Driving skills exam (driving test)

Indiana Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

Indiana's driving skills exam is a drive on public roads in your own vehicle with a BMV examiner (or a certified examiner at a participating driver training school). The examiner scores you on BMV State Form 54948, the Official Skills Test Score Sheet, covering preparing to drive, starting, speed, stopping, turns, lane changes, parking and backing, railroad crossings and school zones. Points are added for errors and 11 or more points is a fail; items marked as automatic failures fail you outright. The BMV exam is free.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 8 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
8
Most points off allowed
10
Listed automatic failures
22

Who can take the Indiana road test

Pass the knowledge exam first. You must be at least 16 with a BMV-licensed driver education program, or 16 years and 270 days without one. Hold a valid learner's permit for at least 180 days and turn in a supervised driving log of 50 hours (10 at night). Schedule the BMV exam at least 48 hours and no more than 3 weeks ahead, and arrive 15 minutes early. Official source 1in.gov“Pass a knowledge exam for the driver's license you want to obtain (must be complete prior to skills exam)”“You must be at least 16 years old with completion of a BMV licensed driver education program”“You must be at least 16 years and 270 days of age without completion of a BMV licensed driver education program”“You must hold a valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) Indiana learner's permit for at least 180 days”“At the time of application for a driver's license, you must submit a completed State Form 54706 – Log of Supervised Driving Practice, showing proof of the 50 hours of driving practice.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2in.gov“Appointments are required for driving skills tests and must be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours and maximum of 3 weeks in advance.”“You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to take a driving test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

0 of 6 ready

SourcesOfficial source 1in.gov“Your vehicle must be legally equipped, insured, and in a safe and clean condition. You must also provide the vehicle's current registration before taking the driving skills exam.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2in.gov“A valid Indiana learner's permit, out-of-country license, or a driver's license or ID card expired over 5 years with proof of driving record Completed Supervised Driving Log Driver's Ed proof of completion, if applicable”“If under the age of 18, a parent or guardian who can sign for financial responsibility must be at the appointment OR if 18 or over, a licensed driver”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Insured to Indiana's minimum liability standard
  • Properly registered, legally equipped, safe and clean
  • Passes an inspection just before the exam: 2 working brake lights, all 4 turn signals, working doors, no cracked windshield or blocked view, no spare tires
  • Score sheet inspection also covers speedometer, broken glass or mirrors, inoperative doors, unsafe tires, wipers (if raining), interior too dirty, missing bumper and seat belts
  • Driver assistance technology turned off; interior cameras turned off (backup cameras are allowed)
  • Only you and the examiner in the car; hand signals may not be used on the exam
SourcesOfficial source 1in.gov“If you have any interior cameras in your vehicle, they must be deactivated for the duration of the driving skills exam. This does not include any backup cameras.”“If, however, one or more of these signals is malfunctioning, you may use hand signals. You may not use hand signals on a driving skills exam.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2in.gov“Your examination vehicle must be insured to the state's minimum liability insurance standard.”“The vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection just before going on a skills exam (e.g., 2 brake lights working, all 4 turn signals working, doors operational, no cracked windshield or hindering the line of sight, no spare tires).”“Any driver assistance technology must be deactivated for the skills exam. No one but the individual taking the skills exam can be in the car with the skills examiner.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3forms.in.gov“1. Vehicle Properly Registered 2. Turn Signals 3. Brake Lights (At Least 2) 4. Speedometer working 5. Broken Glass/Mirrors 6. Door Inoperative (inside/outside) 7. Unsafe Tires”“8. Windshield Wipers (if raining) 9. Interior Too Dirty 10. Missing Bumper (front/rear) 11. Seat Belts”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Indiana road test is scored

The examiner marks errors on State Form 54948 (Official Skills Test Score Sheet). Points add up and 11 or more points is a fail. Items marked '**' on the sheet are automatic failures. The form does not print how many points each error costs. Official source 1in.gov“The examiner's job is not to provide instruction, but to administer a fair and objective examination based on what he or she observes. The BMV examiner will use a standardized form to evaluate your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3forms.in.gov“TOTAL POINTS Accumulation of 11 points or more equals failure”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

Any one of these ends or fails a Indiana road test, no matter how well the rest goes.

