Indiana DMV Practice Test

Indiana study guide

Key facts from the official Indiana BMV handbook, organized the way the test asks about them. Each one links to its source section.

Road signs, signals & markings

• Brown traffic signs indicate nearby recreational and cultural interest sites.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Colors
• Blue traffic signs display road services and information.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Colors
• Green traffic signs indicate permitted movements and directions or guidance.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Colors
• Orange traffic signs warn drivers of temporary traffic conditions.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Colors
• White traffic signs display traffic regulations, such as speed limits.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Colors
• Red traffic signs convey traffic regulations that require drivers to take immediate action.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Colors
• Circular traffic signs alert drivers to upcoming railroad crossings.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Shapes
• Pennant-shaped traffic signs are posted on the left-hand side of two-way roads.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Shapes
• Diamond-shaped traffic signs warn drivers of upcoming road conditions and hazards.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Shapes
• Five-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they are entering an area near a school.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Sign Shapes
• A green light means go; if you are facing a green light, you have the right of way.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Signals
• A steady yellow light means the green light has ended and the signal is about to turn red.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Signals
• A yellow flashing arrow means you may proceed with the turn only after you have yielded.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 6: Traffic Signs and Signals — Traffic Signals
• You may cross a broken yellow line to pass when safe, but you should not cross a solid yellow line except to turn.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Lane Markings

Traffic laws & licensing

• The exam has multiple-choice questions in two sections (traffic maneuvers and traffic signs); you need 80% or higher correct on each component.Permits & Licensing · Knowledge Exam
• Applicants enrolled in driver education must be at least 15 years of age.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• Applicants not enrolled in driver education must be 16 years of age or older.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• Learner's permits are valid for two years from the date of issuance.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• You must hold a learner's permit for at least 180 days before applying for a license.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• Applicants must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• The supervising driver must be a licensed driver at least 25 years old, or a spouse at least 21.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• For the first 180 days, probationary drivers may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• No passengers for the first 180 days except a licensed person 25 or older, a spouse 21 or older, and immediate family members.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential
• Never make a U-turn on an interstate highway; proceed to the next exit and re-enter.Right-of-Way · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — U-Turns
• The first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to proceed.Right-of-Way · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — All-Way Stops
• When vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields the right-of-way.Right-of-Way · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — All-Way Stops
• In a roundabout, traffic enters or exits only through right turns and proceeds counterclockwise.Right-of-Way · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Roundabouts
• Passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 mph or the posted limit on rural interstates.Speed Limits & Work Zones · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Speed Limits
• On an urban interstate highway, vehicles may not exceed 55 mph or the posted speed.Speed Limits & Work Zones · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Speed Limits
• In most urban residential areas, vehicles may not exceed 30 mph or the posted speed.Speed Limits & Work Zones · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Speed Limits
• In alleys, vehicles may not exceed 15 mph or the posted speed limit.Speed Limits & Work Zones · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Speed Limits

Safe driving

• You must return to the right side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle.Safe Driving Habits · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Passing Other Vehicles
• Passing is prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct or tunnel.Safe Driving Habits · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Prohibited Passing
• Stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.Safe Driving Habits · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Following Distance
• You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.Sharing the Road · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — School Buses
• Motorists must yield the right of way, move over to the right and come to a complete stop.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Emergency Vehicles
• All school buses and all vehicles carrying passengers for hire must stop at railroad crossings.Sharing the Road · Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — Railroad Crossings
• The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident must stop immediately or as close as possible to the scene.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — What To Do After an Accident
• Do not move the vehicle if the accident results in injury, death or entrapment.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Should You Move Your Vehicle?
• If the accident results in injury or death, the driver must provide reasonable assistance.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Provide Reasonable Assistance
• Depending on the situation, you can stop quickly, turn quickly or speed up.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Avoiding Collisions
• If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, do not try to turn back onto the pavement right away.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Driving off the Pavement
• Do not attempt to open a door. Remove your seat belt and open a window.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Plunging into Water
• Place your red reflective triangle 200 feet behind your vehicle (500 feet if you are on a hill).Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations
• If you must exit while on a roadside shoulder, exit on the passenger side.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Roadside Emergency Situations
• Take your foot off the gas pedal, do not apply the brakes, and let the car slow down.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Tire Blowout
• Shift to a lower gear if possible and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Brake Failure
• Acknowledge the officer's presence by turning on your right turn signal.Crashes & Emergencies · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Traffic Stops by Law Enforcement
• Never let your vehicle's engine run in a closed garage.Safe Driving Habits · Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Common mistakes

• Hitting the brakes after a blowout. Indiana's manual says to ease off the gas and let the car slow down.Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations — Tire Blowout
• Mixing up yield rules at all-way stops. When two vehicles arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields.Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation — All-Way Stops
• Studying only the rules. You also need 80% on the separate traffic signs section.Knowledge Exam

Test types

Indiana permit test FAQ