Elkhart Indiana Online Driver Education and Elkhart Indiana Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Elkhart Indiana? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Elkhart Indiana has implemented a graduated driver license program for Elkhart Indiana drivers who are under the age of 18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Elkhart Indiana.
Elkhart Indiana Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)
You will be eligible to apply for an Elkhart Indiana instruction permit when you are 15 years and 6 months old, provided you are enrolled in a state-approved drivers education program.
When you're ready to get your instruction permit, you will need to take the following items to the driver's license office with you:
- Valid ID documents (for a list of acceptable documents, please visit the Elkhart Indiana BMV's website)
- Social Security card
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.
- Proof of Elkhart Indiana residency
You will be given two (2) tests: a vision test and a written (knowledge) test. If you pass both of these, you will be issued an Elkhart Indiana instruction permit.
Once you have your instruction permit, you may begin to practice driving you must be accompanied by a certified driving instructor or a member of your family who has a driver's license and is at least 21 years old to supervise your driving.
Elkhart Indiana Intermediate License
After you have had your instruction license for one (1) year, and kept a clean driving record, you will be able to apply for an intermediate license.
Prerequisites for an intermediate license:
- Be 16 years and 6 months old
- Have had your instruction permit in good standing for at least 180 days.
- Completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must have been at night)
When you go down to the BMV office, be sure to take the required ID forms you took when you went to get your instruction permit along with a signed agreement of financial liability (see the Elkhart Indiana BMV website for details).
You will need to pass vision, written, and--yes--a road test to get your provisional license.
Once you have your provisionsal license, there are still a few restrictions which you'll have to follow until you turn 18:
- During the first 180 days, you may not drive between 10pm and 5am.
- After the first 180 days, you may not drive during the following hours: Saturday & Sunday, from 1am to 5am; Sunday thru Thursday, from 11pm to 5am
Exceptions include if you are driving to or from a school-sponsored, civil, or church-sponsored activity.
After you turn 18, these restrictions are removed and you will be free to drive--carefully--24 hours a day.
Elkhart Indiana Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
Elkhart Indiana law requires that you carry a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. Driving without auto insurance is a crime. If you drive without insurance, you are looking at having your license suspended plus a hefty fine.
Elkhart Indiana Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol will get you in more trouble than you can imagine. Upon your FIRST conviction of an Indian DUI, you will face the following penalties:
- 30 to 60 days in jail
- A $500 fine
- Suspension of your license for two (2) years
- Court fees
- Probation for up to 2 years
Further DUI violations will result in more severe penalties, including extended jail time and the revocation of your driver license.
Elkhart Indiana Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws
If you are under 18, you may not use any electronic communication device while driving (yes, that absolutely includes texting!)
Elkhart Indiana Driver Education
For information regarding state-approved drivers education courses in Elkhart Indiana, please visit the Elkhart Indiana BMV website.