Indiana Knowledge Test: Passing Score and What to Expect

The knowledge exam is one requirement for an Indiana learner’s permit. If you are getting a permit, it is the test most people mean when they say “the permit test.” This guide explains what the manual says about it: what it covers, how you pass, and what happens if you do not. It uses only the July 2026 Indiana Driver’s Manual, and each fact has a “Manual p.” link.

What the knowledge test is

The manual describes the driver’s knowledge exam as a multiple-choice exam based on Indiana law, defensive driving practices, and the information in the manual itself. Passing it is one step toward getting driving privileges in Indiana (Manual p. 5).

To pass, you have to show a basic understanding of Indiana traffic laws and safe driving techniques. You also have to be able to read and understand regulatory, warning, and traffic signs and signals (Manual p. 5).

What the test covers

Chapter 9 of the manual says the exam for a learner’s permit or driver’s license has two components (Manual p. 63):

1. Signs. This part tests common signs you might meet on the exam. The signs are in Chapter 6 of the manual.
2. Traffic rules and laws. This part draws on Chapters 6, 7, and 8 of the manual.

So the manual gives you a map for studying. Chapter 6 covers traffic signs and signals, Chapter 7 covers safe vehicle operation, and Chapter 8 covers accidents and emergency situations (Manual PDF p. 4, Manual PDF p. 5). Our study plan turns that map into a weekly routine, and our road signs guide covers the sign part.

How you pass

The manual says that on the actual exam you must have 80% or higher correct on each component to pass (Manual p. 63). Read that carefully. It is not 80% overall. It is 80% on the signs part and 80% on the traffic rules part. A great score on traffic rules does not rescue a weak score on signs, and the other way around.

That is why it helps to practice both parts separately. Our mock exams score the sign section and the traffic section on their own for this reason.

What the manual does not specify

The manual does not say how many questions are on the actual exam or how much time you get, and we are not going to guess. Be careful with any website that gives you a firm question count or time limit for the real Indiana test without citing a BMV source.

What we do know is what the manual says: two components, 80% or higher on each. Our practice tests are built on that rule. Their length and timer are our own practice format, not the BMV’s, and they do not contain the real exam questions.

What to bring and do before test day

For a new learner’s permit, you pass the knowledge exam as one of several requirements (Manual p. 3). Get the other pieces ready too.

• Documents. For a new permit, the manual asks for original documents or verifiable certified copies: one proving your identity, one proving your lawful status, one proving your full Social Security number, and two proving your Indiana residency (Manual p. 68). It describes alternative Social Security documentation for some foreign nationals (Manual p. 3) and an Indiana Residency Affidavit for eligible applicants who cannot provide two residency documents (Manual p. 70). Appendix A has the full list of accepted documents.
• Glasses or contacts. A vision screening is part of the process. If you normally wear glasses or contacts to drive, tell the branch staff and wear them (Manual p. 4).
• If you are under 18. You need an emergency contact who is at least 18 (Manual p. 3). A qualifying adult usually has to sign a statement of financial liability in person at the branch (Manual p. 7); the manual gives an exception for applicants under Department of Child Services care (Manual p. 8). See our permit guide for the details.

Check IN.gov/BMV for current costs.

On test day

The exam is computer-based. You must arrive at the branch at least 30 minutes before it closes to take the exam that day (Manual p. 5). Aim to arrive much earlier than that, so you are not rushed.

If you do not pass

If you fail the knowledge exam, you must wait until the next business day to retake it (Manual p. 5). That is the only retake rule the manual gives for the knowledge exam, and it does not mention a limit on tries. A failed attempt is useful information. Look at which part felt weaker, signs or traffic rules, and spend your study time there.

Other times you may be asked to test

Learner’s permits are not the only reason to take the exam. The manual lists other cases, such as when a driver’s license has been expired for more than 180 days (Manual p. 5), or when a renewing driver at least 21 years old has six or more active points (Manual p. 19). If a learner’s permit has been expired for more than 180 days, you retake the knowledge exam to renew it (Manual p. 5).

When you apply for a driver’s license later, the knowledge exam has to be complete before the driving skills exam (Manual p. 8). The BMV also offers separate knowledge exams for commercial license endorsements, motorcycles, motor driven cycles, and for-hire driving (Manual p. 5). This guide is about the standard permit and license exam.

How to prepare

Start with the places the manual says the test comes from. Read the Chapter 6 lessons on sign shapes and sign colors, then work through Chapters 7 and 8. Use practice questions after each lesson, and take a full mock exam when you feel ready. Our about the knowledge exam lesson goes through Chapter 9.

We are an independent study app and are not affiliated with the Indiana BMV. Nothing here guarantees you will pass. It helps you study from the same manual the test is based on.