Indiana: Licensing basics — Part 1 Practice Test
Learner’s permits, the probationary license, the knowledge and driving skills exams, Real ID, documents, endorsements, renewals and amendments in Indiana. — Part 1
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Indiana Driver’s Manual" (July 2026), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
All 37 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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In which BMV credential category is a commercial driver's license (CDL) included?
- Driver's licenses
- Learner's permits
- Identification cards
- Endorsements
Show answer
Correct answer: Driver's licenses
The manual places the driver's license and the commercial driver's license (CDL) together in the Driver's Licenses category.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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How do Indiana credentials issued to residents under 21 years of age look different?
- A horizontal format with the dates the cardholder turns 16 and 18
- A vertical format with the dates the cardholder turns 16 and 25
- A vertical format with the dates the cardholder turns 18 and 21
- A horizontal format with the dates the cardholder turns 18 and 21
Show answer
Correct answer: A vertical format with the dates the cardholder turns 18 and 21
Credentials for residents under 21 have a vertical format and display the dates the cardholder turns 18 and 21.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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What does a star marker in the upper right-hand corner of an Indiana credential show?
- The holder is under 21 years of age
- The credential is Real ID-compliant
- The holder has a clean driving record
- The credential is valid only in Indiana
Show answer
Correct answer: The credential is Real ID-compliant
The star marker indicates the credential is Real ID-compliant and may be used as identification for federal purposes.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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In what year did Indiana begin issuing credentials with a new look and security features?
- 2013
- 2016
- 2021
- 2019
Show answer
Correct answer: 2019
The manual states that Indiana began issuing the redesigned credentials in 2019.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Until when do current Indiana credentials remain valid after the newer design began to be issued?
- Until the expiration date printed on the face of the card
- Until the cardholder's next birthday
- Until the cardholder replaces them with the new design
- Until the end of the year the new design started
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the expiration date printed on the face of the card
Current credentials remain valid until the expiration date printed on the face of the card.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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What do the embedded security features on Indiana credentials allow law enforcement to do?
- Track the cardholder's location
- Read the cardholder's full driving record
- Determine whether the credential is authentic
- Check whether the cardholder has insurance
Show answer
Correct answer: Determine whether the credential is authentic
Indiana credentials have embedded security features that allow law enforcement to determine their authenticity.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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What must an applicant do if the BMV finds during verification that another state has issued a credential to them?
- Keep both credentials until the older one expires
- Surrender the out-of-state credential
- Pay an administrative penalty and keep both credentials
- Mail the Indiana application to the other state first
Show answer
Correct answer: Surrender the out-of-state credential
The BMV requires the applicant to surrender the out-of-state credential before it will process an application for an Indiana credential.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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What did the Real ID Act of 2005 establish?
- Federal speed limits for all state roads
- A national driving test for every state
- One federal license that replaces state licenses
- Minimum standards for state-issued credentials
Show answer
Correct answer: Minimum standards for state-issued credentials
The Real ID Act of 2005 established minimum standards for state-issued credentials.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Since when has Indiana been compliant with the Real ID Act requirements?
- January 1, 2010
- January 1, 2008
- January 1, 2012
- January 1, 2015
Show answer
Correct answer: January 1, 2010
The manual states that Indiana has been compliant with the Real ID Act requirements since January 1, 2010.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which state-issued credentials will federal agencies such as DHS and TSA accept for accessing federal facilities?
- Any unexpired driver's license issued by an Indiana BMV branch
- Any credential issued after the new design began in 2019
- Only Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards
- Only commercial driver's licenses and learner's permits
Show answer
Correct answer: Only Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards
Federal agencies will only accept Real ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for accessing federal facilities, including TSA checkpoints.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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In what form must documents be provided to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant credential?
- Photocopies made at the BMV branch counter
- Original versions or certified copies
- Scanned copies sent by e-mail beforehand
- Pictures of the documents taken with a phone
Show answer
Correct answer: Original versions or certified copies
To get a Real ID-compliant credential you must provide original versions or certified copies of your documents.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
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Which of these is evidence of Indiana residency?
- Being a temporary employee working in Indiana
- Being a college student who does not claim Indiana as home
- Being an active-duty service member who claims another state
- Having a dependent enrolled in an Indiana elementary or secondary school
Show answer
Correct answer: Having a dependent enrolled in an Indiana elementary or secondary school
Evidence of Indiana residency includes having a dependent who is enrolled in an elementary or secondary school located in Indiana.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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For the purposes of obtaining a credential, which person is not considered an Indiana resident?
