through right turns and proceeds in a counterclockwise direction.”

What is the speed limit for passenger vehicles on a rural interstate in Indiana unless posted otherwise?

70 mph. Interstates are built for speed, but 70 mph is the top even there unless a lower limit is posted. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.40: “Passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 miles per hour or the posted speed limit”

How far behind the vehicle ahead should you stay?

At least 2 to 3 seconds. Those seconds give you time to see the car ahead brake and to stop before you reach it. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.41: “A good rule for drivers to follow is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.”

What should you do first when your vehicle begins to skid?

Ease off the gas pedal. Hard steering or more gas makes the tires lose more grip and can spin the car. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.42: “If your vehicle begins to lose traction or the rear wheels begin sliding sideways, ease off the gas pedal.”

Above what speed does fuel use climb steadily?

45 mph. Higher speed means more air to push aside, which costs fuel as well as safety. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.42: “Fuel consumption increases steadily above 45 miles per hour, with passenger cars and light trucks using approximately 50 percent more fuel traveling at 75 miles per hour than at 55 miles per hour.”

Which part of the road may freeze first in winter?

Bridges, ramps and overpasses. Cold air passes under a bridge as well as over it, so ice forms there first. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.43: “Be aware that moisture on ramps, bridges, and overpasses may occasionally freeze before other sections of the driving roadway.”

When must your headlights be on?

Sunset to sunrise, and when you cannot see 500 feet. Lights help others see you as much as they help you see the road. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.44: “Drivers must use headlights between sunset and sunrise as well as at any other time in which visibility is less than 500 feet.”

Going 18 hours without sleep impairs a driver about as much as what BAC?

A BAC of .08. Tiredness slows your reactions like alcohol does, even if you feel awake. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.45: “Studies have shown that going 18 hours without sleep leaves a driver equally impaired to a driver with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), which is the legal alcohol limit.”

How many of the listed acts in one stretch of driving make it aggressive driving under Indiana law?

At least 3. It is the pattern of hostile moves, not one mistake, that makes driving aggressive. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.46: “According to Indiana law, a person engages in aggressive driving if, during one episode of continuous driving of a vehicle, the person does or commits at least three of the following:”

Why should you slow down earlier on gravel roads?

Traction is reduced, so stopping and turning are harder. Gravel rolls under the tires, and the car can slide straight on in a turn. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.46: “You must slow down earlier to reduce your risk of skidding through a turn or stop.”

How should you use the acceleration lane when entering an interstate?

Speed up to match traffic before merging. Merging at highway speed lets you fit into a gap instead of forcing others to brake. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.46: “When you enter an interstate on-ramp, stay to the right and increase your speed in the acceleration lane to allow your vehicle to merge with traffic when your path is clear.”

What does a flashing arrow board that points neither way mean?

Use caution; no lane change is needed. A board with no direction warns of work nearby without closing your lane. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.47: “A flashing arrow board not indicating a direction either way is a signal to use caution but does not require a driver to move to another lane.”

How far from the nearest rail must a vehicle that is required to stop at a railroad crossing stop?

Between 15 and 50 feet. Closer than 15 feet, a train can hit the vehicle; farther than 50, the driver cannot see down the tracks. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.48: “Some vehicles are required by law to always stop at railroad crossings not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.”

About how far does a fully loaded tractor-trailer with hot brakes need to stop?

More than 400 feet. Cutting in front of a truck and braking leaves it no way to stop in time. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.50: “A fully loaded tractor-trailer with hot brakes may take more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop, or more than the length of a football field.”

You cannot change lanes away from a stopped police car with flashing lights. What must you do?

Slow to 10 mph under the limit and go with caution. Officers and medics working beside traffic are killed by drivers who pass too close and too fast. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.51: “If you cannot move over, the motorists shall reduce their speed to 10 mph under the posted limit and proceed with caution.”

What do flashing amber lights on a school bus mean?

The bus is slowing to stop for children. The amber lights give you time to slow before the red lights come on. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.51: “When the school bus driver activates the amber lights, he or she is warning other drivers that the bus is slowing and is going to load or unload children.”

How much of the lane should you give a motorcycle?

The full width of a lane. Riders need the whole lane to steer around hazards you may not even notice. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.52: “Always allow all motor vehicle operators the width of a full lane.”

How much room must you leave when passing a bicyclist?

At least 3 feet. A gust of wind or a pothole can make a bicyclist wobble, so leave a cushion. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.52: “Drivers may pass a bicyclist when there is a safe amount of room beside the bicyclist (minimum three feet) and when there is no danger from oncoming traffic”

What rights does a person riding a horse on a public highway have?

The same as a motor vehicle driver. Horses spook easily, so approach slowly and watch for the rider's hand signals. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.53: “A rider of a horse or horse-drawn vehicle has the same rights and responsibilities of a motor vehicle driver when riding on a public highway.”

Which way should you turn your wheels when parking facing downhill?

Toward the curb. If the car rolls, the front wheel will hit the curb and stop it instead of rolling into the street. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.54: “When you park facing downhill, turn your vehicle’s wheels toward the curb.”

Whom must you yield to at a crosswalk?

Pedestrians crossing there. A person on foot has no protection in a crash, so drivers must yield. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.55: “Always yield the right of way to pedestrians”

At night, what must mark a load that sticks out more than four feet behind a vehicle?

A red lamp visible from 500 feet. Other drivers judge your length by your taillights and can run into a load that sticks out. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.57: “The red lamp must be mounted and visible from both sides and the rear at a distance of 500 feet.”

What must a driver involved in a crash do first?

Stop at or near the scene. Leaving the scene is a crime, and stopping lets you help anyone hurt. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.58: “The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident must stop immediately or as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than necessary.”

Which of these can help you avoid a collision?

Speeding up, in some situations. Braking is not always the answer; sometimes steering or speeding up gets you out of the way. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.58: “Speed up.”

Your car goes into water. How should you get out?

Through an open window. Water pressure holds the doors shut, and an open door floods the car at once. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.59: “If your vehicle plunges into water, do not attempt to open a door.”

What should you do when a tire blows out?

Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas. Braking hard on a blown tire can pull the car out of control. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.60: “Take your foot off the gas pedal, but do not apply the brakes.”

When a police car signals you to stop, what should you do first?

Turn on your right turn signal. The signal tells the officer you are cooperating and looking for a place to stop. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.60: “Acknowledge the officer’s presence by turning on your right turn signal.”

How can you tell carbon monoxide is in your car?

By symptoms such as dizziness or headache. Because you cannot sense the gas, the symptoms are your only warning. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.62: “You cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide.”

Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against Indiana Driver's Manual, published by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-03.