How to Get a Commercial Driver's License in Indiana

What you need to know before you start

Indiana issues a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To get one, you must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and on-road driving), and a medical examination. You also need a valid Indiana driver's license or learner's permit before you can test for a CDL.

The process takes several weeks from start to finish. You cannot rush the medical exam or the skills test, and the BMV schedules both. Most people spend between four and eight weeks moving through all the steps, depending on how quickly they schedule their appointments and how many attempts the skills test requires.

Key Takeaways

You must hold a valid Indiana driver's license or learner's permit before the BMV will let you test for a CDL.
The medical examination must be performed by a doctor certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), not your regular physician.
You take the written knowledge test at any BMV branch, but the skills test must be scheduled separately and performed at a BMV testing facility.
Indiana charges a fee for the CDL itself and separate fees for each endorsement (hazmat, tanker, passenger, school bus, and others), and fees do not cover retesting if you fail.

The medical examination requirement

Before you can test for a CDL, you must pass a medical examination performed by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor's office visit. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and medical history to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. The exam costs money — typically between $75 and $150 — and you pay the examiner directly, not the BMV.

You can find FMCSA-certified examiners through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners on the FMCSA website. Once you pass the exam, the examiner gives you a Medical Certificate, which you bring to the BMV when you test. The certificate is valid for two years. If you fail the medical exam, you cannot proceed to the written or skills test.

The written knowledge test

The CDL knowledge test covers the rules of the road, vehicle inspection, cargo handling, and safety procedures specific to commercial driving. Indiana's BMV publishes a free CDL Study Guide that covers all the material on the test. You can read it from the BMV website or pick up a printed copy at any BMV branch.

You take the test at any BMV branch during regular business hours. The test is computer-based and takes about one hour. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake it the same day if you want to.

The skills test and what it covers

The skills test has three parts: the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must pass all three to receive your CDL. The entire test takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you perform it in the vehicle you will be driving (or a similar one).

The pre-trip inspection requires you to walk around and inside the vehicle, pointing out and explaining the condition of lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, and other safety equipment. The examiner asks you questions about what you see and what you would do if something were broken.

The basic control portion tests your ability to maneuver the vehicle in a controlled area — backing up, turning, and parking. You must stay within marked boundaries and follow the examiner's instructions.

The on-road driving portion takes you onto public roads for about 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, intersections, lane changes, and highway driving. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving practices.

How to schedule your skills test

You cannot walk in and take the skills test on the same day. The BMV requires you to schedule it in advance, and wait times vary by location. Some testing facilities have openings within two weeks; others may have a wait of several weeks. Call the BMV branch where you want to test or check their website for available dates.

When you call to schedule, have your Medical Certificate number ready. You will also need to tell them which class of CDL you are testing for (Class A, B, or C) and which endorsements you want. Bring your Medical Certificate, your valid Indiana driver's license, and your learner's permit (if you have one) to the test.

CDL classes and endorsements in Indiana

Indiana issues three classes of CDL based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the number of passengers:

Class A: Combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B: Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle towing another vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
Class C: Vehicles that do not meet Class A or B requirements but carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Endorsements are added to your CDL to allow you to drive certain types of cargo or vehicles. Common endorsements include Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tanker, Passenger, and School Bus. Each endorsement requires an additional written test and, in some cases, a background check. Hazmat endorsement also requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and fingerprinting through the Indiana State Police.

Fees and what they cover

Indiana's BMV charges separate fees for the CDL itself and for each endorsement. The CDL license fee is not the same as the test fee. You pay to take the knowledge test, you pay to take the skills test, and then you pay for the license itself if you pass both tests. Each endorsement costs additional money.

Fees change periodically, so check the BMV website for current amounts before you go. If you fail either the knowledge test or the skills test, you must pay the test fee again to retake it. The license fee is only charged once you have passed both tests and are ready to receive your CDL card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CDL if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted Indiana driver's license or learner's permit to test for a CDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the BMV first.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the skills test fee again. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt costs money and requires a new appointment, which may have a wait.

Do I need a learner's permit before I test for a CDL?

No, but you must have a valid Indiana driver's license. A learner's permit is optional and allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a CDL holder present before you take the skills test.

How long is a CDL valid in Indiana?

A CDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue, unless your Medical Certificate expires before then. If your Medical Certificate expires, your CDL becomes invalid until you pass a new medical exam and renew it.

Can I test for multiple endorsements at the same time?

Yes. You can take the written tests for multiple endorsements on the same day, and you can add endorsements to your CDL after you receive it by passing the endorsement tests and paying the endorsement fees.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.