Free Indiana CDL practice test online
Take a free Indiana CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
CDL knowledge tests are federally regulated, so the passing score in Indiana is the same as everywhere else: 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
Indiana CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is Indiana’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a Indiana licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The Indiana non-commercial knowledge test runs 50 questions and needs 40 correct, with permits issued from age 15.
Indiana permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 Indiana CDL practice questions
Try these Indiana sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. A Class B CDL covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another that weighs:
- AOnly motorcycles
- BMore than 10,000 pounds GVWR
- 10,000 pounds GVWR or less
- DAny weight without limit
Answer: 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. If the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR, the combination generally requires Class A instead.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Introduction — vehicle classes
2. In a speed zone under 45 mph, activate amber warning lights at least:
- A300 feet before the bus stop
- BOnly after the bus has fully stopped
- C50 feet before the bus stop
- 100 feet before the bus stop
Answer: 100 feet before the bus stop. Use at least 300 feet of warning in zones posted 45 mph or faster, and monitor mirrors continuously.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — loading and unloading
3. Posted curve speeds for tankers are often:
- AOnly for empty tanks
- BSafe at the posted limit when fully loaded
- Too fast—tankers can roll over at posted curve speeds
- DMinimum speeds you must meet
Answer: Too fast—tankers can roll over at posted curve speeds. High center of gravity makes liquid tankers especially rollover-prone. Take curves and ramps well below posted speeds.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Tank vehicles — high center of gravity
4. Front-end header boards (headache racks) are meant to:
- Protect the driver from cargo in a crash or emergency stop
- BSupport landing gear
- CHold warning triangles only
- DImprove radio reception
Answer: Protect the driver from cargo in a crash or emergency stop. Keep the front-end structure in good condition so it can block forward cargo movement.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Securing cargo — header boards
5. Before moving the bus after loading, students should be:
- ASitting on the floor
- BHolding the handrail only
- CStanding in the aisle
- Seated and facing forward
Answer: Seated and facing forward. Wait until students are seated and facing forward, then check mirrors before pulling away.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — loading procedures
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in Indiana just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
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Common questions
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