FAQs
Have Questions? Of course you do! That's why you are here!
If you do not see an answer to your question here, by all means please submit that to us via Email at:
indycdl@prosafecdl.com
Do you have 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!
In general, you will need a commercial license if you want to drive:
- A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001#'s or more.
- 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.
- A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
- 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
Look through the preface for all requirements to obtain a CDL License.
I used to have a CDL several years ago but I turned it in when I wasn't driving 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 CDL 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 CDL Skills Test at a Third-Party test site. When you pass, then you MUSTreturn 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 CDL 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 CDL 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:
- You cannot take your test until you have held your permit for 14 days.
- The appointment must be scheduled at least two days in advance.
- 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 to schedule your 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 11M, 12M, & 13). These last (3) sections have all the CDL Skills Test required criteria to pass the test if done properly.
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, I 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. However, 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. Once you have passed your CDL Skills Test, you MUSTreturn to a BMV License Branch within 60 days to obtain your new license.
2023 CDL Skills Modernization Testing
When does the new Modernization CDL Skills Testing take place?
August 12th, 2024
Key items not covered in the meeting that I forgot to mention.
School
Corporations
Section
SCHOOL CORPORATIONS PRE-TRIP ITEMS:
School Bus Emergency Exits:
They must operate at least (1) Emergency exit window alarm. The remaining exits do not need
to be physically checked.
The applicant simply needs to point out all the remaining exits including the roof
hatches.Do not open the roof hatches
unless they are needed for air flow on hot days. The emergency hatch function and how to
open them in an emergency
situation is all that is requried.
School Bus No Student Left Behind Alarms:
Teach your applicants how to disable these! Set them off during your training and teach how
to de-activate or disable them.
Due to the different manufactures and how they are installed, examiners do not have any idea
how to shut these off with all
of the different proceedures between different manufactures. Currently we allow the trainers
if it's needed to go out and assist
shutting these off because the applicants have not been trained how to do it themselves for
some reason. So, PLEASE make sure your
applicants know how to disable them. When the new modernization testing begins, August 12th
2024 the assistance from the trainers
will no longer be allowed. Per federal regulations, only the CDL Examiner and the applicant
are allowed out on the testing area's.
If your applicants do not get trained on how to disable these alarms, and they are set off,
this will only create panic and more
nerves for the applicant throughout their skills test. By FMCSR regulations, CDL Skills
Examiners are not allowed to assist
any applicant on their skills test. This also includes the opening and closing of the
vehicle engine compartment hood.
If any assistance is given or needed during a skills test, it is to be graded as an
automatic failure of the skills test.
Questions & Answers from the Modernization meeting:
Pre-Trip
Inspection
Section
All Vehicles Section
# 1. All Vehicle Classes:
When doing the Air-Brake check, should the applicant say that they
will perform the air gauge & governor cut off check and once that is completed then go
on to say, “I will now perform the air leakage rate test” and so on and so forth?
The examiner will give specific instructions for the Air Brake Check. As it is now, it remains this way. The examiner will ensure that the test vehicle’s air pressure is brought down to governor cut in pressure which is 90 psi or below. From this point, the applicant starts the first step to the brake check. Once completed with the first step, and the applicant identifies the governor cut out pressure as it is stated in the CDL manual, the applicant can and should proceed on to the remaining 3 steps in order, as it is stated in the CDL manual until completed. However, for clarification and clear understanding purposes, it is possible that during any step in the brake check that an examiner MAY stop the applicant and ask for clarification on something if the applicant does not state the information needed for that step or an examiner is unsure of what the applicant is stating. This is not something that is required to be done, however, in most situations it is done to get clarification and ensure the applicant has the chance to give clear and unquestionable correct information prior to moving on to the next step.
# 2. All Vehicle Classes:
Is the applicant required to bring in an "Inflation Gauge" and a "Tread Depth Gauge" for
checking the tires?
No. Applicants are not required to actually check the inflation or the depth. The items on the checklist that need to be inspected only need to be explained. No actual physical contact is needed for the inspection besides opening a door, and safely entering and exiting with 3 points of contact. Safety is the primary concern for everyone. The only time any applicant would need to touch an item is if the Examiner feels the applicant is not identifying an item location correctly and needs more specific identification. Under no circumstances will any applicant need to crawl or go under any vehicle for a skills test.
# 3. All Vehicle Classes:
Do you have to do the In-Cab in order?
No. There is no specific order in which items need to be inspected.
# 4. All Vehicle Classes:
Do you have to wait until the lighting indicators to state the ABS light standards?
No. There is no specific order in which items need to be inspected.
# 5. All Vehicle Classes:
Do you have to talk about the truck bed?
No. There is no scoring standard for truck beds, only trailer floors.
# 6. All Vehicle Classes:
Frame(s): Do you just talk about the Power Unit frame or trailer too?
Both! On combination units all portions of the frame on both units must be inspected. On combination units with sliding tandems, the tandem frame area must also be inspected. See "trailer sections" in the CDL manual for details.
# 7. All Vehicle Classes:
Are applicants no longer required to recite measurements of oil pressure, engine temperature,
and voltage?
No they are not. REMINDER- the only items needed to be inspected are the items on the vehicle inspection checklist. If it's not on the list, it's not required.
# 8. All Vehicle Classes:
Traffic Monitoring Devices: When mentioning cameras, is this only in refrence to cameras to
assist with backing?
Traffic Monitoring Devices:
Description: Side view mirrors for rear view of traffic
to the sides and behind (all vehicles). Other monitoring
devices, such as cameras, may be utilized with mirrors
or instead of mirrors.
Passenger Monitoring Devices:
Description: Mirrors and monitoring devices, such as
cameras, for observing and monitoring passengers or
students.
