Indiana · Permit testWhich knowledge exams you take
- General knowledge: everyone.
- Air brakes: if your vehicle has them.
- Combination vehicles: if you'll drive a combination of vehicles.
- Endorsement exams as needed: school bus and passenger transport, passenger transport for buses, hazardous materials, tanker, and doubles and triples.
What do you need before the Indiana CDL permit test?
- Be at least 18. Under 21, you can drive a commercial vehicle only within Indiana, and you can't get a school bus endorsement.
- Have a current Medical Examiner's Certificate on file with the BMV.
- Study the Commercial Driver's License Manual (September 9, 2022) and the Indiana Specific CDL Manual. The BMV also posts skills checklists for Class A, B and C vehicles.
- The BMV's CDL manual page lists the manuals and skills checklists, not practice questions, so any Indiana CDL practice test comes from apps or schools.
After you pass
A passed knowledge exam counts for one year, and the CLP is valid for one year. You may drive a commercial vehicle only with a CDL holder who has the right class and endorsements.
The CDL itself is $35 and each added CDL endorsement is $19, on the BMV's fee chart revised January 1, 2026.
Where to take CDL exams
The BMV's CLP page doesn't list which branches give the CDL knowledge exams. Ask through the BMV contact form or call 888-692-6841 before you go.
Sources: Indiana BMV · Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 1 and 2 more. Checked October 2026.
- Indiana BMV: Obtaining a commercial learner's permit ↗
- Indiana BMV: CDL manual ↗
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 1: Obtaining a New Credential (PDF) ↗
- Indiana BMV: Fee Chart, revised January 1, 2026 (PDF) ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.