You might be a finely responsible young man or woman, but statistics don't lie. You have too many minor brethren that make up the majority of motor vehicle crashes.

So, to protect everyone from your relatively high odds of crashing, we rein you in, especially during your teenage years.

You'll first get this piece of paper that says "Learner's Permit" on it. You're permitted to drive, but you have to have a parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor in the front passenger seat at all times.

This bears repeating. You can't drive alone. Anywhere. This is huge. If a cop catches you driving alone with only a Learner's Permit, it's likely that you won't get your real license until you're at least 18.

Think you're cool because you're 16 ¾ and have your license? During the first 180 days you have your license, you may not drive passengers unless a parent, guardian, certified driving instructor, or licensed individual aged 25 or older is in the front passenger seat next to you, and you may not drive between 10:00PM and 5:00AM. After that, you're allowed to drive your child, sibling, or spouse, and your driving hours are extended a bit: you can't drive after 11:00PM Sunday through Thursday, before 5:00AM Monday through Friday, or between 1:00AM and 5:00AM Saturday and Sunday.

The belief is that in this probationary time, you'll be extra super extra extra cautious. And if you're not, then you aren't ready to be inflicted on everyone else who has to use the same roads as you.

And while we're on the subject, anyone under 18 has to have an adult sign and submit a completed Agreement of Financial Liability form to assume all legal obligations for injuries and damages the minor might inflict upon humanity with their vehicle. So, keep it safe.

Already feeling antsy? Want to upgrade your Learner's Permit to an adult license? Let's play a little game to see if you're eligible.

Learner's Permit: Choose Your Own Adventure (As Long As It Sticks to State Rules)

Let's say you've had your Learner's Permit for a while now and want to upgrade:

A. Are you 18 or older? If YES, go to B. If NO, go to C.
B. Congrats! Once you turn 18, you don't need that Learner's Permit anymore. Time to upgrade.
C. Have you had your Learner's Permit for at least 180 days? If YES, go to D. If NO, go to E.
D. Are you at least 16 years and 270 days old? If YES, go to F. If NO, go to E.
E. Sorry kid, you're gonna have to wait a while.
F. Has a licensed instructor, licensed driver 25 or older, or spouse aged 21 or older certified that you have had at least 50 hours of driving practice, of which at least ten were at night, and have your parents or guardians signed a log of the hours? If YES, go to G. If NO, go to E.
G. Have you passed a driving test? If YES, go to H. If NO, go to E.
H. Congrats! You're the proud owner of a shiny new Indiana Operator's License.