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Getting a Commercial Driver License

A commercial driver license (CDL) is required to operate a commercial motor vehicle or combination of vehicles with a declared gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds; vehicles designed or used to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver; and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials.

Important information on this page:

Getting a commercial driver license

In general, requirements for the commercial driver license are stricter that those for any other Indiana driver license and are based upon stringent Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations.

Before applying for your first Indiana commercial driver license, you must pass a physical examination administered by the Department of Transportation. To keep your commercial driver license valid, you must pass a physical examination every two years after first receiving your commercial driver license.

To obtain a commercial driver license in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a valid Indiana driver license;
  • Obtain a commercial driver learner permit;
  • Pass a written test based on the commercial driver license test manual;
  • Pass a commercial driver license roadway skills test.

In addition to presenting a valid commercial learner permit when applying for a commercial driver license, you must also present certain documents of identification proving your identity, residency status and Social Security number.

Getting a commercial driver learner permit

To obtain a commercial driver learner permit, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old to transport property within state lines, and at least 21 years old to transport people;
  • Hold an Indiana driver license for at least one year;
  • Pass the following written tests for each vehicle type:
    • All CDL drivers: General knowledge test
    • All schoolbus drivers: Schoolbus endorsement test
    • All bus drivers: Passenger transport test
    • Vehicle with air brakes: Air brakes test
    • Combination of vehicles: Combination vehicle test
    • Drivers required to transport hazardous material: Hazardous material test
    • Drivers required to transport liquids in bulk: Tanker test
    • Driver is required to pull double or triple trailers: Doubles/triples test

In addition to presenting a valid commercial learner permit when applying for a commercial driver license, you must also present certain documents of identification proving your identity, residency status and Social Security number.

Taking the commercial driver license roadway skills test

To get your commercial driver license you will need to pass a roadway skills test in a vehicle representative of the class of CDL that you will receive. The skills test must be taken at an approved test site and consists of a pre-trip inspection test, a basic control skills test, and the road trip test.

If you fail the roadway skills test, you may take the test again the following business day. You will be responsible for all costs every time that you take the skills test.

Verbal assistance with the written test

You may take the commercial driver license written test verbally by appointment only at the following license branches:

Verbal CDL testing is offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

In order to comply with the threat assessment measures required by the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles fingerprints individuals who hold a commercial driver license with a hazardous materials endorsement.

Individuals who do not currently hold a hazardous materials endorsement will need to complete the threat assessment prior to issuance. Individuals who currently hold a hazardous materials endorsement will also need to complete a threat assessment.

Individuals trying to obtain the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement may be fingerprinted at any of the following Indiana BMV license branches:

The Threat Assessment Fee is $100. This fee will cover the costs charged by the Transportation Security Administration, Indiana State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations, as well as the additional costs incurred by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

License Branch Options


 
 
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at any license branch in Indiana:


Make a branch appointment
at locations in these cities: