Indiana's Teen Driving Laws: A Parent's Guide to the GDL Program

For a teenager in Indiana, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage. For parents, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and concern. To address this, Indiana has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for all drivers under the age of 21.

These laws are not designed to be inconvenient; they are a data-driven safety system created to protect new, inexperienced drivers by limiting their exposure to the highest-risk driving scenarios. For these laws to be effective, both teens and parents must understand and enforce them as a team.

The Foundation: The Learner's Permit Phase

The journey begins with a learner's permit, which is all about supervised practice.

Age Requirements: A teen can get a permit at 15 years old if enrolled in a driver education course. Otherwise, they must wait until 16 years old.
Mandatory 180-Day Holding Period: A teen must hold their instruction permit for a minimum of 180 days (6 months) before they are eligible to take their road test.
The 50-Hour Driving Log: During this six-month period, a parent or legal guardian must supervise and certify that the teen has completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
- Of these 50 hours, at least 10 hours must take place at night. This is critically important for teaching teens how to handle the different challenges of nighttime driving.
Supervision Rule: During the entire permit phase, the teen must be accompanied by a licensed driving instructor or a licensed relative who is at least 25 years old (or a spouse 21+) and is seated in the front passenger seat.

The Probationary License: Freedom with Restrictions

After successfully completing the permit phase, a teen can take the road test to earn their probationary license. This license comes with critical restrictions for the first 180 days.

1. Nighttime Driving Curfew

For the first 180 days of holding a probationary license, a teen driver CANNOT operate a vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
After 180 days, the curfew is extended:
- Sunday - Thursday: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Friday - Saturday: 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Exceptions: The curfew is waived if the teen is traveling to or from work, a school-sanctioned activity, or a religious event, or if they are accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older (or spouse 21+).

2. Passenger Restrictions

This is one of the most important GDL rules.

For the first 180 days of holding a probationary license, a teen driver CANNOT transport any passengers.
Exceptions: This restriction does not apply if the passenger is the driver's sibling or child. It is also waived if a licensed driver 25 or older (or spouse 21+) is in the front passenger seat.

3. The Absolute Mobile Device Ban

This rule is simple and strict. Drivers under the age of 18 are PROHIBITED from using any cell phone or other telecommunications device while driving, even a hands-free device. The only exception is for making an emergency 911 call.

The Full Unrestricted License

A driver can graduate from a probationary license to a full, unrestricted license when they turn 21 years old.

The Parent's Crucial Role

The GDL laws place significant legal responsibility on the parent or guardian.

Financial Liability: A parent who signs the financial responsibility agreement can be held liable for damages their teen causes in an accident.
50-Hour Log: The parent is legally responsible for certifying the 50 hours of practice.
Enforcement: The success of the GDL program hinges on parents enforcing these rules at home, especially the curfew and passenger limits.
Leading by Example: Your teen learned their driving habits from watching you. Put your phone away, obey the speed limit, and always wear your seat belt.

By working together, parents and teens can navigate Indiana's GDL program, ensuring the path to driving freedom is a safe one that builds a lifetime of responsible habits.