- A temporary employee
- A registered voter in Indiana
- A person with a residential address in Indiana who claims no other state
- A person whose dependent attends an Indiana elementary school
Show answer
Correct answer: A temporary employee
Temporary employees are listed among the individuals who are not considered Indiana residents for obtaining a credential.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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When you become an Indiana resident, how many days do you have to obtain a new Indiana driver's license?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 60 days
- 120 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
The manual says new residents have 60 days to obtain a new Indiana driver's license.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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What must a new Indiana resident do with any other credential to complete an application for an identification card?
- Keep it until it expires
- Surrender it to the Indiana BMV
- Return it to the issuing state by mail
- Show it again at the next renewal
Show answer
Correct answer: Surrender it to the Indiana BMV
Indiana residents cannot hold more than one credential at a time, so any other credential must be surrendered to the Indiana BMV.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A new Indiana resident has never held a valid driver's license from another state. How long must they hold an Indiana learner's permit before applying for a driver's license?
- 90 days
- 120 days
- 270 days
- 180 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 180 days
Someone who has never held a valid license must hold an Indiana learner's permit for 180 days before applying for a driver's license.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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Which of these can a new resident who is 18 or older bring to the branch in place of a current out-of-state driver's license?
- A copy of the official driving record
- A copy of the vehicle title and registration
- A proof of insurance card from the insurer
- A letter from the applicant's employer
Show answer
Correct answer: A copy of the official driving record
An adult with a valid out-of-state license must bring the license, a copy of the official driving record, or a verification letter.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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What must a new resident aged 18 or older pass if the out-of-state license has been expired for more than five years?
- A knowledge exam, but no driving skills test
- A knowledge exam and a driving skills test
- A driving skills test, but no knowledge exam
- No exams, only a vision screening and documents
Show answer
Correct answer: A knowledge exam and a driving skills test
A license expired for more than five years requires both a knowledge exam and a driving skills test.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
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A new resident under 18 has held a valid out-of-state license for one year or more. What must they pass besides presenting all required documents?
- A knowledge exam and a driving skills test
- A driving skills test and a vision screening
- A vision screening only
- A knowledge exam and a vision screening
Show answer
Correct answer: A knowledge exam and a vision screening
Applicants under 18 must pass a knowledge exam and a vision screening in addition to presenting all required documentation.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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Who may be issued an Indiana identification card?
- An Indiana resident of any age who does not have a driver's license
- Only Indiana residents who are at least 16 years of age or older
- Only Indiana residents who currently hold a learner's permit
- Only Indiana residents with a Real ID-compliant license
Show answer
Correct answer: An Indiana resident of any age who does not have a driver's license
Identification cards may be issued to an Indiana resident of any age who does not have a driver's license.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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What is the minimum age to have a Motor Driven Cycle (MDC) endorsement on an identification card?
- 13 years
- 14 years
- 15 years
- 16 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 years
An identification card can carry privileges to operate an MDC when the holder is at least 15 years old and passes an MDC knowledge exam.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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Besides meeting the age requirement, what must a person pass to get an MDC endorsement on an identification card?
- A motorcycle driving skills test
- An MDC knowledge exam
- A hearing screening
- A commercial knowledge exam
Show answer
Correct answer: An MDC knowledge exam
An MDC endorsement is placed on the identification card when the person is at least 15 and passes an MDC knowledge exam.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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How long are an identification card and an MDC endorsement valid?
- Two years
- Three years
- Ten years
- Six years
Show answer
Correct answer: Six years
The manual states that an identification card and an MDC endorsement are valid for six years.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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When do identification cards issued to lawful temporary residents expire?
- On the applicant's end of stay date
- Six years after they are issued
- On the applicant's next birthday
- Two years after they are issued
Show answer
Correct answer: On the applicant's end of stay date
Identification cards for lawful temporary residents expire on the applicant's end of stay date and may not follow the standard period of validity.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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What does a learner's permit allow an Indiana resident to do?
- Drive alone as long as it is daylight
- Carry passengers without a supervising driver
- Practice driving before applying for a driver's license
- Drive a commercial vehicle without supervision
Show answer
Correct answer: Practice driving before applying for a driver's license
A learner's permit lets an Indiana resident practice driving before applying for a driver's license.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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Which tests must a person aged 16 or older pass to obtain a learner's permit?
