Indiana CDL License Requirements & Training :: AllTruckJobs.com

Indiana CDL License Requirements

There are a few things to know before you embark on your journey as an Indiana Commercial Licensed truck driver. According to Indiana CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. All CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The vehicle that you take the test in must also fall under the correct CDL license class. Additional qualifications or other endorsements can be obtained as well. These endorsements cover things like air brakes, school buses, and many others.

Find CDL Training Schools in Indiana

CDL training schools in Indiana will allow you to get the proper education and preparation to successfully pass your CDL test in Indiana. Luckily, our site provides great resources that will help you find the perfect school to advance your future trucking career. These schools will provide training inside and outside the classroom. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn the proper way to inspect your vehicle prior to hitting the road. If you’re looking for an adventurous career, check out these top training schools to ensure that you’re getting the best education available.

CDL Training Costs in Indiana

Currently, the average tuition cost of an Indiana CDL training school is around $4,900. This includes all aspects of training including the classroom and hands-on portions on the curriculum. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to pay for CDL training. If you don’t have the money up front to pay, financial aid is a great way to ensure that your CDL education is financially feasible. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great first step if you want to explore your federal student aid options, in which the government subsidizes some of the loan cost. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. If you don’t want to take out loans or haven’t qualified for any grants, you may still be in luck. Many companies will pay for your Indiana CDL training and schooling with the expectation that you’ll work for them in the future.

CDL Prep in Indiana

Now that you’ve spent your time studying and going over the material, it’s time to take your test. Your countless hours in the classroom and on the road have led up to this final test. So what else is there to do? Well, there are a few other pieces of advice we’d like to give you before your test. If you want to get a feel for what the test will be like, feel free to take our practice test as many times as you need to so you can see how well you will do and what areas you need to study more. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle as you take the test in. Also be sure to drive a vehicle you’re familiar with to ensure that you’re in a comfortable setting when taking your test. When in doubt, make sure to crack open your books and have a study session and be sure to practice driving in your vehicle as much as possible.

Indiana CDL Endorsement & Waivers

With an Indiana CDL, the individual or their employer might next require specialization to carry certain types of cargo - this is referred to as an endorsement and extra testing is required to ensure that the operator knows the additional responsibility of safe handling under the law. The following types of endorsements are common throughout Indiana and other states.

  • School Bus
  • Passenger
  • Tank Vehicles
  • Double/Triple
  • Hazardous Materials

Waivers may also be prevalent in case a student did not pass a portion of the test or has a special circumstance. These will be marked with corresponding letters on the Commercial Driver’s License.

CDL Tests in Indiana

To finally get your Indiana CDL License, you’ll need to pass both a written knowledge test and an on-the-road portion as well. Additionally, if you plan on testing for other endorsements, which are extra certifications in the field, you will need to pass a test for those as well. Below is a more detailed preview of what you can expect when you take your CDL exam in Indiana.

CDL Knowledge Tests in Indiana

The knowledge portion of the Indiana CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion an Indiana resident must achieve at least an 80% on the exam. Fortunately, we have a practice exam on our site that you can take advantage of. Our practice test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming CDL exam.

CDL Skills Test in Indiana

Upon completing the knowledge portion of the Indiana CDL test, you will be able to take the skills test. The test will cover three major parts of being a licensed driver. A pre-inspection portion will ensure that you know how to examine your vehicle properly before hitting the road. A basic vehicle control test will allow you to show that you know where everything is in your rig and you’re able to properly travel. The final portion of the exam will show that you know how to turn, back up, park, and any other maneuvers that you may need to make while on the road.

Job Outlook in Indiana

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving jobs in the United States are expected to see a 5% increase by 2024. This is just below the expected increase of 7% for all occupations, This means that the trucking industry is certainly on the rise. Make sure you pass your Indiana CDL so you can add yourself to this statistic and engage in a successful trucking career in Indiana.

Indiana Truck Driver Salary

The average driver in Indiana makes about $45,870 per year. This is just above the national average of $43,590. Many drivers see this as a great career to make a stellar wage and have the freedom of making a living on the road.