Prior to obtaining a CDL, you must watch an instructional video on how to recognize, prevent and report human trafficking, complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and obtain a commercial learner’s permit by passing the appropriate knowledge exam (written test) for the vehicle type you plan to operate. All CDL written tests and skills exams are valid for 180 days.
Knowledge (Written Test) and Skills Examinations
To obtain a CDL in Indiana, you must pass applicable written test(s) and a CDL skills exam in a vehicle representative of the class of CDL you will receive. The CDL skills exam must be taken at a BMV-authorized examination site and consists of a pre-trip inspection exam, a basic control skills exam, and the road trip exam. Authorized examination sites electronically transmit the skills exam results to the BMV to increase security and accuracy.
An applicant must hold the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) 14 days prior to attempting the CDL skills exam. Appointments for the CDL skills exam must be scheduled with the approved 3rd Party CDL skills test site at least two days prior to the CDL skills exam date.
Medical Examination
When applying for your first CDL (or CLP) in Indiana, you must provide a valid Medical Examination Report (MER) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). To maintain a valid CLP or CDL, you must provide a valid MER and MEC prior to the expiration of your current MER and MEC on file with the BMV.
- Who is authorized to complete your exam?
The BMV only accepts the MER and MEC if completed by a medical examiner certified by the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Check with your medical examiner before your appointment to make sure they are certified.
For information on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, visit the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Rules and Regulations.
- How do I submit my medical forms?
Use one of the following options to submit the completed MER and MEC:
- Submit in-person to any BMV branch
- Fax to: 317-974-1613
- Email: BMVCDL@bmv.in.gov
Please note the file must be in PDF format. - Mail to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: CDL Programs
100 North Senate Avenue, IGCN, Room N 481
Indianapolis, IN 46204
If you have questions regarding your MER and MEC or want to know the status of your forms, view your Driver Record using your myBMV account or contact the BMV at 888-692-6841.
Visit truckersagainsttrafficking.org for information on how you can get involved, including the following resources:
- Informational videos
- Brochures
- Webinars
- Training for drivers and industry partners
- Certifications
- Individual partnerships
Truck Driver Training Schools
A business enterprise that educates, trains, or otherwise prepares a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle is approved by the bureau to operate in the state if the business enterprise is listed on the Training Provider Registry as described in 49 CFR Part 380.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. The ELDT regulations are effective February 7, 2022.
The regulations affect those who are applying to:
- Obtain a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
- Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
The ELDT regulations are not retroactive. If an applicant obtained a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or CDL prior to February 7, 2022 in the above situations the applicant is not subject to the ELDT requirements.
When applicants visit a branch to complete a hazardous materials knowledge exam, BMV branch staff will verify training prior to administration of the exam.
For applicants for the Class A/B, School Bus or Passenger endorsement the training will be verified by the 3rd Party CDL Skills Test site prior to scheduling the CDL skills test.
