Indiana knowledge test

Pass the Indiana knowledge test.

Based on the official Indiana Driver's Manual — every fact and question links back to its page.

Start studying

Try sample questions

Open a question, think through the choices, then show the answer. These are reviewed practice questions from this app, with a manual citation for each answer. They are not questions from the BMV exam.

The four road-sign examples ask you to read a pictured sign before seeing its meaning. The six traffic-rule examples cover permit requirements, signals, lane markings and safe driving. Each option stays on the page even if you study with JavaScript turned off. Open any answer when you are ready to compare your choice with the explanation and the exact manual page.

  1. 1.What does this sign mean?
    Yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol.
    1. Intersection ahead
    2. T intersection ahead
    3. Merging traffic ahead
    4. Divided highway begins
    Show answer

    Intersection ahead — Intersection Ahead: a warning sign. Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards.

    Manual p. 29
  2. 2.What does this sign mean?
    Yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol.
    1. Sharp turn ahead; slow down
    2. Winding road ahead
    3. Curve ahead
    4. Lanes shift ahead
    Show answer

    Curve ahead — Curve Ahead: a warning sign. Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards.

    Manual p. 29
  3. 3.What does this sign mean?
    Yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol.
    1. Watch for deer
    2. Watch for cattle on the road
    3. Watch for farm machinery
    4. Playground nearby
    Show answer

    Watch for deer — Deer: a warning sign. Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards.

    Manual p. 29
  4. 4.What does this sign mean?
    Yellow diamond-shaped sign with black lettering.
    1. Be prepared to stop
    2. Low clearance: limited height overhead
    3. Lanes shift ahead
    4. Lane ends ahead
    Show answer

    Be prepared to stop — Prepare To Stop: a warning sign. Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards.

    Manual p. 29
  5. 5.What must an applicant under age 16 show to apply for a learner's permit?
    1. They are at least 15 and have a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment
    2. They have completed any online course
    3. They own a vehicle
    4. They are at least 14
    Show answer

    They are at least 15 and have a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment — An applicant under 16 must be at least 15 and present a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment from the driver training school.

    Manual p. 3
  6. 6.For how long is a standard learner's permit valid from its issue date?
    1. Two years
    2. Six months
    3. One year
    4. Four years
    Show answer

    Two years — A learner's permit is normally valid for two years from issuance.

    Manual p. 4
  7. 7.You are facing a green light. What should you do?
    1. Drive through without looking, because green means you always have the right of way
    2. Stop and wait for the light to turn yellow
    3. Stop first, then go when it is clear
    4. Drive through, as long as the intersection is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians
    Show answer

    Drive through, as long as the intersection is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians — A green light means go: you have the right of way, as long as the intersection is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians.

    Manual p. 33
  8. 8.The light turns steady yellow when you are too close to the intersection to stop safely. You may:
    1. Speed up to beat the red light
    2. Complete your movement through the intersection
    3. Stop suddenly in the intersection
    4. Back up behind the stop line
    Show answer

    Complete your movement through the intersection — A steady yellow light means your right of way is ending. If you are too close to stop safely, you may complete your movement.

    Manual p. 33
  9. 9.Yellow lane markings separate lanes of traffic that are:
    1. Going in opposite directions
    2. Going in the same direction
    3. Reserved for buses
    4. Reserved for bicycles
    Show answer

    Going in opposite directions — Yellow lane markings separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions.

    Manual p. 37
  10. 10.What does the manual identify as the most common factor in Indiana collisions?
    1. Vehicle color
    2. Failure to yield the right of way
    3. Driving with low-beam headlights
    4. Parking on a hill
    Show answer

    Failure to yield the right of way — Failure to yield the right of way is the most common factor in Indiana collisions.

    Manual p. 58

Ready for more? Practice by topic or try a mock exam.

How the test works

The Indiana Driver's Manual describes a multiple-choice knowledge exam on Indiana law, defensive driving, traffic signs and signals. Its sample exam has a sign component and a traffic-rules component, and the manual says the passing threshold is 80% on each component. Manual p. 5 and Manual p. 63 explain those topics and the per-component rule.

  • Road signs13 of 16 right (80%)
  • Traffic rules28 of 34 right (80%)

Practice format based on public information. The BMV publishes the 80%-per-section rule but not the question count or a time limit.

Indiana BMV knowledge exam page (modified 2026-07-17) and Driver's Manual Ch. 9 (July 2026)

What's inside

116 lessons, 1304 practice questions and 10 mock exams — every answer links to its page in the manual. Study at your own pace, then use a mock to practice answering road-sign and traffic-rule sections without feedback until submission.

Start with the lessons if you want a guided explanation. Use the road-sign gallery to study shapes, colors and meanings, or use flashcards for short review sessions. Practice quizzes show an explanation after each answer. The mock exam waits until you submit before showing correctness, so you can rehearse both sections together. Your guest progress stays on this device.

Frequently asked questions

Can a probationary driver use a phone while driving in Indiana?

The manual's probationary-license section says a probationary driver may not operate a motor vehicle while using any form of telecommunications device, such as a wireless phone or text messaging device, unless it is used to make a 911 emergency call. This answer applies to probationary license holders only.

Manual p. 10
When can you retake a failed knowledge exam?

The manual says you must wait until the next business day to retake it.

Manual p. 5
What does the Indiana driver's knowledge exam cover?

It is a multiple-choice exam based on Indiana law, defensive driving, and the Driver's Manual. It also covers traffic signs and signals.

Manual p. 5Manual p. 5
What score is needed on each knowledge exam component?

The manual's practice exam has two components, one on signs and one on traffic rules and laws, and it says you need 80% or higher correct on each component to pass the actual exam.

Manual p. 63Manual p. 63Manual p. 63
How old must you be to apply for an Indiana learner's permit?

You can apply at 15 if you show enrollment in a BMV-licensed behind-the-wheel training provider. Applicants age 16 or older have a separate set of permit requirements.

Manual p. 3Manual p. 3
What does an applicant age 16 or older need for a learner's permit?

The manual lists documents proving identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency, plus a standard vision screening and a knowledge exam. Foreign nationals may need alternative documentation for the Social Security number, and applicants under 18 must also provide an emergency contact who is at least 18.

Manual p. 3Manual p. 3Manual p. 3Manual p. 3
Who can supervise a permit holder who is 18 or older?

A licensed driver with valid privileges who is at least 25, or a licensed spouse who is at least 21, must accompany the permit holder.

Manual p. 4
How long is an Indiana learner's permit valid?

A standard learner's permit is valid for two years from its date of issuance. Different expiration rules apply to permits issued to lawful temporary residents.

Manual p. 4Manual p. 4
Who receives a probationary driver's license?

If you are younger than 21 when you obtain a driver's license, the manual says it is probationary until you turn 21.

Manual p. 10
Can a new probationary driver carry passengers?

For the first 180 days, passenger restrictions apply, with exceptions for specified accompanying adults and certain family members. Check the manual for the full exceptions.

Manual p. 10Manual p. 10

Last updated October 2, 2026