Indiana DMV Driver's License Test: Step-by-Step Guide & Traffic Rules

What is the first step to apply for a Probationary License in Indiana?

Enroll in an approved driver education course if required.

What must applicants under 18 obtain to apply for a Probationary License?

Parental permission.

What is required to receive a Learner's Permit?

Pass a vision screening test and a knowledge examination.

What documents are required for a driver's license application?

Proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, two proofs of Indiana residency, and other applicable documents.

What is the fee for a Learner's Permit in Indiana?

$9.

What is the fee for a Driver's License for ages under 75?

$17.50.

In how many languages is the knowledge examination available?

In 15 languages.

What is the passing score for the knowledge exam?

42 correct answers out of 50 questions.

What must you do before turning right at a red traffic light?

Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

How far in advance must you activate your turn signal before turning?

At least 200 feet.

What must be done if a load extends more than four feet beyond the rear of a vehicle?

It must be marked by a red flag during the day.

Who is required to wear a seat belt in Indiana?

All occupants of the vehicle.

When can a driver with a probationary license use a telecommunications device?

Only when making a 911 emergency call.

What are the driving restrictions for the first 180 days after obtaining a probationary license?

May only drive between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm.

Is texting while driving legal in Indiana?

No, it is illegal.

How long do points assessed against your license remain on your record?

Two years.

Is it legal to drive without liability insurance in Indiana?

No, it is against the law.

What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older?

0.08 percent.

What should you do if involved in a minor collision with no injuries?

Move your vehicle out of the traffic lane, if possible.

What direction should you turn your front wheels when parking uphill on a two-way road with no curb?

Right, toward the side of the road.

What should you do if there is no crosswalk and a pedestrian is crossing your lane?

Stop and let the pedestrian finish crossing.

When driving behind a large truck on the freeway, how should you position your vehicle?

Drive farther behind the truck than you would if following a passenger vehicle.

When must you yield to a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog?

At all times.

How can you check for vehicles in your blind spots?

Look over your shoulders.

What should you do when traffic is merging into your lane on the freeway?

Make room for the merging traffic, if possible.

Why is extra space in front of a large truck necessary?

To allow the truck driver to stop the vehicle.

When is it safe to return to your lane after passing another vehicle?

When you can see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror.

What should you be prepared for if you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway?

Workers and equipment ahead.

What should you do when driving at night on a dimly lit street?

Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the area illuminated by your headlights.

What speed should you be driving when merging onto the freeway?

At or near the speed of traffic on the freeway.

What should you not assume when planning to pass another vehicle?

That the other driver will make space for you to return to your lane.

What should you expect when a large truck is ahead of you and turning right?

The truck may have to swing wide to complete the right turn.

How do you drive defensively?

By keeping your eyes moving to look for possible hazards.

When should you stop before crossing railroad tracks?

When there isn't room on the other side for you to completely cross the tracks.

When should you use your horn?

When it may help prevent a collision.

What happens if you drive more slowly than the flow of traffic?

You will most likely interfere with traffic and receive a ticket.

What should you allow for when following a motorcycle?

Extra space.

Who must you yield the right-of-way to when turning left at an upcoming corner?

All approaching vehicles.

What should you do before changing lanes?

Check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder.

Which way do you turn your front wheels when parking downhill on a two-way road without a curb?

Right, toward the side of the road.

What should you not do when the light turns red at an intersection?

Start across the intersection if you know you will block it.

What should you do if a pedestrian starts to cross the street after the 'Don't Walk' signal begins to flash?

Wait until the pedestrian crosses the street before proceeding.

What does a red arrow pointing to the right on a traffic light mean?

You may not turn in that direction until the light turns green.

What does an orange and red triangular sign on a vehicle indicate?

Slow-moving vehicle.

How should you yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle using its siren and flashing lights?

Drive as closely to the right edge of the road as possible and stop.

What must you do when a school bus is stopped on the road ahead to load or unload children?

Come to a complete stop until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.

What must you do when a school bus is stopped with its lights flashing?

Come to a complete stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.

Can you drive off the road to pass another vehicle?

Under no circumstances.

When should you yield your legal right-of-way?