- A knowledge exam and a driving skills test
- A knowledge exam and a standard vision screening
- A driving skills test and a vision screening
- A knowledge exam and a hearing screening
Show answer
Correct answer: A knowledge exam and a standard vision screening
Applicants 16 or older must present their documents, pass a standard vision screening and pass a knowledge exam.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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What is the youngest age at which a person can apply for a learner's permit, with proof of enrollment in a BMV licensed behind-the-wheel training provider?
- 13
- 14
- 16
- 15
Show answer
Correct answer: 15
A person under 16 must be at least 15 and show proof of enrollment in a BMV licensed behind-the-wheel training provider.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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What document shows enrollment in a BMV licensed behind-the-wheel training provider for a learner's permit applicant under 16?
- A Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment from the driver training school
- The online course certificate of completion for theoretical training
- A report card from the applicant's school
- A doctor's letter approving driver training
Show answer
Correct answer: A Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment from the driver training school
The applicant presents a Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment from the driver training school; the online theory course certificate is not acceptable.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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The Certificate of Driver Education Enrollment must be dated no earlier than how long before the start of the class?
- One week
- Two weeks
- Three weeks
- Six weeks
Show answer
Correct answer: Three weeks
The certificate must be dated no earlier than three weeks prior to the start of the class.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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What must a person under 18 provide when applying for a learner's permit?
- A written school attendance record from the principal
- An emergency contact who is at least 18 years old
- A second photo identification card of any kind
- A signed statement from a licensed physician
Show answer
Correct answer: An emergency contact who is at least 18 years old
An individual less than 18 applying for a learner's permit must provide an emergency contact who is at least 18 years of age or older.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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A learner's permit holder aged 18 or older must be accompanied by a licensed driver of what minimum age?
- 18 years
- 30 years
- 23 years
- 25 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 25 years
An adult permit holder may practice only with a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is at least 25, or with a licensed spouse at least 21.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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What is the minimum age of a spouse who may accompany a learner's permit holder aged 18 or older?
- 21 years
- 18 years
- 19 years
- 25 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 21 years
A spouse may accompany an adult permit holder if he or she is licensed and at least 21 years of age.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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A permit holder under 18 who is not in a driver education program may practice with a licensed driver aged 25 or older. How must that driver be related to the permit holder?
- By blood only
- By marriage only
- By blood, marriage, or legal status
- They may be any licensed driver
Show answer
Correct answer: By blood, marriage, or legal status
The licensed driver must be related to the permit holder by blood, marriage, or legal status.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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Where must the licensed driver sit when practicing with a learner's permit holder under 16 in a driver education program?
- In the rear seat behind the driver
- In the vehicle's front passenger seat
- In the rear seat on the passenger side
- In any seat in the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: In the vehicle's front passenger seat
The licensed driver must be seated in the vehicle's front passenger seat.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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What does the manual mean by a licensed driver with "valid" driving privileges when supervising a permit holder?
- Privileges that have no points on the driving record
- A license that has been held for at least one year
- A license that was issued by Indiana only
- Privileges that are not expired, suspended, or revoked
Show answer
Correct answer: Privileges that are not expired, suspended, or revoked
Valid driving privileges means not expired, suspended, or revoked.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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Besides a related licensed driver aged 25 or older, who may a permit holder under 18 in the care of the Department of Child Services practice with?
- A driver aged 25 or older approved by the Department of Child Services
- Any licensed driver aged 21 or older who is a family friend
- A licensed friend aged 25 or older chosen by the permit holder
- A licensed driver aged 23 or older approved by the school district
Show answer
Correct answer: A driver aged 25 or older approved by the Department of Child Services
A permit holder under DCS care may also practice with a licensed driver who is 25 or older and approved by the Department of Child Services.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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Besides a related licensed driver aged 25 or older, with whom may a permit holder under 18 who is not enrolled in driver education also practice?
- A licensed friend of the family who is at least 21 years old
- Any licensed driver who has at least one year of experience
- A licensed driver training school instructor under school direction
- A police officer who has been trained to coach teen drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: A licensed driver training school instructor under school direction
Such a permit holder may also practice with a licensed driver training school instructor working under a driver training school, or a recognized certified driver rehabilitation specialist.
Source: Indiana Driver’s Manual (July 2026), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)