Helping your teen become a safe, confident driver is one of the most important responsibilities a parent will have. At Whitley County Driving School, we believe that driver education is most successful when parents and instructors work together as a team.

Learning to drive is not just about passing a test — it is about building safe habits, confidence, awareness, and experience behind the wheel.

 One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting too long to begin the licensing process. Starting early gives students:

• More time to complete the required 50 supervised driving hours 
• More real-world driving experience in different conditions 
• More confidence behind the wheel 
• Less stress when preparing for the driving test 
• Better long-term driving habits 

Indiana students who complete a state-approved driver education course will earn their probationary driver’s license earlier than students who do not complete driver education.  

A student may obtain a learner’s permit at:

• 15 years old 
• Must be enrolled in a state-approved behind-the-wheel driver education course 
• Must pass: 
  • Vision screening 
  • Written knowledge exam 
  • Provide required identification documents 

A student may obtain a learner’s permit at:

• 16 years old 
• Must pass: 
  • Vision screening 
  • Written knowledge exam 
  • Provide required identification documents 

Driver education gives students the foundation, but parents provide the real-world experience that develops safe drivers.Indiana law requires:

• 50 hours of supervised driving 
• Including: 
  • 10 nighttime hours 

  These hours are required even if a student completes driver education. 

  Step 3: Once Student Has Permit, Call US to Schedule!

Call or text 260-503-8686 to schedule your driving sessions with Whitley County Driving School.   

 Students improve most when they practice consistently between driving lessons. Professional lessons teach:

• Vehicle control 
• Parking 
• Maneuvers 
• Road rules 
• Defensive driving skills 

But parents help students gain:

• Confidence 
• Experience in real traffic 
• Decision-making skills 
• Exposure to weather, highways, rural roads, city driving, and parking lots 

Students who only drive during scheduled lessons often struggle to build comfort and consistency. 

Indiana probationary licenses include restrictions for drivers under 18.

For the first 180 days after licensing, teens may not drive with passengers unless accompanied by:

• A licensed instructor 
• A licensed adult age 25+ 
• A spouse age 21+ 

Certain family member exceptions apply. 

For the first 180 days:

• No driving between 10 PM – 5 AM 

After 180 days until age 18:

• Additional nighttime restrictions apply 

Exceptions exist for:

• Work 
• School activities 
• Religious events 

Drivers under 21 may not use telecommunications devices while driving except for emergencies.  

Your student will make mistakes. Corrections should be calm, clear, and constructive.

Turn down music and limit conversations during practice sessions.

Short, consistent drives are better than occasional long drives.

Experience matters. Help students safely experience:

• Night driving 
• Rain 
• Busy intersections 
• Highway traffic 

Students learn more from watching parents than from any textbook.Use turn signals, avoid distracted driving, and demonstrate patience behind the wheel.

Teach students to:

• Scan ahead 
• Leave following distance 
• Expect mistakes from other drivers 
• Stay aware of surroundings 

 At Whitley County Driving School, our goal is not just to help students earn a license — it is to help them become safe, responsible, lifelong drivers.Parents play a critical role in that process, and we appreciate the trust you place in us to help guide your student through this important milestone.For the most current Indiana licensing requirements, visit the official Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)