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Indiana Driver’s License Classes (A Complete Guide)

Indiana Drivers License Class

Did you know that there are several types of driver’s licenses in Indiana?

That’s right.

And on top of that, there are endorsements, too. 

This is why, today, we’re going to give you a complete guide on the Indiana driver’s license classes. We’ll describe each class, so you’ll know which one you need. 

Plus, we’ll tell you how to get each type of license class. 

So let’s dive right in!

What are the Driver’s License Classes in Indiana?

Here are the types of driver’s licenses in Indiana: 

  • Class A CDL 
  • Class B CDL
  • Class C CDL
  • Class D
  • Class L (endorsement)
  • For-Hire (endorsement) 

Let’s talk about them in the sections below. 

Class A CDL

As the name implies, Class A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. 

With this class, you can operate a combination CMV with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. 

The towed vehicle/unit, on the other hand, should weigh a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.

Examples of Class A vehicles are truck-tractors, semi-trailers, and truck-trailer vehicle combinations.

Class B CDL

Here’s another commercial driver’s license. 

Now, a Class B CDL can operate single or combination vehicles with a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds. The difference is that, if towing a vehicle/unit, it should not weigh more than 10,000 pounds. 

Trucks, buses, and tractors are considered Class B vehicles. 

Class C CDL

And here’s the last type of commercial driver’s license in Indiana. 

This CDL class can operate any commercial vehicle that does not fall under Class A and Class B. To be more specific, it can operate a CMV that weighs less than 26,000 pounds and tows less than 10,000 pounds.

As for the vehicles under Class C, they’re usually trucks that are allowed to carry hazardous materials and buses that can transport more than 16 people (including the driver). 

Class D

A Class D license is for people with private vehicles. This is your regular driver’s license. 

Class L (Endorsement)

A Class L is more commonly known as a Motorcycle Endorsement in Indiana. 

Since this is an endorsement, you will need to have a valid Class D driver’s license before you are given this endorsement. If you are still in the process of getting a driver’s license, you can also apply for a Class L endorsement simultaneously. 

For-Hire (Endorsement)

A For-Hire endorsement is given to vehicles with any of these criteria: 

  • With up to 16-passenger capacity (including the driver) operated solely for transporting passengers for hire
  • Has a GVWR of at least 16,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds and is used solely for transporting property

Based on these criteria, a For-Hire endorsement can be used for commercial means. However, For-Hire endorsement holders are NOT allowed to operate commercial vehicles

How to Get A Class D License in Indiana

Before you get a Class D license, you’re required to get a learner’s permit first. And yes, this is required for everyone, whether you’re 15, 30, or even 60 years old. 

That said, if you’re below 21, you need to go through Indiana’s 3-stage process for getting a Class D license. These stages are: 

  • Learner’s permit
  • Probationary license
  • Class D driver’s license

If you’re above 21 years old, you can skip the probationary license stage. 

Getting a Learner’s Permit

  • Prepare the following documents:
    • Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
    • Social Security Number
    • Proof of residency in Indiana
    • Proof of enrollment in a state-approved driver’s education (if you are 15 years old only)
  • Go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Bring your parent or legal guardian if you are below 18 years old. 
  • Complete a learner’s permit application form. 
  • Pass the vision screening test. 
  • Pass the knowledge exam. 
  • Pay the application fee of $9 to get your learner’s permit. 

Getting a Probationary License

  • Hold your learner’s permit for 180 days
  • Complete your driver’s ed (if applicable)
  • Be at least 16 years and 90 days old. You need to be at least 16 years and 270 days old if you don’t complete a driver’s ed
  • Complete 50 hours of driving, 10 hours at night
  • Submit these documents on your test day:
    • Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
    • Social Security Number
    • Proof of residency in Indiana
    • Completed driving log signed by your parent, legal guardian, or instructor 
    • Proof of driver’s ed completion (if applicable)
    • Vehicle insurance and registration
  • Fill up the application form for your probationary license. 
  • Pass the vision screening test. 
  • Pass the driving test. 
  • Pay the driver’s license fee of $17.50.
  • Take a picture 
  • Get your temporary probationary license. Your official one will be mailed within 14 days
  • Once you turn 21, replace your probationary license with a full Class D license at the myBMV website

Getting a Class D Driver’s License

If you are already 21 years old and above, here is how to get your full Class D license in Indiana:

  • Get a learner’s permit and hold it for 180 days
  • Go to the BMV and bring the documents listed below:
    • Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
    • Social Security Number
    • Proof of residency in Indiana
    • Vehicle insurance and registration
    • Completed driving log 
  • Pass the vision screening test
  • Pass the driving test
  • Pay the driver’s license fee of $17.50
  • Take a picture at the BMV
  • Get your temporary Class D license. The official license will be mailed to you in 14 days.
Read More About the Indiana Drivers License Requirements Here

How to Get A Class A, B, and C License in Indiana

To get a CDL in Indiana, you need to already have a Class D driver’s license and be at least 18 years old. If you want to drive interstate or add endorsements to your CDL, you need to be at least 21 years old. 

Now, the process of getting a CDL, whether it’s Class A, B, or C, requires two stages: 

  • Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
  • Commercial driver’s license (CDL) 

Getting a CLP

  • Complete a medical examination with a Certified Medical Examiner. 
  • Go to the BMV and bring the following documents: 
    • Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
    • Social Security Number
    • Proof of residency in Indiana
    • Medical Exam
  • Pass a vision test. 
  • Pay the CLP fee of $17. 
  • Pass the knowledge exam(s). 
  • Get your CLP.

Getting a CDL

  • Hold your CLP for at least 14 days. 
  • Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). 
  • Complete a Self Certification through the State Driver Licensing Agency. 
  • Bring the following documents:
    • Proof of legal name, age, and date of birth
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence for non-US citizens
    • Social Security Number
    • Proof of residency in Indiana
    • Completion certificate for an ELDT
    • CMV registration and insurance
  • Pass the skills exam. 
  • Pay the CDL fee of $35. 
  • Surrender your CLP.
  • Get your temporary CDL. Your official CDL will be mailed to you. 
Read More About How To Get A CDL in Indiana Here

How to Get a Class L Endorsement in Indiana

Drivers who want to have a motorcycle endorsement will need to get a motorcycle learner’s permit, too. 

Here’s how to get one: 

  • Go to a BMV office.
  • Pass the vision screening test. 
  • Pass the knowledge exam. 
  • Get your learner’s permit for a motorcycle endorsement. 

A motorcycle learner’s permit is valid for one year. You can renew this only once. 

If you’re ready to get a Class L endorsement, just go to the BMV office, surrender your learner’s permit, and get the endorsement. 

How to Get a For-Hire Endorsement in Indiana

You are eligible to have a For-Hire endorsement in Indiana if you have a driver’s license that has been active for at least a year and you’re at least 18 years old. 

If you’re eligible, you can get the endorsement with these steps: 

  • Go to the BMV and bring your driver’s license. 
  • Apply for a For-Hire endorsement. 
  • Pass the vision test. 
  • Pass the For-Hire knowledge exam. 
  • Get your endorsement.

Conclusion

So that was your complete guide to the Indiana driver’s license classes. 

Now that you know what each class can operate, you won’t be confused about which one you need. 

And once you know what you need, you can start working towards it right away. 

Good luck!

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