Ready to take your knowledge exam?
You don't need to schedule an appointment for a knowledge exam. But, you MUST arrive at the branch at least 30 minutes before it closes to take the computer-based knowledge exam that day.
Need to study a bit more before you take the exam?
The Driver’s Manual is available online and can be reviewed by chapter.
Review the Indiana Driver's Manual
If you are an Indiana resident and apply for a driver’s license, you most likely have already passed your knowledge exam. However, there are situations where you may need to take another knowledge exam, such as:
- You are applying for a learner’s permit
- You are renewing your learner’s permit
- You are renewing your driver’s license and have six or more points on your driver record
- You recently moved to Indiana from another country and are applying for a driver’s license
- Your driver’s license has been expired for more than 180 days
- You wish to add endorsements to your driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
What to Expect in the Exam
The knowledge exam is based on information contained in the Indiana Driver's Manual. To pass the knowledge exam, you must demonstrate a basic understanding of Indiana traffic laws and safe driving techniques. The exam include multiple choice questions divided into two sections concerning traffic maneuvers and knowledge of types of traffic signs. Eighty percent or higher correct responses on each component must be achieved to pass the exam.
If you've passed the knowledge exam, your results are valid for 180 days. If you fail a knowledge exam you must wait until the next business day before taking another knowledge exam. If you fail a driving skills exam, you must wait 7 days before taking another driving skills exam. If you fail three driving skills exams while holding a learner’s permit, you must wait two months following the date of the last failed skills exam before attempting another skills exam. You will be required to renew your learner’s permit if it expires before you are eligible for additional driving skills exams.
Taking the Knowledge Exam in a Foreign Language
The BMV currently offers the knowledge exam in the following languages:
| عربي (Arabic) | မြန်မာ (Burmese) | Chin | Hrvatski (Croatian) | |
| Français (French) | Deutsch (German) | Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | हिंदी (Hindi) | 日本語 (Japanese) |
| 한국인 (Korean) | 普通话 (Mandarin - Simplified Chinese) | Polski (Polish) | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi) | Русский (Russian) |
| Српски (Serbian) | Español (Spanish) | Kiswahili (Swahili) | Tagalog | Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) |
American Sign Language (ASL)
Customers that require an ASL translator for a knowledge exam or other services may call the BMV's Contact Center at 888-692-6841 to schedule an appointment. Customers can also schedule an appointment for an ASL translator at any branch. However, please be aware that a knowledge exam with an ASL translator cannot be taken on the same day it is scheduled.
If you do not have a credential with the BMV, you must visit a branch to get a record created. Ensure you have the necessary documents outlined here before visiting a branch.
Please note: only one interpreter allowed per customer.
