Indiana · BMV

How to get your CDL permit in Indiana

In Indiana you get your CLP from the BMV for $17 after passing your knowledge tests, and it is valid for one year. Your medical certificate must already be on file with the BMV before your first permit.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official BMV sources

Start the free Indiana permit classroom Official Indiana CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines or drive a school bus
Permit fee: $17
Permit valid for: 1 year
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid Indiana driver's license.
2Get a DOT physical from a medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry, who sends your certificate to the BMV.
3Gather proof of citizenship or permanent residency, your Social Security number, and proof of Indiana domicile.
4Visit a BMV branch, where your 10-year driving history is checked.
5Pass the General Knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests you need.
6Pay $17 for your CLP, then practice with a qualified CDL holder for at least 14 days.
7Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and Indiana's human trafficking recognition video.
8Schedule your skills test at a BMV-authorized third-party site at least 2 days ahead.

What to bring

Your valid Indiana driver's license
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
Your Social Security number
Proof of Indiana domicile

Medical card

Your FMCSA-certified medical examiner sends your certificate to the National Registry, which forwards it electronically to the BMV. A current certificate must be on file before the BMV will issue your first CLP.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit	$17
CDL	$35
Add or remove a CDL endorsement	$19

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with BMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests such as Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples or HazMat, if you want them

Testing in Indiana

You can take each knowledge test once per day; if you fail, you can retry the next business day.
Skills tests are given at BMV-authorized third-party sites and must be booked at least 2 days ahead.
The skills test has three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test.
Knowledge and skills test results are valid for one year.

Study for these tests in the Indiana classroom

Good to know in Indiana

Indiana's CLP lasts a full year.
You must watch a human trafficking recognition video as part of getting your CDL.
Your permit only lets you drive a commercial vehicle with a CDL holder who has the right class and endorsements.

Non-domiciled applicants

Non-domiciled permits are only for foreign nationals with a valid passport and an I-94 showing H-2A, H-2B or E-2 status. Every CLP or CDL transaction must be done in person at a branch.

Confirm with BMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether the Indiana CLP can be renewed.
What third-party sites charge for the skills test. Ask the site when you book.
Which languages the knowledge tests are offered in.
Whether knowledge tests need an appointment.
How many proofs of Indiana domicile you need.
The vision standard you must meet.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with BMV before you apply.