Driving Tests

Indiana BMV Permit Test: Format, Passing Score, Languages and Retakes

informational·how to guide·Published August 27, 2026

What is on the Indiana permit test, and what score do you need to pass?

The Indiana BMV permit test is the knowledge exam: a computer-based, multiple-choice test in two parts, traffic maneuvers (traffic rules) and types of traffic signs. You must score 80 percent or higher on each part; one total score does not count. You do not need an appointment, but arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day.

Where the Indiana knowledge exam rules come from

The rules come from the BMV knowledge exam page, the Indiana Driver's Manual (published July 2026) and the BMV practice knowledge exam. Branch, vision and manual language details come from the BMV pages on preparing for branch visits, vision screening and the Driver's Manual. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (in.gov/bmv) before you drive.

What the knowledge exam is like

It is a multiple-choice exam based on Indiana law, defensive driving practices and the Indiana Driver's Manual.
You must show a basic understanding of Indiana traffic laws and safe driving, and you must read and understand regulatory, warning and traffic signs and signals.
You take it on a computer at a BMV branch.

The two parts of the exam and where to study them

The two parts of the exam and where to study them
Part	What it covers	Where to study in the Driver's Manual	Passing score
Signs	Types of traffic signs	Chapter 6	80 percent or higher
Traffic rules	Traffic maneuvers and traffic laws	Chapters 6, 7 and 8	80 percent or higher

Why a good total score can still be a fail

The BMV scores each part by itself. If you do well on traffic rules but score below 80 percent on signs, you have not passed. The practice question on passing both knowledge exam parts shows this exact case. Spend your study time on the weaker part.

How to take the Indiana knowledge exam at a BMV branch

1
Pick any branch
You can use any BMV branch in Indiana, not only the one in your county.
2
Bring your photo ID and documents
Have your photo ID ready, with the documents for your transaction. The guide to the Indiana learner's permit covers who can apply and what to bring.
3
Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing
You must be at the branch at least 30 minutes before it closes to take the computer-based exam that day. One BMV FAQ line says one hour, so come earlier when you can.
4
Pass the vision screening
Wear your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them when you drive.
5
Take the exam
Answer the multiple-choice questions on the branch computer, in English or in one of the other exam languages listed below.

What happens after the exam

You score 80 percent or higher on both parts

You passed. The exam is one step for a learner's permit, together with the vision screening and your documents.

You fail the exam

Wait until the next business day, then take a knowledge exam again. The practice question on the retest wait after a failed exam covers this rule.

You need an American Sign Language (ASL) translator

Call the BMV Contact Center at 888-692-6841, or ask at any branch, to schedule an appointment. You cannot take the exam with an ASL translator on the same day you schedule it, and each customer may have only one interpreter.

Your next step is the driving test

The driving skills test needs an appointment in advance, and after a fail you must wait 7 days. See the Indiana driving test guide.

Which languages can you take the Indiana knowledge exam in?

The BMV offers the knowledge exam in 19 languages besides English: Arabic, Burmese, Chin, Croatian, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified Chinese), Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog and Vietnamese. ASL is available by appointment.
The Driver's Manual comes in English and 10 other languages. Arabic, Burmese, French, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese are on both lists, so you can study and take the exam in the same language. The manual also comes in Hakha Chin, and the exam list includes Chin.

When you must take the knowledge exam

You apply for a learner's permit.
You renew a learner's permit that expired more than 180 days ago.
You renew your driver's license and have six or more active points on your driver record.
You are a new Indiana resident and your out-of-state license has expired, or you hold a valid license from another country.
Your driver's license has been expired for more than 180 days.

Key takeaways

The Indiana knowledge exam is computer-based and multiple choice, with a signs part and a traffic rules part.
You need 80 percent or higher on each part. One total score does not pass you.
No appointment is needed. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the branch closes, or earlier.
The BMV offers the exam in 19 languages besides English. After a fail, retake it the next business day.
Your next step: study the signs and traffic rules, then practice on the free Indiana operator practice test.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the Indiana permit test online?

The BMV gives the knowledge exam on a computer at a BMV branch, so plan a branch visit. You can study at home with the Driver's Manual, the BMV practice exam and our free Indiana practice test. Our practice test is for study only and does not replace the exam.

How long is my passing score good for?

If you pass the knowledge exam, your result is valid for 180 days. A learner's permit itself is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you renew a permit that expired more than 180 days ago, you must take the exam again.

Is there an official Indiana practice test?

Yes. The BMV publishes a practice knowledge exam with sign questions and traffic rule questions, and Chapter 9 of the Driver's Manual has the same sample questions. The BMV also has a library of study videos on chapters of the manual. Our free Indiana practice test gives you more questions to practice.

Can I take the Indiana permit test in Spanish or Punjabi?

Yes. Spanish and Punjabi are both on the BMV list of 19 exam languages besides English. The Driver's Manual also comes in Spanish and Punjabi, so you can study in the same language that you test in. Our free practice test is in English only.

What happens if I fail the vision screening at the BMV?

The BMV refers you to an eye doctor for an exam. You can come back to the branch with a statement from the eye doctor that your vision now meets the state standard. You must still pass the vision screening at the branch before you get a permit or license.