Indiana’s I-65, I-70, I-69, and I-80/90 corridors make commercial driving central to the state economy. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues the commercial learner permit and CDL, while approved sites administer the skills test.
The previous page incorrectly listed the Indiana CLP as valid for 180 days. BMV currently states that the permit and knowledge-test results are valid for one year. Indiana also directs applicants to complete an instructional human-trafficking video before the skills test.
Indiana CDL Quick Facts
| Item | Current Indiana requirement |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) |
| Existing license | Valid Indiana driver license |
| Minimum age | 18 for intrastate property transport; 21 for interstate commerce, HazMat, or school bus operation |
| Commercial learner permit | $17; valid one year |
| Knowledge-test results | Valid one year |
| CDL | $35 |
| Add/remove CDL endorsement | $19 |
| Amend or replace credential | $9 |
| Medical certification | Required for non-excepted operation and must remain on file |
| Skills test | Modernized format at a BMV-approved testing site |
| Official manuals | Indiana-specific CDL manual and general CDL manual |
Choose Your Indiana CDL Practice Module
| CDL module | Start here |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Open the General Knowledge diagnostic |
| Air Brakes | Open the Air Brakes diagnostic |
| Combination Vehicles | Open the Combination Vehicles diagnostic |
| Hazardous Materials | Open the HazMat diagnostic |
| Tank Vehicles | Open the Tanker diagnostic |
| Doubles and Triples | Open the Doubles and Triples diagnostic |
| Pre-Trip Inspection | Open the Pre-Trip diagnostic |
For a Class A tractor-trailer with air brakes, the normal study sequence is General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. Job-specific endorsements are additional requirements.
Indiana CDL Application Steps
- Select the class and endorsements. Use the vehicle’s GVWR/GCWR, trailer, passenger capacity, and cargo.
- Confirm eligibility. Hold a valid Indiana license and meet the age and lawful-status rules for the intended operation.
- Complete medical certification when required. Indiana says it must be on file for the first CLP/CDL transaction and kept current.
- Pass the required knowledge tests. Study both the general manual and Indiana-specific supplement.
- Purchase and review the CLP. Confirm its class, endorsements, restrictions, and one-year expiration.
- Complete ELDT when applicable. Use an FMCSA-registered training provider.
- Watch Indiana’s required human-trafficking instructional video. Follow the current BMV instructions before the skills appointment.
- Practice under qualified CDL supervision. Use a representative vehicle.
- Schedule at a BMV-approved skills-test site. Confirm fees, vehicle rules, documents, and cancellation policy.
- Pass the modernized skills test and purchase the CDL. Verify that no unintended restriction was added.
1. Indiana BMV CDL Fees (2026)
Indiana’s fees are very reasonable compared to coastal states.
| Item | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's Permit (CLP) | $17.00 | One year |
| CDL License (Class A/B/C) | $35.00 | 4 Years |
| Endorsements | $19.00 | Add or remove |
| Duplicate/Amended | $9.00 | - |
Medical Certification and Driving Category
Indiana requires CDL holders to declare their operating category. Drivers in non-excepted commerce generally need a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate on the BMV record. If medical status expires, commercial privileges can be affected even when the physical CDL has not expired.
The federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse also matters. Indiana BMV states that a driver in prohibited status cannot complete specified CLP/CDL issuance, renewal, transfer, or upgrade transactions until the federal status is resolved.
Indiana’s Modernized Skills Test
Indiana says it has used the modernized CDL skills test since August 12, 2024. It evaluates vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and safe on-road operation. Use the current BMV checklists linked from the CDL manual page because old videos may use different component groupings or maneuvers.
Indiana Skills-Test Checklist
Confirm that the CLP is current and has been held for the required minimum period, medical certification is active, ELDT is recorded, the human-trafficking video is complete, the site is BMV-approved, and the vehicle matches the desired class and endorsements.
4. Indiana Practice Questions
Indiana law specifically states that trucks should maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from another commercial vehicle on the highway, except when passing.
While cars can go 70 mph, heavy trucks are limited to 65 mph on the Toll Road. Speeding fines in construction zones in Indiana are also doubled.
Official Sources
- Indiana BMV commercial driver’s license overview
- Indiana BMV: Obtaining a commercial learner permit
- Indiana BMV CDL manual and skills-test checklists
- Indiana-specific CDL manual (PDF)
- Indiana BMV fee chart (PDF)
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry
Rules, fees, and testing-site procedures can change. Recheck the official pages before paying or traveling.