Requirements:
To get a CDL you must be at least 18 years old, if you will be transporting property within state lines, or at least 21 years old if you will be transporting people. You must have held a valid driver’s license, chauffeur’s license, or public passenger chauffeur’s license for at least one year. You must also hold a CDL learner’s permit.
Application Process:
To get a CDL in Indiana, you must pass a knowledge examination and a driving skills test in a vehicle representative of the class of CDL that you will receive. The driving 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. Approved test sites electronically transmit the skills test results to the BMV to increase security and accuracy.
Before applying for your first CDL in Indiana, you must provide a valid United States Department of Transportation physical examination form. To keep your CDL valid, you must pass a new physical examination prior to the expiration of your current physical.
You must be either a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident to apply for a CDL, per 49 CFR 383.71.When you apply for a CDL you must present documents of identification proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Indiana residency.
The BMV licenses driver education providers for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation. These truck driver training schools assist individuals by teaching the safe and proper way of operating a CMV.
Knowledge Tests:
You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include:
- The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants.
- The passenger transport test, taken by all bus driver applicants.
- The air brakes test, which you must take if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.
- The combination vehicles test, which is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.
- The hazardous materials test, required if you want to haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts that require placarding or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73. In order to obtain this endorsement you are also required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
- The tanker test, required if you want to haul a liquid or liquid gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank rated at 119 gallons or more or a portable tank rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
- The doubles/triples test, required if you want to pull double or triple trailers.
- The School Bust test, required if you want to drive a school bus.
Driving/Skills Tests:
If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed.
- Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
- Basic Vehicle Control. You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
- On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.
Fees:
For a four-year CDL, new or renewed, $30. A CDL learner’s permit costs $16. To replace a lost, stolen or destroyed license or learner’s permit, or to amend an existing license, $10. To add an endorsement or change the class of CDL, $20. There is also a $5 fee for late renewal of a CDL.
Licensing Agency & Website:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, http://www.in.gov/bmv/2854.htm
