If you're looking to get out on Indianapolis Motor Speedway — or at least Interstate 70 — you will first need your driver's license. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, getting a driver's license is a huge step in life. But, before you take this step into independence and obtain a driver's license, you need to pass the Indiana driver's knowledge exam.
Luckily, the Indiana Driver's Manual contains all the information you need to know to ace the driver's knowledge exam. Once you've studied the manual, we'll also tell you which Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branches are in the Indianapolis area.
Who Needs to Take the Indiana Driver's Written Exam?
If you meet one of these conditions, you will need to take the exam.
You are applying for your learner’s permit.
You're a new Indiana resident whose out-of-state driver’s license is expired or a new resident with a valid out-of-country license.
You're an Indiana resident whose driver’s license has been expired for more than 180 days.
You have six or more active points on an Indiana driving record and want to renew your driver’s license.
How Many Questions Are on the Exam?
The Indiana written driver's test consists of a total of 50 questions. To pass the test, you must meet a passing score of 80% or higher, which equates to answering 40 or higher out of the 50 questions correctly. If you fail a written test, you must wait until the next business day before taking another written test.
What Type of Questions Are on the Exam?
The driver's knowledge exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions, broken down into two sections. It will test your basic understanding of Indiana traffic laws, as well as safe driving techniques. The first section contains traffic maneuvers and general safe driving techniques. This makes up 34 of the 50 questions. The second section contains 16 questions and tests your knowledge of types of traffic signs. You may see some of the following topics on the exam.
Traffic Manuevers and Safe Driving Techniques
This section might include questions on:
Lane markings
Safely changing lanes and passing conditions
Safely turning
Proper braking and following distances
Conditional driving (weather, emergency
Parking and reversing
Pedestrian safety
Inner-vehicle safety
Traffic Signs and Signals
This section might include questions on:
Traffic sign colors
Traffic sign shapes
Warning signs
Traffic regulation and guidance signs
Traffic signals
Where Can I Take the Exam in the Indianapolis Area?
There are six BMV branches within 30 miles of Indianapolis. These branches will be where you take the driver's knowledge exam.
Danville: 789 E Main St
Greenfield: 1821 E Main St
Indianapolis - Ameriplex: 7811 Milhouse Rd, Ste B
Indianapolis - Madison Avenue: 1440 Madison Ave
Indianapolis North Meridian: 9245 N Meridian St, Ste 110
Plainfield: 2477 E Main St
Appointments are not required for each of these branches; however, you must arrive at least one hour before a branch closes to take a written test. If you need to have the test read to you, you must call ahead for an appointment. Call the Indiana BMV’s Contact Center at 1-888-692-6841 to make an appointment.
Ready to Tackle the Exam?
In addition to reviewing our guide to passing the Indiana knowledge test, you can register for a Drivers Ed's Indiana practice permit course. These courses allow you to practice exam questions at any time and prepare you for the exam with the most up-to-date rules and regulations.