Indiana CDL Requirements

Age Requirements for Indiana CDL

Indiana follows federal age requirements for commercial driver's licenses:

• 18 years old: Minimum age for any CDL class (intrastate operations only)
• 21 years old: Required for interstate operations and most passenger/hazmat endorsements

Drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate operations within Indiana and may face additional restrictions for passenger transport and hazardous materials.

CDL Classes Available

• Class A CDL: Combination vehicles with GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs and trailer > 10,000 lbs
• Class B CDL: Single vehicles with GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs or towing < 10,000 lbs
• Class C CDL: Vehicles carrying 16+ passengers or placardable hazmat

Indiana CDL Fees

Important: Indiana uses third-party CDL testing sites for skills exams, and each location sets its own testing fees. Contact your chosen testing site directly for current pricing.

Knowledge Test Requirements

To obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), you must pass written knowledge tests at an Indiana BMV branch office. Tests are available in English and require the ability to speak and read English without a translator.

Required Knowledge Tests

• General Knowledge: Required for all CDL classes
• Air Brakes: Required if operating air-brake vehicles
• Combination Vehicles: Required for Class A CDL

Endorsement Knowledge Tests

• Hazardous Materials (H): Includes TSA security threat assessment
• Tank Vehicles (N): For bulk liquid/gas transport
• Passenger (P): For vehicles carrying 16+ passengers
• School Bus (S): Requires P endorsement plus additional testing
• Doubles/Triples (T): For multiple trailer combinations

Knowledge tests cover topics from the Indiana CDL Manual including vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, cargo securement, and specific requirements for each endorsement type.

Skills Test Requirements

After obtaining your CLP, you must pass a three-part skills examination administered by approved third-party testing sites in Indiana.

Skills Test Components

1. Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection: Demonstrate ability to inspect your vehicle safely
2. Basic Vehicle Control: Backing, turning, and maneuvering exercises
3. On-road Driving: Driving test in traffic conditions

Important Skills Test Requirements

• Must hold Indiana CLP for minimum 14 days before testing
• Must test in a vehicle representative of your desired CDL class
• Vehicle restrictions apply if testing with automatic transmission or non-air brake vehicles

Military Skills Test Waiver

Indiana participates in the federal military skills test waiver program. Qualifying current or recently discharged military drivers (within one year) with appropriate CMV experience may waive the skills test requirement.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Indiana follows federal ELDT requirements effective February 7, 2022. You must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test if you are:

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Adding Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements

Training providers must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Indiana offers ELDT through institutions like Ivy Tech Community College and approved private schools.

Medical Requirements

All Indiana CDL applicants must meet FMCSA medical standards and maintain current medical certification.

DOT Physical Requirements

• Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC): Required from FMCSA National Registry examiner
• Vision Requirements: At least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction)
• Self-Certification: Must declare type of driving operation (interstate/intrastate)
• Medical Certificate Maintenance: Keep certification current to avoid CDL disqualification

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain DOT Physical

Schedule and complete your DOT physical examination with an FMCSA-registered medical examiner. Bring your Medical Examiner's Certificate to the BMV.

Step 2: Apply for CLP

• Complete Indiana Commercial Driver's License Application (Form 48230)
• Provide 10-year driving history from all states
• Submit to Indiana State Police background check review
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay $17 CLP fee

Step 3: Complete ELDT Training

If required, complete Entry-Level Driver Training from an approved provider before scheduling your skills test.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass Skills Test

• Wait minimum 14 days after obtaining CLP
• Schedule skills test at approved third-party testing site
• Bring appropriate vehicle for testing
• Pass all three components of skills examination

Step 5: Obtain CDL

• Return to BMV with passing skills test results
• Pay $35 CDL license fee
• Pay additional fees for any endorsements
• Receive your Indiana CDL

Testing Locations

Knowledge Tests

Knowledge tests are administered at Indiana BMV branch offices. Many locations require appointments for CDL testing rather than walk-in service. Use the BMV website to locate branches and schedule appointments.

Skills Tests

Skills tests are conducted by approved third-party CDL testing sites throughout Indiana. Each site sets its own fees and scheduling procedures. Contact testing sites directly to:

• Verify current testing fees
• Schedule your skills examination
• Confirm vehicle requirements
• Understand their specific testing procedures

Reciprocity and License Transfer

Indiana follows federal one-license rules for CDL holders:

• You may hold only one CDL from one state at a time
• Out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended/revoked
• Previous license will be cancelled when Indiana CDL is issued
• Indiana CDL allows operation in other states per federal interstate rules

Indiana-Specific Requirements

Background and History Requirements

• 10-Year License History: Must provide complete driving history from all states
• Crash History Review: Submit request to Indiana State Police for crash history review
• English Language Requirement: Must speak and read English without translator

CLP Validity

• Indiana CLP valid for 180 days
• May be renewed up to three times within two-year period
• Must be held minimum 14 days before skills testing

Contact Information

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
Website: www.in.gov/bmv

For current fees, branch locations, appointment scheduling, and approved CDL testing sites, visit the Indiana BMV website or contact your local BMV branch directly.

How to Apply

Ready to start your Indiana CDL journey? Follow these steps:

1. Study the Indiana CDL Manual and prepare for knowledge tests
2. Schedule and complete your DOT physical with an FMCSA-registered examiner
3. Gather required documents including 10-year driving history
4. Visit a BMV branch to apply for your CLP and take knowledge tests
5. Complete ELDT training if required for your CDL class or endorsements
6. Schedule your skills test at an approved third-party testing site
7. Pass your skills examination and return to BMV for CDL issuance

Remember to verify all current fees and requirements directly with the Indiana BMV, as regulations and costs may change periodically.