  1. Disobeying a yield, stop, school zone or no-turn-on-red sign Official source 1in.gov“Any of the following actions shall result in the automatic failure of the driving skills exam: Disobeying a yield, stop, school zone, or no turn on red sign”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  2. Disobeying a traffic signal Official source 3forms.in.gov“** 7. Fails to stop at stop sign completely ** 8. Disobeys traffic signal”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  3. Not stopping at a stoplight Official source 2in.gov“Failure to obey required laws concerning railroad crossings Failure to stop at a stoplight Failure to stop at stop sign completely”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  4. Not stopping completely at a stop sign Official source 2in.gov“Failure to obey required laws concerning railroad crossings Failure to stop at a stoplight Failure to stop at stop sign completely”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  5. Backing over a curb Official source 2in.gov“Disobeying a traffic signal Backing over a curb Driving into a parked vehicle Failure to follow instructions Failure to use a seat belt”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  6. Driving into a parked vehicle Official source 2in.gov“Disobeying a traffic signal Backing over a curb Driving into a parked vehicle Failure to follow instructions Failure to use a seat belt”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  7. Not following the examiner's instructions Official source 2in.gov“Disobeying a traffic signal Backing over a curb Driving into a parked vehicle Failure to follow instructions Failure to use a seat belt”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  8. Not using a seat belt Official source 2in.gov“Disobeying a traffic signal Backing over a curb Driving into a parked vehicle Failure to follow instructions Failure to use a seat belt”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  9. Not reacting to hazardous driving conditions Official source 2in.gov“Failure to react to hazardous driving conditions Exceeding the posted speed limit Driving too fast for conditions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  10. Exceeding the posted speed limit Official source 2in.gov“Failure to react to hazardous driving conditions Exceeding the posted speed limit Driving too fast for conditions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  11. Driving too fast for conditions Official source 2in.gov“Failure to react to hazardous driving conditions Exceeding the posted speed limit Driving too fast for conditions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  12. Turning into or using the wrong lane Official source 1in.gov“Turning into or using the wrong lane Passing in a no-passing zone or otherwise crossing a solid yellow line”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  13. Passing in a no-passing zone or crossing a solid yellow line Official source 1in.gov“Turning into or using the wrong lane Passing in a no-passing zone or otherwise crossing a solid yellow line”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  14. Driving left of center Official source 3forms.in.gov“** 6. Driving left of center of street/crosses yellow line ** 7. Fails to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  15. Straddling marked lanes Official source 1in.gov“Driving left of the center of the street Straddling marked lanes Driving too close to pedestrians or bicycles”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  16. Driving too close to pedestrians or bicycles Official source 1in.gov“Driving left of the center of the street Straddling marked lanes Driving too close to pedestrians or bicycles”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  17. Not pulling over and stopping for emergency vehicles or school buses Official source 1in.gov“Failure to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles or school buses Causing an accident during the driving skills exam”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  18. Passing a school bus with its stop arm out Official source 3forms.in.gov“** 1. Fails to obey posted speed limit/signs ** 2. Passes school bus with stop arm out”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  19. Not obeying school zone speed limits or signs Official source 2in.gov“Failure to stop at stop sign completely Failure to obey posted speed limit/signs in a school zone”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  20. Causing an accident Official source 1in.gov“Failure to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles or school buses Causing an accident during the driving skills exam”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  21. Failing to yield the right-of-way Official source 1in.gov“Failure to yield the right of way Failure to obey required laws concerning RR crossings”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  22. Not obeying railroad crossing laws Official source 1in.gov“Failure to yield the right of way Failure to obey required laws concerning RR crossings”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maneuvers on the Indiana driving test

Steps and scoring come from Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Preparing to drive

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section A: seat belt (automatic failure if not used), both hands on the wheel, defroster and wipers when needed, adjusting seat and mirrors.

