Indiana CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: One year

An Indiana CLP is valid for one year. You must hold it at least 14 days before you can attempt the CDL skills test, and it must not expire before you finish the CDL application process.

Correct answer: $17

The Indiana CLP fee is $17. A full commercial driver’s license is $35, and adding or removing a CDL endorsement is $19. (A regular, non-commercial learner’s permit is $9.)

Correct answer: 18 for intrastate driving; 21 to operate in interstate commerce or a school bus

Indiana issues a CLP/CDL at age 18 for driving within Indiana (intrastate). You must be at least 21 to operate in interstate commerce or to apply for a school bus endorsement.

Correct answer: A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with the BMV, submitted electronically by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner

You must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) on file with the BMV, uploaded electronically to the FMCSA National Registry by a certified medical examiner. Intrastate-only drivers must likewise keep a current MEC on file to retain their commercial privileges.

Correct answer: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an FMCSA-registered provider and watch an instructional video on recognizing and reporting human trafficking

A first-time CDL applicant must complete ELDT with an FMCSA Training Provider and watch the required human-trafficking awareness video before taking the skills test at a BMV-approved CDL skills test site.

Correct answer: Certain farmers, firefighters, emergency-response operators, military personnel, and snow-and-ice removal operators

Federal rules (49 CFR 383.3) exempt certain military personnel, farmers, firefighters, emergency-response vehicle operators, and people removing snow and ice from the CDL requirement. Everyone else operating a CMV must hold a CDL.

Correct answer: The next business day — you may attempt a CDL knowledge test only once per day

In Indiana, if you fail a CDL knowledge test you may take it again the next business day, but you can only attempt a CDL knowledge test once per day.

Correct answer: One year

A passed CDL knowledge test is valid for one year in Indiana. CDL skills-test results are likewise valid for one year, and you must complete the CDL before your CLP expires.

Correct answer: At least 14 days

You must hold the CLP for 14 days before attempting the CDL skills test — matching the federal minimum. Skills-test appointments must also be scheduled at least two days in advance.

Correct answer: It may be taken only once per business day, and appointments must be scheduled at least two days in advance

The CDL skills test may be taken only once a business day, and appointments must be scheduled at least two days in advance. Failing any part, failing to follow instructions, or an unsafe action ends the test in an automatic failure, and you are responsible for the test and any truck-rental fees each time.

Correct answer: By the end of the next business day

You must notify your employer before the end of the next business day if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.

Correct answer: At all times while operating the vehicle

You must be properly restrained by a safety belt at all times while operating a CMV. It holds you securely behind the wheel during a crash, helping you keep control and greatly reducing injury.

Correct answer: At least 12 to 15 seconds ahead

Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead — the distance you will travel in that time. Because stopping or changing lanes takes a lot of distance in a large vehicle, you need to see far enough ahead to make those moves safely.

Correct answer: About one block

At lower speeds, 12 to 15 seconds of travel is about one block ahead. At highway speeds that same interval stretches to roughly a quarter of a mile.

Correct answer: A quarter of a mile ahead

At highway speeds, 12 to 15 seconds of travel works out to about a quarter of a mile ahead. Looking that far ahead does not mean ignoring what is close — good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.

Correct answer: Before each trip, with the trailer(s) straight

Mirror adjustment should be checked before the start of any trip and can only be checked accurately when the trailer(s) are straight. Adjust each mirror to show some part of the vehicle as a reference point.

Correct answer: Regularly, and even more often in special situations

Check your mirrors regularly to stay aware of traffic and to keep an eye on your vehicle. Check even more often in special situations such as lane changes, turns, merges, and tight maneuvers.

Correct answer: Objects appear smaller and farther away than they really are

Convex mirrors show a wider area, which is often helpful, but everything appears smaller than it would if you looked at it directly, and things seem farther away than they really are. Realize this and allow for it.

Correct answer: Check them quickly, looking back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead

Check your mirrors quickly and look back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead. Do not focus on the mirrors too long, or you will travel a long distance without knowing what is happening ahead.

Correct answer: Spot a tire fire and check that open cargo is still secured

Use your mirrors to keep an eye on your tires — it is one way to spot a tire fire — and to check open cargo for loose straps, ropes, chains, or a flapping tarp. Note that mirrors still leave blind spots they cannot show you.