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BMV > Driver's Licenses And Permits > Getting A Commercial Driver's License Getting A Commercial Driver's License

An Indiana commercial driver's license allows the holder to operate commercial motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles with declared gross vehicle weight ratings in excess of 26,000 pounds; vehicles designed or used to transport 16 or more people, including the driver; and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials.

In general, requirements for the commercial driver's license are stricter that those for any other Indiana driver's license and are based upon stringent Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations. To get a commercial driver's license you must be at least 18 years old if you will be transporting property within state lines and at least 21 years old if you will be transporting people. You must have held a valid Indiana driver's license, chauffeur's license, or public passenger chauffeur's license for at least one year. You must also hold a commercial driver's license learner's permit.

Getting A Commercial Driver's License

To get an Indiana commercial driver's license you must pass a written examination and a driving skills test in a vehicle representative of the class of commercial driver's license that you will receive. The driving skills test must be taken at an approved test site and consists of a pre-trip inspection test, a basic control skills test, and the road trip test. You must also present certain documents of identification.

Physical examination

Before applying for your first commercial driver's license in Indiana, you must pass a physical examination administered by the Department of Transportation. To keep your commercial driver's license valid, you must pass a physical examination every two years after first receiving your commercial driver license.

Documents of identification

When you apply for a commercial driver's license you must present documents of identification proving your identity, residency status and Social Security number.

How Long Is My Commercial Driver's License Valid?

Your Indiana commercial driver's license is valid for four years. You may renew your license at any Indiana license branch up to one year before the license expires.

How do I replace my commercial driver's license?

To replace your commercial driver's license you will need to visit a license branch and present certain documents of identification.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

In order to comply with the threat assessment measures required by the U.S.A. Patriot Act, all individuals who hold a commercial driver license with a hazardous materials endorsement must have their fingerprints recorded.

If you do not currently hold a hazardous materials endorsement, you will need to complete the threat assessment before the endorsement can be issued to you. If you currently hold a hazardous materials endorsement and you are renewing your commercial driver's license, you will need to complete a threat assessment.

Re-Applying For A Commercial Driver's License

If you voluntarily surrendered or relinquished your commercial driver's license and would like to re-apply for commercial driving privileges, you must obtain a commercial driver's license learner’s permit, pass all necessary written tests and driving skills tests, and pass a physical examination administered by the Department of Transportation unless one is already on file.

Sign-Up For E-Mail Reminders

Don't forget to establish an online myBMV account to receive e-mail reminders of your driver's license renewal date, print your driving record, and update your personal information.

Still Have Questions? Contact The BMV

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