Steps

Not officially described by BMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3forms.in.gov“3. Fails to use defroster and wipers (if applicable) 4. Fails to adjust seat/mirrors (if applicable)”“1. Fails to use seat belt 2. Fails to place both hands on the steering wheel”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Starting to drive (leaving the curb)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section B: check traffic conditions, select the right gear without stalling, release the parking brake, signal when leaving the curb.

Steps

Not officially described by BMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3forms.in.gov“3. Fails to release parking brake 4. Fails to signal leaving curb”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Stopping and intersections

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section E: overrunning the crosswalk, stop line or stop sign; waiting too long; not slowing before a stop; stopping too close to other vehicles; unnecessary stops. Not stopping at a stoplight, not stopping completely at a stop sign, and disobeying a traffic signal are automatic failures.

Steps

  1. Approach the intersection at the proper speed.
  2. Look for other vehicles.
  3. Come to a complete stop when required.
  4. Anticipate that the light might change; don't try to beat a yellow before it turns red.
SourcesOfficial source 2in.gov“Approach intersections at the proper speed, look for other vehicles, come to a complete stop, anticipate that the light might change, and do not try to beat a yellow before it changes to red”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3forms.in.gov“3. Fails to slow prior to stop/curve 4. Stops too close to other vehicles”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Left turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section F: signal for the turn, check traffic, don't turn too fast or wide, don't drive over the curb; an improper approach for a left turn is scored. Turning into or using the wrong lane is an automatic failure.

Steps

Not officially described by BMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3forms.in.gov“1. Fails to signal for turn 2. Fails to check traffic 3. Turns too fast/wide 4. Drives over curb during turn”“** 5. Turns into or uses the wrong lane 6. Improper approach for left turn”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Right turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section F: signal for the turn, check traffic, don't turn too fast or wide, don't drive over the curb. Turning into or using the wrong lane is an automatic failure.

Steps

Not officially described by BMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3forms.in.gov“1. Fails to signal for turn 2. Fails to check traffic 3. Turns too fast/wide 4. Drives over curb during turn”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Lane changes

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section J: signal, check your blind spot, keep your speed while changing lanes, and turn the signal off after the change.

Steps

  1. Obey the lane markings and look carefully.
  2. Signal properly before changing lanes.
  3. Check your blind spot.
  4. Don't slow down while changing lanes.
  5. Turn the signal off after the lane change.
SourcesOfficial source 2in.gov“Drive in the proper lane, obey the lane markings, look carefully, and signal properly before changing lanes”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3forms.in.gov“3. Slows speed when changing lanes 4. Leaves turn signal on after completed lane change”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parking in a space

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section K: stopping in an improper position, not centering the vehicle in the space, not checking traffic. Driving into a parked vehicle is an automatic failure.

Steps

  1. Check traffic by looking in your mirrors.
  2. Signal your intention to park.
  3. Move into the space smoothly and at the proper speed.
  4. Center the vehicle in the space.
SourcesOfficial source 2in.gov“When parking, always check traffic by looking in your mirrors, signal your intention to park, and move into the space smoothly and at the proper speed”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3forms.in.gov“2. Fails to center vehicle in parking space 3. Fails to check traffic 4. Backs too fast ** 5. Backs over curb ** 6. Drives into parked vehicle”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Backing out of a parking space

Always tested

How it’s scored

Score sheet section K: check traffic and don't back too fast. Backing over a curb or into a parked vehicle is an automatic failure.

