Teen Driver Insurance in Indiana

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Indiana operates a Graduated Driver Licensing system where probationary licenses are issued to applicants younger than 21 years old, with various restrictions applying until the driver's 21st birthday. Learner's permits may be obtained at age 15 with enrollment in an approved behind-the-wheel training course and a valid Certificate of Driver Education, or at age 16 without driver education enrollment. Probationary licenses can be obtained at 16 years 90 days with successful driver education completion, or 16 years 270 days without completing driver education, provided the learner's permit has been held for at least 180 days.

Licensing Timeline

All permit holders must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 hours conducted at nighttime, documented in a Log of Supervised Driving. Supervision must be provided by a licensed driver with valid privileges who is at least 25 years old, or a spouse who is licensed and at least 21 years old. To obtain a probationary license, applicants must meet age requirements and have held a learner's permit for 180 days, with those under 18 requiring a co-signer for financial liability.

GDL Restrictions

Probationary drivers may not use telecommunication devices except for emergency 911 calls and cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 180 days. During the initial 180 days, no passengers are allowed unless accompanied by a licensed instructor, licensed driver at least 25 years old, or spouse at least 21 years old, though drivers may transport their child, stepchild, sibling, step-sibling, half-sibling, or spouse without additional supervision. After 180 days, drivers under 18 cannot drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends, unless supervised by a licensed driver at least 25 years old or licensed spouse at least 21 years old.

Permit holding period: 180 days minimum. Nighttime restriction: 10pm-5am for first 180 days, then 11pm-5am Sunday-Thursday and 1am-5am Saturday-Sunday until age 18. Passenger restriction: No passengers for first 180 days except with licensed supervisor 25+ or spouse 21+. Cell phone restriction: Prohibited except for emergency 911 calls. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver 25+ related by blood/marriage/legal status, or spouse 21+. Nighttime exceptions include: employment, school activities, emergencies, accompanied by licensed driver 25+ or spouse 21+. Passenger exceptions include: child, stepchild, sibling, step-sibling, half-sibling, spouse.

Insurance Requirements

Indiana requires minimum liability insurance coverage of 25/50/25, including $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one individual, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage or destruction in one accident. All insurance policies must include uninsured motorist coverage equal to the liability minimums plus $50,000 in underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injury, unless these coverages are waived in writing by the policy purchaser.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Insurance system: at-fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. Must be offered, can be declined in writing.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in Indiana typically face higher insurance premiums due to their inexperience and statistical risk profile. The state's relatively low minimum liability limits may provide inadequate protection in serious accidents, making higher coverage limits a prudent consideration for young drivers and their families. families typically evaluate whether their teens would benefit from comprehensive and collision coverage, particularly if driving newer vehicles.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: With driver education - permit at 15, license at 16y 3m. 50 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; driver education required; road test required.

Option 2: Without driver education - permit at 16, license at 16y 9m. 50 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $9. License fee: $17.50. Vision test and knowledge exam included.