Free Indiana BMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 80% correct. The test has two sections - traffic signs and traffic rules - and you need 80% or higher on each section. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the BMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
What does a green light on a traffic signal that is shaped like an arrow mean?
What's on the Indiana Practice Test 1
The BMV does not publish how many questions are on the real Indiana knowledge test, and to pass you need 80% correct. Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 13
- Safe driving 10
- Parking 3
- Right of way 3
- Speed limits 2
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Emergencies 1
53 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Indiana. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. On an interstate inside an Indiana urban area (population of 50,000 or more), what is the maximum speed when no other limit is posted?
- A. 50 mph
- B. 55 mph (correct)
- C. 65 mph
- D. 70 mph
Why: In urban areas, the interstate maximum is 55 mph or the posted limit. Non-divided state highways and county roads in these areas also default to 55 mph.
Source: official Indiana driver handbook, p.41 (PDF p.46), Urban Speed Limits
2. When passing on a two-lane road in Indiana, you must be back in the right lane at least how far ahead of any oncoming vehicle?
- A. 50 feet
- B. 200 feet
- C. 300 feet
- D. 100 feet (correct)
Why: Before you pass, make sure the passing lane is clear enough that you can return to the right side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle. If you cannot, do not pass.
Source: official Indiana driver handbook, p.38 (PDF p.43), Passing Other Vehicles
3. What must you do when you see or hear an emergency vehicle with lights and/or siren on?
- A. Stop immediately where you are
- B. Pull to the right edge and stop (correct)
- C. Pull to the left lane and slow down
- D. Slow down but stay in your lane
Why: When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, you must immediately pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Remain stopped until the vehicle has passed.
Source: official Indiana driver handbook
4. When parking uphill with a curb, which direction do you turn your front wheels?
- A. Toward the curb (right)
- B. Away from the curb (left) (correct)
- C. Straight ahead, parallel to the curb
- D. Either way, if the parking brake is set
Why: When parking uphill with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb (left). If the car rolls backward, it hits the curb and stops. Downhill: turn toward the curb.
Source: official Indiana driver handbook
5. A 'STOP' sign at a railroad crossing with no gates means you must:
- A. Stop only if a train is in sight
- B. Stop fully, then cross when it is safe (correct)
- C. Slow down and look, then roll across
- D. Stop only if the lights are flashing
Why: A stop sign at a railroad crossing requires a complete stop. Look and listen carefully in both directions, and cross only when you are sure no train is coming.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 8B.04 Paragraph 06
6. How much of a traffic lane is a motorcycle entitled to?
- A. Half a lane, so a car may share it
- B. Only the right third of the lane
- C. A full lane, the same as a car (correct)
- D. Whatever space other traffic leaves
Why: A motorcycle has the right to use a full lane. Never drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane, even if the rider is far to one side.
Source: official Indiana driver handbook
More Indiana facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Indiana permit practice test page.
Indiana BMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the BMV
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 80% correct
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles
More Indiana Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Indiana Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your BMV exam.