Steps

  1. Use your mirrors and check your blind spots.
  2. Look in both directions and double-check for cars and pedestrians.
  3. Back out slowly.
SourcesOfficial source 1in.gov“Be sure to look in both directions and double-check for cars and pedestrians when backing out of a parking place.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2in.gov“Use your mirrors and check your blind spots to ensure you are backing correctly out of parking spaces”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Following distance and space

    Tailgating, or getting too close to parked vehicles or objects, is scored. Official source 2in.gov“Leave enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid a collision”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3forms.in.gov“2. Too close to parked vehicle/objects ** 3. Straddles marked lanes/uses wrong lane”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Being passed

    When another vehicle overtakes you, keep your speed and give it room to pass. Official source 1in.gov“Reacting appropriately to being overtaken and passed by another vehicle by maintaining your speed and providing enough room to pass”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Speed control

    Driving too slowly for conditions is scored; driving too fast for conditions or over the posted limit is an automatic failure. Official source 1in.gov“Controlling your speed according to posted speed limits and varying traffic conditions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Smooth vehicle operation

    Uneven starts, stops and acceleration, unnecessary braking, and running off the roadway are scored. Official source 3forms.in.gov“1. Uneven starts/stops and acceleration 2. Brakes unnecessarily”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Railroad crossings

    Check traffic before crossing; not obeying railroad crossing laws is an automatic failure. Official source 3forms.in.gov“1. Fails to check traffic before crossing ** 2. Fails to obey required laws at a RR crossing”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Defensive driving and following instructions

    Observe good defensive driving habits, listen to the examiner's instructions, and follow the general flow of traffic. Official source 2in.gov“Observe good defensive driving habits Listen to instructions and observe the general flow of traffic”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Unsafe acts

    The examiner can score any unsafe act observed during the drive. Official source 3forms.in.gov“** 3. Fails to react to hazardous driving conditions 4. Commits an unsafe act”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Indiana road test

Wait 7 days before taking another driving test. After a third failure while holding a learner's permit, wait two months from the last failed exam. If your permit expires first, you must renew it and retake the knowledge exam. The BMV driving skills exam is free. The examiner may choose to continue the drive after you have failed. Official source 1in.gov“If you fail a driving skills exam, you must wait seven days before you can retake the exam.”“Upon failure of a third driving skills exam while holding a learner's permit, you must wait for two months from the date of the last failed driving skills exam before taking the exam again.”“You must provide your own vehicle for the driving skills exam. There is no charge for the driving skills exam administered by the BMV.”“It shall be within the discretion of the BMV examiner to continue after a driver has failed the driving skills exam.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2in.gov“You will be required to renew your learner's permit if it expires before you are eligible for additional driving tests. You will also have to retake a knowledge exam to renew.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Indiana permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

A learner's permit holder who completes a course at a BMV-licensed driver training school in the BMV's skills test program (30 hours of classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel) may take the skills exam with the school. The BMV web page says you must also be at least 16 years and 90 days old. A passing school result stays valid until the permit expires. You must test at a BMV branch if you fail either part of the course, your school doesn't participate, or your permit expires. Official source 1in.gov“you may take the driving skills exam with the school after successful completion of the course, which includes 30 hours of theoretical training and six hours of behind-the-wheel training.”“If you successfully complete a driving skills exam administered by the driver training school, the results of your exam will remain valid until your learner's permit expires.”“You receive a failing grade in either portion of the driver education course”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2in.gov“If you have a learner's permit and have successfully completed driver training with an Indiana licensed Driver Training provider, and are 16 years and 90 days of age, you may take the driving test with the provider”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Indiana road test questions

What is on the Indiana road test?

Indiana's driving skills exam is a drive on public roads in your own vehicle with a BMV examiner (or a certified examiner at a participating driver training school). The examiner scores you on BMV State Form 54948, the Official Skills Test Score Sheet, covering preparing to drive, starting, speed, stopping, turns, lane changes, parking and backing, railroad crossings and school zones. Points are added for errors and 11 or more points is a fail; items marked as automatic failures fail you outright. The BMV exam is free. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Preparing to drive, Starting to drive (leaving the curb), Stopping and intersections, Left turns, Right turns, Lane changes, Parking in a space, Backing out of a parking space.

How is the Indiana driving test scored?

