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ProSafe CDL Trucks

FAQs

Got Questions?

Got a question about the CDL skills test or how CDL testing is conducted? Check out our CDL Test Questions for answers to your test questions.

CDL Requirements

How do I know if I need a CDL license?

There is a CDL flow chart on page 1-4 of the Indiana CDL Manual which explains if you need a CDL license.
Scan the QR code here from your phone!
 CDL FLOW CHART

In general, you will need a commercial license if you want to drive:

  1. A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001#'s or more.
  2. A Power Unit combined with a trailer which has a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001#'s or more, provided the trailer being towed has a GVWR of 10,001#'s or more.
  3. A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
  4. Any vehicle required to display placards for hazardous materials.

How do I get a CDL license?

Obtain a CDL manual from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles web site at www.IN.gov/bmv

I used to have a CDL several years ago but I turned it in when I wasn't driving a truck anymore. How do I get it back?

Once your license has been surrendered or expired more than one (1) year or your DOT physical has expired for more than three (3) years then you must start all over by getting a new physical, take the appropriate written tests, obtain a new CDL learners permit, and successfully complete a skills test.

My vehicle has Air-Brakes but does not have a GVWR of 26,001#'s or more. Do I need a CDL license?

No, not unless the vehicle you are driving is placarded for hazardous materials or is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

I currently have a CDL license with an "L" restriction (No Air-Brakes). I want to drive vehicles with air brakes now. How do I remove that restriction?

You must take the Air-Brake written test at the license branch and obtain a new learners permit. Then you must successfully complete a skills test at a Third-Party test site. When you pass, then you must return to the license branch to change your license.

I have an "E" Restriction (Automatic transmission only) on my license. How do I remove that restriction?

You must first obtain a new CDL learners permit, with the restriction removed. Then you must successfully complete a skills test in a manual transmission vehicle of the same class or higher as your current license.

I have a Class-A license with an "O" Restriction (no Semi-Tractor/Trailer). How do I remove that restriction?

You must first obtain a new CDL learners permit. If you had an "L" Restriction (no Air-Brakes), then take that written test first. Then you must successfully complete a skills test in a Semi-Tractor/Trailer. Preferably with a manual transmission. Otherwise you will get an "E" Restriction (automatic transmission only).

How many times am I allowed to renew my permit?

Federal requirements allow you to renew your permit 2 times. You are allowed 1 initial issued permit and 2 renewals within a 2-year period. If you fail to renew your permit prior to its expiration date, you may be subject to re-taking the written tests at the license branch before you can renew your permit.

CDL Test Questions

I have my learners permit now. How long must I wait before I can take my CDL skills test?

Federal regulations require that:

  1. You cannot take your test until you have held your permit for 14 days.
  2. The appointment must be scheduled at least two days in advance.
  3. All ELDT “Entry Level Driver Training” requirements have been met, submitted by the Registered Training Provider, and verified their training provider correctly entered their information into the TPR by the actual applicant. Check your ELDT Training records here: CHECK YOUR RECORD!

** Are you subject to ELDT “Entry Level Driver Training” requirements? To find out check the ELDT Federal Requirements.

Indiana policy requirements:

Applicants CAN NOT be scheduled for a CDL Skills test until ALL ELDT training information has been submitted and verified to the Federal TPR by both the training provider and the applicant wanting to test. The federal scheduling systems prevent us from doing so until all requirements have been met and entered in successfully. If you have not verified your training records are correctly entered, do so before trying to schedule a test. You will only waste your time trying to schedule a test only to find out you can't schedule one unless all information has been transmitted correctly to the TPR.
You can check your ELDT Training records here: CHECK YOUR RECORD!

I have checked and verified my ELDT training records are correct, what do I do next?

Once you have verified all of your ELDT training records are complete and accurate, you are ready for the CDL skills test. You must make an appointment at one of the Third-Party skills test sites in Indiana. You may obtain a list of the certified sites from your local license branch or go to http://www.in.gov/bmv/. Be sure to study the skills sections in the back of your CDL manual (Sections 11, 12, & 13).

How much does a CDL skills test cost?

The CDL skills test cost is regulated by the state of Indiana. Current CDL testing fees can be found here – Prosafe CDL Locations

I have a CDL license now but want to add an endorsement or upgrade my license. Do I have to take another CDL skills test?

On some endorsements “N” (Tank), “T” (Doubles/Triples), “H” (Hazardous Materials) you are only required to take written tests at the license branch, complete the proper paperwork, and pay the appropriate fees. But if you are upgrading your license (going from Class-C to Class-B/Class-A, or Class-B to Class-A for example), adding the “P” (Passenger) or” S” (School Bus) endorsements; then you must take the appropriate written tests, obtain a learner’s permit, complete the required ELDT training requirements, and successfully pass a CDL skills test to change your license.