License age and permit holding period

Explanation

Completing a BMV-licensed driver education program changes the minimum age: with completion, it is 16; without completion, it is 16 years and 270 days.

Under the standard rule, an applicant must also hold a valid Indiana learner’s permit for at least 180 days. Valid means it is not expired, suspended or revoked.

Example

Two applicants are both 16. The one who completed approved driver education meets the listed age minimum; the one who did not must wait until 16 years and 270 days. Both must satisfy the permit-holding requirement.

Common mistake

Remembering age 16 but forgetting that it depends on completing the approved driver education program.

What the manual says

You must be at least 16 years old with completion of a BMV licensed driver education program

You must hold a valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) Indiana learner’s permit for at least 180 days