The examiner marks errors on State Form 54948 (Official Skills Test Score Sheet). Points add up and 11 or more points is a fail. Items marked '**' on the sheet are automatic failures. The form does not print how many points each error costs.

What is an automatic fail on the Indiana road test?

Official Indiana sources list these as automatic failures: Disobeying a yield, stop, school zone or no-turn-on-red sign; Disobeying a traffic signal; Not stopping at a stoplight; Not stopping completely at a stop sign; Backing over a curb; Driving into a parked vehicle; Not following the examiner's instructions; Not using a seat belt; Not reacting to hazardous driving conditions; Exceeding the posted speed limit; Driving too fast for conditions; Turning into or using the wrong lane; Passing in a no-passing zone or crossing a solid yellow line; Driving left of center; Straddling marked lanes; Driving too close to pedestrians or bicycles; Not pulling over and stopping for emergency vehicles or school buses; Passing a school bus with its stop arm out; Not obeying school zone speed limits or signs; Causing an accident; Failing to yield the right-of-way; and Not obeying railroad crossing laws.

What do I need to bring to the Indiana road test?

A valid Indiana learner's permit (or an out-of-country license, or a license or ID expired more than 5 years with proof of driving record); Completed supervised driving log (State Form 54706); Driver's ed proof of completion, if applicable; Under 18: a parent or guardian who can sign for financial responsibility; 18 or over: a licensed driver; The vehicle's current registration; and An insured vehicle.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Indiana road test?

Insured to Indiana's minimum liability standard; Properly registered, legally equipped, safe and clean; Passes an inspection just before the exam: 2 working brake lights, all 4 turn signals, working doors, no cracked windshield or blocked view, no spare tires; Score sheet inspection also covers speedometer, broken glass or mirrors, inoperative doors, unsafe tires, wipers (if raining), interior too dirty, missing bumper and seat belts; Driver assistance technology turned off; interior cameras turned off (backup cameras are allowed); and Only you and the examiner in the car; hand signals may not be used on the exam.

When can I take the Indiana road test?

Pass the knowledge exam first. You must be at least 16 with a BMV-licensed driver education program, or 16 years and 270 days without one. Hold a valid learner's permit for at least 180 days and turn in a supervised driving log of 50 hours (10 at night). Schedule the BMV exam at least 48 hours and no more than 3 weeks ahead, and arrive 15 minutes early.

What happens if I fail the Indiana road test?

Wait 7 days before taking another driving test. After a third failure while holding a learner's permit, wait two months from the last failed exam. If your permit expires first, you must renew it and retake the knowledge exam. The BMV driving skills exam is free. The examiner may choose to continue the drive after you have failed.

Can the Indiana road test be waived?

A learner's permit holder who completes a course at a BMV-licensed driver training school in the BMV's skills test program (30 hours of classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel) may take the skills exam with the school. The BMV web page says you must also be at least 16 years and 90 days old. A passing school result stays valid until the permit expires. You must test at a BMV branch if you fail either part of the course, your school doesn't participate, or your permit expires.

Notes from our check

Official score sheet: BMV State Form 54948 'Official Skills Test Score Sheet - State Skills Test Examiner' (R8 / 8-24), at forms.in.gov id=10397. It lists every scored item in sections A-L; '**' marks automatic failures; and 'Accumulation of 11 points or more equals failure', so the scoring rule is max_points 10 (points, not errors). Points per item are not printed on the form. Parallel parking appears in the handbook's parking section but is not an item on the score sheet; the parking/backing section covers stopping position, centering in a space, checking traffic and backing speed. Conflicts: the handbook doesn't mention the '16 years and 90 days' age for testing with a driver training school (BMV web page). The BMV page says a driving test is valid for two years or until the permit expires, whichever comes first; the handbook says a school-administered result is valid until the permit expires.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

in.gov

  1. drivers manual (PDF)
  2. driving skill examination

forms.in.gov

  1. download

This guide summarizes official Indiana sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a BMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles before test day.

Indiana permit practice testsSupervised driving log