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Supervised Driving Requirements in Indiana

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In Indiana, supervised driving is a critical component of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. It ensures that new drivers gain practical experience under the guidance of qualified supervisors before obtaining a full driver's license.

Required Supervised Driving Hours

All learner's permit holders must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice. This includes:

  • 10 hours of nighttime driving.

These hours must be documented in the Log of Supervised Driving Practice and presented to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) when applying for a driver's license.

Supervisor Qualifications

The qualifications for a supervising driver vary based on the permit holder's age:

  • Under 18 Years Old:

    • A licensed driver at least 25 years old who is related by blood, marriage, or legal status.
    • A spouse at least 21 years old with valid driving privileges.
    • A licensed driver education instructor affiliated with a driver training school.

  • 18 Years and Older:

    • Any licensed driver at least 25 years old.
    • A spouse at least 21 years old with valid driving privileges.

The supervising driver must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times during practice sessions.

Nighttime Driving Definition

While Indiana law mandates 10 hours of nighttime driving, it does not explicitly define "nighttime." It's generally accepted that nighttime begins at sunset and ends at sunrise. For accurate logging, refer to local sunset and sunrise times.

Holding Period for Learner's Permit

Before applying for a driver's license, permit holders must:

  • Hold the learner's permit for at least 180 days.
  • Complete the required supervised driving hours.

Additional Resources

For more information on Indiana's driving laws and requirements, consider the following resources:

For official information and forms, visit the Indiana BMV website.