If you’ve ever been pulled over by the police before, you are no doubt familiar with that increased heart rate and nervous feeling in your gut when you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The first thought through the minds of many drivers is one of confusion. Was I speeding? Did I forget to signal a turn? The average driver that gets pulled over isn’t immediately aware of what they did wrong, though some of us are well aware that speeding is a violation.
The next thought through the mind of some Indiana drivers might be, “what will this officer see on my driving record?” If you don’t know what’s on your Indiana driving record, then it is probably time to obtain a copy so that you aren’t caught off guard in the event you get pulled over. Knowing what is on your driving record can also reduce the chances of a clerical error reflecting a violation that shouldn’t be there.
What’s On My Indiana Driving Record?
Your Indiana driving record offers a complete recap of any and all moving violations you have accrued in the past. In addition to demographic information, such as your full name, address, date of birth, and gender, your driving record contains a wealth information about your status as a driver. An Indiana driving record provides officials with information about your driver’s license, class, and expiration date, as well as driving record points, violations, convictions, and any driving restrictions that may impact your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Who Can Access My Indiana Driving Record?
In addition to yourself, there are a number of entities that can access your driving record. Officials at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles can look at your driving record when applying for plates or renewing a license. Law enforcement officials can also view your driving record. It is also possible for potential employers and insurance providers to view your Indiana driving record.
Employers will view your driving record in the event that you apply for a position that involves significant driving. A clean driving record is imperative for many driving jobs, meaning employers must check your records before hiring you. Insurance companies check your driving record to determine the level of risk involved in offering you coverage.
How Do I Access My Indiana Driving Record?
Obtaining a copy of your Indiana driving record is easier than you may think. You can either apply for a copy of your record in person, through the mail, or request to view a copy of your record online. If you have the time to deal with the pleasant staff at your local Indiana BMV office, you need to fill out a form and bring it to the nearest location. You will need to print out and complete a copy of the Request for Driver Records form. Once completed, simply bring the form to the nearest Indiana BMV office location along with a $4 payment to cover the processing fee.
If you are in no rush and can wait on snail mail to deliver a copy of your driving record to your door, you can always request a copy in this manner. The same form mentioned above must be filled out and sent to the address listed on the form. In the envelope, be sure to include a check or money order for $4. All checks should be addressed to “BMV.”
Last but not least, if you need to see a copy of your driving record quickly, you can always log in to your Indiana BMV account on myBMV.com. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license number, the last four of your Social Security number, and the ZIP code where you currently live.
What Info Do I Provide?
In order to access a copy of your Indiana driving record, you will need to provide officials with identification. When applying in person, be sure to bring your driver’s license with you and be able to verify your Social Security number and ZIP code. You will have to write this information on the mail-in form, and as mentioned, provide it online before viewing a digital copy of your driving record.
Accessing your driving record is just as important as checking up on your credit score. Inaccurate information on your driving record can result in higher insurance premiums, suspension of your license, and even arrest if there are outstanding warrants related to traffic incidents. If you find inaccuracies in your driving record, you should contact officials at your nearest Indiana BMV location.
What Should I Do With My Indiana Driving Record
After receiving a copy of your driving record, the most sensible thing to do is to check the accuracy of the information there. You have to make sure that everything listed there is valid, especially the points you’ve accumulated.
In the unlikely case that you find any inaccurate information, you should contact the Indiana BMV at (888) 692-6841 and request to have it corrected.
If you ignore these inaccuracies, you may have to pay higher insurance rates, or it may result in unnecessary fines, and even license suspensions. If needed, always make sure to address them immediately.
How to Improve Your Driving Record?
In case you’ve accumulated a fair number of points, you can take an Indiana Defensive Driving course to remove some from your record.
In Indiana, you are allowed to request point removal by completing this course once every three years. Once you complete it, you’ll be eligible to remove at least 4 points from your driving record.
You can take the course online or in person, but I recommend the online version as they are more accessible for busy people. Plus, it’s more affordable and offers more benefits. Here are two of my highly recommended online schools:
MyImprov Traffic School is approved by the Indiana BMV, state, and also accepted by ALL courts. In addition to instant certificate filing and automatic reporting to the BMV, they offer an open-book quiz that only covers 6 short chapters! And because their course materials are designed and written by professional comedy writers, you’ll get to enjoy hilarious jokes in between lessons! You’ll find that their course offers the most engaging content because of this, at least if you share the same sense of humor with the writers.
Meanwhile, GoToTrafficSchool is probably the most affordable defensive driving course in Indiana. Their course is also approved by the BMV. More importantly, they have revamped their entire course material and improved on their platform’s user interface, so you’ll find their materials recently up to date. They’ve also replaced their outdated video materials with more interactive content.
If you prefer taking in-person classes, might as well mention the Indiana Driver Safety Program. They also offer online classes and both options are approved by the BMV.
- Did you get a ticket recently? Check out our Indiana online traffic school reviews!