Whenever it helps prevent collisions.

When may you legally drive around or under a railroad crossing gate?

Never.

What should you do if the driver behind you wishes to drive faster?

Move into the right lane when it is safe.

What should you do if an oncoming vehicle has its high beams on?

Look ahead toward the right edge of your lane.

When should you increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead?

When being tailgated by another driver.

How often should you check your rearview mirrors?

Often to see how traffic is moving behind you.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to lose traction due to water on the road?

Slow down gradually and not apply the brakes.

What should you do if an emergency vehicle is approaching while you are in an intersection?

Continue through the intersection, pull to the right, and stop.

What should you do if a green arrow turns into a solid green light?

You may still turn, but you must yield to oncoming traffic.

What should you expect when driving through an area where children are playing?

Children may run out in front of you without looking.

What should you do if you stop at a railroad crossing with more than one track?

Wait to proceed until you have a clear view of all tracks.

What should you do while backing up your vehicle?

Turn your head and look through the rear window.

What can help prevent crashes?

Communicate with other road users.

What should you use if your turn signals fail?

Hand signals.

What do your brake lights indicate to other drivers?

You are slowing down or stopping.

What is the best thing to do if you begin to feel tired while driving?

Stop driving.

What should you do if another driver cuts you off in traffic?

Let it go.

What should you do if your car breaks down on a highway?

Use your four-way flashers to warn other drivers.

What must you do to pass a slower-moving vehicle on a two-lane, two-way road?

Use the lane that belongs to oncoming traffic.

What is the most important thing to remember about speed management and curves?

Slow down before you enter the curve.

When should you slow down when exiting a highway?

Once you have moved into the exit lane.

Where should you keep a space cushion?

On all sides of the vehicle.

Why is allowing a space cushion between your vehicle and its surroundings important?

It allows you time to react to unexpected situations.

When should you allow a larger space cushion than usual when stopping?

On an incline.

What must you do when making a turn?

Reduce your speed.

What should you do when making a turn?

Reduce your speed.

When should you drive below the posted speed limit?

When conditions are less than perfect.

What factors affect the amount of space needed to cross traffic?

Road conditions, weather conditions, and oncoming traffic.

What affects your ability to stop?

The condition of the road.

How can you prepare for anything coming up on the road ahead?

Continually scan the entire road and all roadsides.

What should you do when faced with an oncoming car and a bicyclist?

Let the car pass and then pass the bike.

What should you do when driving on slick roads?

Take turns more slowly than usual.

What should you increase when driving on slippery roads?

Your following distance.

When do roads freeze quickly?

When they are shaded.

What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing without signals?

Slow down and be prepared to stop.

What should you do while waiting in an intersection to complete a left turn?

Signal and keep your wheels straight.

When are seat belts most effective?

When worn by all occupants of a car every time it is driven.

How can you prevent drowsiness on long trips?

Stopping at regular intervals for a rest.

What does alcohol do to your driving skills and judgment?

It harms both driving skills and judgment.

What is the only way to reduce your blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?

Allow your body time to get rid of the alcohol.

What should you do before backing out of your driveway with children nearby?

Walk to the back of the car to be sure the way is clear.

What can happen to a bicyclist who doesn't obey traffic laws?

They can be ticketed.

Why should a driver be extra alert to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians?

They're difficult to see in traffic.

What should you do at a school crossing sign?

Watch for children and be ready to stop.

What should you do at an intersection with a yield sign?

Slow down and yield the right-of-way to other traffic.

What must you do if a transit vehicle is signaling to re-enter the main roadway?

Yield.

What should you do if you stop along the road at night?

Turn on your emergency flashers and leave your low beams turned on.

What should you do when parking uphill next to a curb?

Set the parking brake and turn your steering wheel away from the curb.

What must you do when passing a motorcycle?

Have your vehicle entirely in the left lane before and during the pass.

What should you watch for after stopping for a school bus that is unloading children?

Children walking along the side of the road.

Why is using a cell phone while driving considered a distraction?

It occupies the driver's hands, eyes, and mind.

Should seat belts be worn if a vehicle is equipped with airbags?

Yes, seat belts should still be worn.