As in all states, Indiana has many opportunities for commercial drivers. A driver who operates big rigs and other large vehicles (commercial motor vehicles) must get an Indiana CDL license. Applicants must first go to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and take a written CDL knowledge test. If the applicant passes that and a medical exam, then they can get an Indiana commercial driver’s license from the Indiana BMV after passing a CDL skills test with a third-party testing service.
Step 1:
Access the “Indiana Commercial Driver’s License Test Booklet” at the state’s official website at In.gov/dor/files/cdl.pdf. This booklet will give you basic information about how to get an Indiana CDL license and the material you need to study to pass the CDL test.
Step 2:
Read this CDL manual to prepare for the written portion of the Indiana CDL exam. Your study plan depends on the type of vehicle you intend to operate after getting your license as a commercial driver. For example, school bus drivers need to pass the school-bus and passenger-vehicle endorsement tests. Similarly, if you are going to drive a truck hauling hazardous materials, you need to get a HAZMAT endorsement. Study the entire manual if you do not have a current employer and do not know what kind of commercial vehicle you will be driving.
Step 3:
Take and pass the written test at your local Indiana BMV. You must first pass this knowledge test to get an Indiana CDL permit. This learner’s permit allow you to get training on actual vehicles as long as you are driving under the supervision of a licensed driver.
Step 4:
Find a place to get Indiana CDL training. You need training on the specific type of vehicle on which you will be testing. For example, if you are planning on working as an Indiana truck driver, then you can find a truck driving school. The Professional Truck Driver Institute certifies truck driver training programs. You can access a map and directory at Ptdi.org/schools/schools.aspx. Although there are no Indiana schools certified by the PTDI, you can find many schools in surrounding states like Illinois and Michigan.
If you want to work as an Indiana bus driver, then contact prospective employers for training programs. Examples include Indiana school districts for school bus drivers and private companies for passenger bus drivers.
Step 5:
Schedule the CDL skills test with a third-party skills testing center. You can use the Indiana CDL manual linked to above to find a link to the Indiana BMV and its list of third-party CDL testing providers. Speak to individual providers about the possibility of using one of their vehicles for the testing. If not, you may have to use vehicle from your training program, an employer or a local CDL rental agency.
Step 6:
Take and pass the skills test to receive a certificate. You can then take that certificate to your local Indiana BMV to get your Indiana CDL license.
Note: Remember that you also must pass a medical exam to get your commercial driver’s license. Use the manual to find a link for obtaining the examination form.
Sources:
Indiana CDL Manual for Testing
Certified Truck Driver Training Schools in the Indiana Area
