How to get your CDL Class A in Indianapolis
Common starting roles
Step-by-step roadmap
Meet basic eligibility requirements
Must be 21+ for interstate driving (18 for Indiana-only intrastate). Valid Indiana driver's license. Pass a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner.
Pass knowledge tests + get your CLP
At a BMV branch, pass General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes tests (80% each). You'll receive a Commercial Learner's Permit and must hold it for at least 14 days.
Complete ELDT at an FMCSA-approved school
Federal law (since Feb 2022) requires Entry-Level Driver Training from an approved school before your first CDL skills test. Many employers reimburse or fully sponsor this.
Watch Truckers Against Trafficking video
Indiana requires all first-time CDL applicants (since July 2023) to complete this anti-trafficking training. Free and available online.
Pass the CDL skills test
Three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. At a BMV-approved test site. One business day minimum wait between retests.
Apply to Indianapolis-area carriers
DHL (Plainfield), FedEx Ground, Amazon (Whitestown), Old Dominion, XPO, and regional carriers. Many offer paid training in exchange for a 12-month commitment.
Optional: Add endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger)
Endorsements expand the loads and vehicles you can drive and raise your pay. HazMat requires a TSA background check and fingerprinting.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Commercial Driver make in Indianapolis?
$22–$32/hr local · $65k–$90k/yr OTR. DHL, FedEx, Amazon, and dozens of Indianapolis logistics employers hire CDL drivers year-round. Many carriers pay off your training cost in exchange for a 12-month commitment.
How much does it cost to become a Commercial Driver?
Typical out-of-pocket costs in Indiana: Meet basic eligibility requirements: $80–$150 (DOT physical); Pass knowledge tests + get your CLP: ~$51 (tests + permit); Complete ELDT at an FMCSA-approved school: $3,500–$7,500; Pass the CDL skills test: $35 CDL fee. Many programs are employer-paid or covered by Indiana WorkOne grants for eligible Hoosiers — always ask before paying out of pocket.
How long does it take?
Meet basic eligibility requirements (1–2 weeks); Pass knowledge tests + get your CLP (1 day + 14-day hold); Complete ELDT at an FMCSA-approved school (3–7 weeks full-time); Watch Truckers Against Trafficking video (~1 hour); Pass the CDL skills test (1 day); Apply to Indianapolis-area carriers (Ongoing).
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Requirements verified against official Indiana and federal sources (Indiana Dept of Health, FMCSA, Indiana BMV, Indianapolis DBNS). Last reviewed May 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.