Loading...
Loading...
Get your Indiana CDL — government fees ($52), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$52
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete ELDT and TAT Training
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) programs from registered providers.
Required before applying for CLP
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Schedule an appointment at a BMV office. Bring proof of citizenship/residency, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and identification. Pass eye exam and CDL knowledge test(s). Pay the CLP fee.
CLP valid for 180 days; up to 3 permits within 2 years
Fee: $17Practice and Pass Skills Test
Practice with CLP for at least 14 days. Schedule and take the three-part skills test (vehicle inspection, basic controls, on-road driving) at a third-party testing site.
All skills testing in Indiana is through third-party providers
Fee: $100–$200Receive Your CDL
Visit any BMV office with your completed skills test results. Pay the CDL fee and receive your 4-year CDL.
CDL valid for 4 years, expiring on birthday
Fee: $35Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($17) + CDL ($35) + state skills test (N/A — third-party only); excludes third-party skills test fee
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills testing in Indiana is conducted by third-party providers. The BMV does not administer skills tests.
Third-party fee: $100–$200 (Max $200 first attempt, $150 second attempt, $100 additional attempts per site)
Scheduling Note
Contact third-party testing sites directly; BMV does not administer CDL skills tests
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Indiana; must have held an Indiana driver's license for a minimum of one year
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $19 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $19 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $19 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $19 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $38 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $19 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$17
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$35
$6 late renewal fee if expired
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 4 years, expiring on birthday. No retesting required unless license is expired/revoked for more than 3 years. Beginning June 23, 2025, Medical Examiner Certificates are submitted electronically via FMCSA National Registry — BMV branches no longer accept physical copies.
Regulatory Board
Schedule an appointment at a local BMV branch. Bring valid out-of-state CDL, proof of U.S. citizenship/lawful residency, Indiana residency documents, and Medical Examiner's Certificate. Must pass general knowledge written exams. HAZMAT endorsement requires passing knowledge exam and TSA threat assessment.
Transfer Fee
$35
Standard CDL issuance fee
Timeline
Upon establishing Indiana residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedGeneral knowledge written exam required; HAZMAT knowledge exam if transferring H endorsement
Indiana participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience can waive the CDL skills test. Knowledge tests are still required.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Indiana.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Indiana range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Indiana
Indiana is one of few states where the BMV does not conduct CDL skills tests at all — everything goes through third-party providers with BMV-set maximum fees ($200 first attempt, $150 second, $100 subsequent). Endorsement fees ($19 each) are a one-time charge and are not re-assessed at renewal as long as the endorsement stays valid.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Indiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#12 of 51
Cost
#5 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$49,920
25th percentile
Median
$60,090
+5% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$71,030
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
57,870 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Indiana.