1. (a) A learner's permit authorizes the holder to operate a motor vehicle, except a motorcycle or a commercial motor vehicle, upon a highway under the following conditions:

   1. (1) While the holder is participating in practice driving in an approved driver education course and is accompanied in the front seat of the motor vehicle by an individual with valid driving privileges who:

      1. (A) is licensed as a driver education instructor under IC 9-27-6-8 and is working under the direction of a driver training school described in IC 9-27-6-3 (a)(2); or
      2. (B) is a certified driver rehabilitation specialist recognized by the bureau who is employed through a driver rehabilitation program.

   2. (2) While the holder is participating in practice driving after having commenced an approved driver education course and is accompanied in the front seat of the motor vehicle by an individual with valid driving privileges who is at least:

      1. (A) twenty-five (25) years of age and related to the applicant by blood, marriage, or legal status; or
      2. (B) if the licensed individual is the holder's spouse, twenty-one
      3. (21) years of age.

   3. (3) If the holder is not participating in an approved driver education course, and is less than eighteen (18) years of age, the holder may participate in practice driving if accompanied in the front seat of the motor vehicle by an individual who is:

      1. (A) a licensed driver, with valid driving privileges, who is:

         1. (i) at least twenty-five (25) years of age; and
         2. (ii) related to the applicant by blood, marriage, or legal status;

      2. (B) the spouse of the applicant who is:

         1. (i) a licensed driver with valid driving privileges; and
         2. (ii) at least twenty-one (21) years of age; or

      3. (C) an individual with valid driving privileges who:

         1. (i) is licensed as a driver education instructor under IC 9-27-6-8 and is working under the direction of a driver training school described in IC 9-27-6-3 (a)(2);
         2. (ii) is a certified driver rehabilitation specialist recognized by the bureau who is employed through a driver rehabilitation program; or
         3. (iii) is a bureau or commission employee who is conducting a skills examination.

   4. (4) If the holder is not participating in an approved driver education course, and is at least eighteen (18) years of age, the holder may participate in practice driving if accompanied in the front seat of the motor vehicle by an individual who is:

      1. (A) a licensed driver, with valid driving privileges, who is at least twenty-five (25) years of age; or

      2. (B) the spouse of the applicant who is:

         1. (i) a licensed driver with valid driving privileges; and
         2. (ii) at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

   5. (5) If the holder is less than eighteen (18) years of age and is under the care and supervision of the department of child services, the holder may participate in practice driving if accompanied in the front seat of the motor vehicle by an individual who is:

      1. (A) a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is:

         1. (i) at least twenty-five (25) years of age; and
         2. (ii) related to the applicant by blood, marriage, or legal status;

      2. (B) a licensed driver with valid driving privileges who is:

         1. (i) at least twenty-five (25) years of age; and
         2. (ii) approved by the department of child services; or

      3. (C) an individual with valid driving privileges who is:

         1. (i) licensed as a driver education instructor under IC 9-27-6-8 and is working under the direction of a driver training school described in IC 9-27-6-3 (a)(2); or
         2. (ii) a certified driver rehabilitation specialist recognized by the bureau who is employed through a driver rehabilitation program.

2. (b) A holder of a learner's permit may operate a motor driven cycle.

   [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-1-4-33(a).]

As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.95-1996, SEC.1; P.L.93-1997, SEC.12; P.L.48-2004, SEC.7; P.L.156-2006, SEC.8; P.L.125-2012, SEC.199; P.L.85-2013, SEC.32; P.L.150-2015, SEC.2; P.L.198-2016, SEC.456; P.L.116-2017, SEC.4; P.L.111-2021, SEC.46; P.L.141-2024, SEC.20.