How to Pass Your Indiana Road Test: A Complete Guide

The Indiana road test, also known as the driving skills test, is a big milestone since it’s the last big obstacle before getting your driving privileges. It’s exciting – but it can also be nerve-wracking for many new drivers.

However, if you’ve been building good driving habits while practicing with your permit, chances are you’ll get a passing score. Preparing properly is necessary if you want to pass your road test.

An important part is to know what to expect when you go to take your test. You should know what documents to bring, what the road test consists of, and what you’ll be tested on.

But there’s no need to worry, in this guide we will go through everything you need to know to pass your Indiana road test on the first try.

Indiana Road Test Requirements

Before starting the road test application process, check out the following list to make sure that you’re eligible to take it.

• You’ve obtained a learner’s permit after passing the knowledge and vision tests.
• You’ve practiced driving for at least 50 hours under adult supervision, and logged your hours on the Indiana Driving Log.
• You’ve held your permit for at least 180 days.
• If you’ve taken driver’s education, you must have reached a minimum age of 16 years and 90 days. If you didn’t take driver’s ed, you must be at least 16 years and 270 days old.

Scheduling Your Indiana Road Test

You can schedule a road test appointment at your local BMV.

If you are taking driver’s education, you may be able to take your road test through the driver’s ed program. If you choose to go that route, you’ll get proof of road test completion from your driving instructor once you pass the test. If you bring your proof of completion to the BMV, your test will be waived.

Vehicle Requirements

The Indiana road test is taken in your own vehicle. While this means you’ll be familiar with the vehicle you’re driving during the test, it also means that you need to make sure that your vehicle meets state standards for road testing vehicles.

You must have insurance and registration for your vehicle. Be sure to bring proof of both – you’ll have to present it to your examiner.

You’ll also need to check that your vehicle itself is working properly. For example, brake lights and turn signals should be functional. Doors should work correctly and the windshield cannot be cracked. If your examiner determines that your vehicle isn’t safe, you cannot take your road test.

The Day of the Indiana Road Test

Be sure to get to the Indiana BMV early. Just before you take the driving skills test, you’ll have to pass a vision test and present the proper documentation to your examiner.

After your vehicle is checked, you’ll head out to a road testing route on public roads or an enclosed testing area where you’ll complete your test.

What to Bring to the BMV

The Indiana BMV requires that you bring a number of documents with you to your test. If you do not have the following documents, you will need to reschedule your road test. Read through the list carefully to make sure that you have everything you need:

• Your driving log, filled out and signed.
• If applicable, proof of driver’s education completion.
• Your learner’s permit.
• If you’re under 18, you’ll need an adult to accompany you, and they will have to provide documents proving their identity and age.

What’s Tested on the Driving Skills Test in Indiana?

During your road test, an examiner will ride in the front passenger seat of your vehicle and observe your driving skills. It is important that, as you take your test, you demonstrate that you know how to properly operate a vehicle.

• Remember to stay in your lane. If you need to change lanes, signal and check your blind spot before moving smoothly over into another lane.
• If another vehicle passes you, keep driving at the same speed while allowing sufficient room for the vehicle to pass safely.
• Keep a good following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Don’t break the speed limit and adjust your speed based on weather conditions and traffic.
• Use proper defensive driving habits.
• Listen to your examiner’s instructions.
• When you approach an intersection, come in at the correct speed. Check for other vehicles. If you need to stop, be sure to stop smoothly before the white line, if there is one. Make complete stops at stop signs.
• When backing, use your mirrors and check blind spots.
• When parallel parking, make sure to check traffic and signal. Then correctly position your vehicle and back carefully and slowly into the parking space.

During COVID-19: While taking your exam, your windows must be kept slightly open. You and the examiner must wear masks as well.

Minor Errors

The following errors may cause you to lose a few points, but they likely will not cause you to fail the road test. Avoid them, but if you make one of these mistakes, don’t worry. These errors are relatively small, and, as long as you don’t mess up too many times, you’ll still pass your test.

• You don’t use your windshield wipers or defroster when needed.
• You don’t keep both hands on the steering wheel.
• You drive in the wrong gear.
• You forget to signal.
• You stop unnecessarily or drive too slowly.
• You fail to check your blind spot.
• You slow down as you change lanes.
• After completing a lane change or turn, you leave a turn signal on.
• You get too close to a parked vehicle or a vehicle ahead of you.

Automatic Failures on the Indiana Road Test

It’s essential to know what actions cause an automatic failure in order to avoid them. Below is a list of the actions that may cause you to automatically fail your Indiana road test.

• You don’t obey a stop sign, a yield sign, a school zone signal/sign, or a “no turn on red” sign.
• You disobey a traffic signal.
• You bump into a curb or sidewalk as you parallel park.
• You fail to follow your examiner’s instructions.
• You forget or refuse to wear a seat belt.
• You don’t react properly to difficult driving conditions.
• You break the speed limit.
• You turn from the wrong lane.
• You pass in a no-passing zone.
• You drive on the wrong side of the road or outside of your lane.
• You fail to keep a proper distance between bicycles or pedestrians.
• You don’t pull over for emergency vehicles.
• You cause an accident.
• You don’t give other drivers right-of-way in the correct circumstances.
• You don’t obey railroad crossing laws.
• You fail to make a complete stop at a stop sign.
• You go through a red light.

If you fail your road test, the Indiana BMV requires new drivers to wait at least 14 days before retaking the test.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the driving skills test in Indiana. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward.

If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.