Indiana Driver’s Manual – Essential Vocabulary

Flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Indiana Driver’s Manual to aid study and exam preparation.

Real ID

A state-issued credential marked with a star that meets federal identification standards for boarding U.S. flights and entering federal facilities.

Learner’s Permit

A credential allowing Indiana residents to practice driving before obtaining a driver’s license, subject to age, vision, and knowledge-exam requirements.

Identification Card

A non-driving credential issued to any qualified Indiana resident for personal identification purposes.

Driver’s License

A credential granting legal authority to operate a motor vehicle on Indiana roadways.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

A license required to operate commercial motor vehicles or combinations with a GVWR over 26,000 lb, or vehicles carrying 16+ passengers or hazardous materials.

Probationary Driver’s License

A driver’s license issued to individuals under 21, subject to passenger and time-of-day restrictions until age 21.

Knowledge Exam

Multiple-choice test on Indiana traffic laws, signs, and safe-driving practices required for permits and certain license renewals.

Driving Skills Exam

Behind-the-wheel test evaluating a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely according to BMV standards.

Point Value

Numerical penalty (2-8 points) assigned to moving violations; active for two years on a driver record.

Driver Safety Program (DSP)

A BMV-approved defensive-driving course that can remove four points from a record or satisfy a court/BMV requirement.

SR22

An insurance filing proving future financial responsibility; required after no-insurance suspensions or certain convictions.

Certificate of Compliance (COC)

Electronic proof from an insurer verifying minimum liability coverage on the date of an accident or citation.

Indiana Residency Requirement

Legal requirement to maintain a residential address in Indiana and not claim residency elsewhere to obtain a credential.

Photo-Exempt Credential

A license, permit, or ID issued without a photo for approved medical or religious reasons (photo still kept on BMV file).

Motorcycle Endorsement (L)

License designation authorizing operation of a motorcycle after passing a safety course or knowledge and skills exams.

Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

One-year permit allowing practice riding a motorcycle with restrictions on passengers, time, and helmet use.

Motor Driven Cycle (MDC)

Two- or three-wheeled vehicle ≤50 cc, max 35 mph; may require an MDC endorsement or other credential to operate.

Autocycle

Three-wheeled vehicle with steering wheel, pedals, roll cage, seat belts, ABS, and partially enclosed seats; operable with a regular driver’s license.

For-Hire Endorsement

Credential add-on permitting operation of vehicles 16,000-26,000 lb GVWR or <16 passengers for compensation.

Organ Donation Indicator

Small heart printed on a credential indicating the holder’s consent to donate organs.

Veteran Indicator

Credential symbol showing the holder is an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran.

Active-Duty Military Indicator

Marker on a credential indicating the holder is currently serving in U.S. Armed Forces.

Parking Placard

Permit allowing parking in spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities; available in permanent or temporary form.

Real ID Star

Gold or black star in the upper-right corner of an Indiana credential signifying Real ID compliance.

Seat Belt Law

Indiana statute requiring every vehicle occupant to wear a seat belt whenever the vehicle is in motion.

Move Over Law

Law requiring drivers to change lanes or slow 10 mph below the limit when approaching stopped emergency, utility, or disabled vehicles with flashing lights.

Work-Zone Speed Limit

Reduced speed (at least 10 mph below posted limit) that applies in highway construction zones, even when workers are absent if signs state so.

Flashing Yellow Arrow

Signal indication allowing a turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; right-of-way is not protected.

All-Way Stop

Intersection where every approach has a stop sign; first vehicle to stop proceeds first, or vehicle on the right if arrival is simultaneous.

Roundabout

Circular intersection with counter-clockwise traffic where entering vehicles yield to circulating traffic and large trucks may use both lanes.

Hydroplaning

Loss of tire traction on a wet surface causing skidding; risk increases with speed and poor tire tread.

Tractor-Trailer Blind Spot

Areas up to 20 ft in front, 200 ft behind, and along both sides of a semi where the driver cannot see smaller vehicles.

School Zone Speed Limit

Reduced limit (often 25 mph or less) in effect near schools on designated days/times or when beacons flash.

Flashing Red Light

Signal treated the same as a stop sign—come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

Orange reflective triangle indicating a vehicle incapable of speeds above 25 mph.

Railroad Crossbuck

White X-shaped sign marking a railroad crossing; functions as a yield sign unless accompanied by lights or gates.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Measure of alcohol in blood; Indiana considers drivers impaired at .08 % or higher.

Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV)

Driver with multiple serious violations within 10 years, subject to 5-year, 10-year, or lifetime license suspension.

Suspension

Temporary withdrawal of driving privileges ordered by a court or the BMV for violations such as no insurance or OWI.

Interlock Device (Restriction 6)

Breath-activated ignition system required for some impaired-driving offenders to regain driving privileges.

Daylight Driving Restriction (G)

Credential code limiting operation of a vehicle to daylight hours due to vision limitations.

Viewable Driver Record

Free online summary of an Indiana driver’s license status, points, and reinstatement requirements on myBMV.com.

Hazard Flashers

Vehicle lights that flash simultaneously front and rear to signal a roadside emergency or disabled vehicle.

Parallel Parking

Method of parking alongside a curb by backing into a space between two parked vehicles.

Tire Pressure

Amount of air in a tire; should be checked monthly and match the psi listed on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Dangerous buildup of odorless exhaust gas in an enclosed vehicle; symptoms include dizziness and headache.

Drowsy Driving

Operating a vehicle while fatigued, impairing reaction time similarly to alcohol; leading cause of serious crashes.

Distracted Driving

Any activity that diverts attention from driving—especially texting—which is illegal unless hands-free.

Aggressive Driving

Continuous driving episode involving at least three hostile actions (e.g., tailgating, unsafe lane changes) punishable under Indiana law.