Windshield and Traffic Monitoring Decices:
Description: Windshield, mirrors and other monitoring devices,
such as cameras.
All of these descriptions explain that "Monitoring Devices" are items that allow
a driver to monitor traffic
and passengers while operating a CMV. These items, if your vehicle is equipped with them, must be
checked and functional if being used
for the skills test. Think of all cameras aka "Traffic Monitoring Devices" as an actual camera with
a screen inside for the driver to
monitor. If your vehicle does not have anything other than a backup camera, then that is all you are
able to check. Mirros and cameras
are "Traffic Monitoring Devices."
# 10. All Vehicle Classes:
Are applicants required to actually inspect the mirrors twice?
Yes. As it is currenlty, applicants check mirrors both inside and outside. The inside/in-cab check is just for an adjustment check.
# 11. All Vehicle Classes:
Are applicants required to actually perfrom the service brake check?
No. The applicant is not required at our test location to perform the service brake check. Per AAMVA standards, the language specifically states they do not need to perform this, only explain the proceedures.
# 12. All Vehicle Classes:
Under the Spring/Mounts & Air Bags & Shocks, the air ride suspension/air bags are at the rear tire area. It is mentioned in the
check list but wondering do we still need to mention it to get credit for the Spring/Mounts & Air Bags & Schocks section? This comes
from our disussion of not having to mention anything about the back tire area which is where the air bags are located.
No. The applicant is not required to inspect anything that is not on the checklist. The checklist specifies the steering axle only is required. In the CDL manual it does mention that an applicant should be prepared to inspect all axles. However, this is a federal manual and written as such. Meaning that each state has the ability and legal authority to be more restrictive than the federal minimum as long as they meet the minimum requirements of the federal standards.
# 13. All Vehicle Classes:
The light operations check:
Will the examiner stand out front, then the side and finally the back and acknowledge as the applicant goes through each
light or will they need to communicate each item and then do it?
When the applicant instructs or asks for assistance in performing the outside light operations check, the examiner will conduct the inspection as it is done previously. The only difference between the current modernization and the 2005 model is that the applicant must now ask or inform the examiner of the light operations check.
Passenger/School Bus Section
# 1. Passenger/School Bus:
When inspecting the passenger entry door, will that will be done from
the inside as stated in the manual & no longer performed during the outside
inspection?
As it is done currently, the applicant can inspect the door/passenger entry from the outside for all critical requirements. However, the operation must be checked from the inside. There is no possible way to check the operation from outside
# 2. Passenger/School Bus:
-
Buses with Engine Compartment access on the inside of the cab.
Does the applicant need to open the compartment hatch and point out the items needing to be
inspected?
Yes. Although there are only a few items to insepct in this engine compartment, the applicant is still required to identify the item being inspected by pointing to it and giving the scoring standards.
School Bus Only Section
# 1. School Bus Only:
Is the first aid emergency & bodily fluid spill kit that is listed
under “School Bus Only” on the checklist considered emergency equipment? Can the
applicant include that with the emergency equipment that is inspected inside the
vehicle?
The first aid kit and body fluid kit are not part of the emergency equipment section items. As it has always been, there is no specific order in which items need to be inspected. It is only required to inspect all items for your vehicle that are listed on the checklist and in the manual.
# 2. School Bus Only:
On the internal inspection, SCHOOL BUS ONLY, applicants are to inspect that the strobe
light is operation and that the indicator on the dash is operational. If we do not have a dash
indicator, do we just say it's operational?
No. Applicants do not need to inspect something that is not on the vehicle even though it may be on the inpsection checklist. If your vehicle does not come equipped with an item, it would be virtually impossible to inspect that item if it doesn't exist.
# 3. School Bus Only:
Under the section of the checklist title school bus only where the applicant is checking the flashing
amber and red lights along with the strobe light. Do we ask the examiner to check that the lights are
working externally druing the lights operation check or does the applicant need to get off the bus and
check that themselves?
No. The applicant will only operate the ligths. The examiner is checking any and all lights being operated outside the vehicle.
Questions & Answers from the Modernization meeting:
Basic Controlled
Skills Section
What is the new Basic Controlled Skills Maneuvers and scoring criteria?
Forward Stop Box
Scoring is either "0" or "5" Points, No G.O.A.L's allowed. Must be inside "3" foot stop box.
Straight Line Backing
"1" G.O.A.L, "1" free pull-up
Same as current scoring.
Forward Offset Tracking
Scoring is "0" or "5" points on clearance. This is a forward moving graded maneuver, MUST be done WITHOUT STOPPING.
Reverse Offset Backing
"2" G.O.A.L's, "2" free pull-ups
Same as current Parallel Parking
with the addition of a "3" foot stop box at the rear of the alley. Rear of vehicle must be
inside the stop box.
Your vehicle must be straight within the alley when completed. Your
vehicle must be completely within the defined exercise boundaries when completed (other than
mirrors or other unique vehicle parts higher than the door mirrors, such as a bucket truck).
You may not go beyond the outer boundary line. (See Figure 12M.4 on page 12M-4) This
paragraph was taken from: Section 12M – Basic Control Skills Page 12M-3
Does this mean:
a. if the tractor and trailer are not straight with each other or
b. if they are straight with each other (tractor & trailer), but the combination vehicle is
not straight in profile or parallel to the lane that the applicant would be disqualified for
the final position?
Scoring is done based on the applicant’s final position. The rule is the entire vehicle must be within the boundaries and if any portion of the rear most part of the vehicle is within the 3-foot stop box the applicant is successful. The vehicle does not need to be perfectly straight, just inside the boundary and inside the stop box.
I do not see my question listed here! How do I get an answer to my question(s)?
Submit all questions to our office via email to:IndyCDL@prosafecdl.com