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Commercial Driver's License
$52 (CLP $17 + CDL $35)
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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
CDL skills exam must be taken at one of the authorized CDL driving skills exam sites. 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
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
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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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 (two separate $19 endorsements: H + N) |
| 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
Indiana has 27% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Indiana is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
Indiana ranks #9 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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; if CDL expired/disqualified/canceled/revoked/surrendered for more than 3 years, must reapply as initial applicant. Beginning June 23, 2025, MECs must be submitted electronically; BMV branches will not accept physical copies.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Indiana.
Start Your CDL Training in Indiana
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Indiana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Indiana verified against Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: