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View All PlansFree Indiana CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025
For trucks and buses, Indiana provides important connections between the Midwest and other parts of the country. In particular, Interstate 65 passes through Indiana, connecting the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Interstate 69 runs from Evansville, Indiana to Port Huron, Michigan. Interstate 70 and Interstate 74 connect Indianapolis to Ohio and Illinois. To drive commercial vehicles on any of these routes, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
There are three classes of CDLs. A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more in which the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. To drive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, this is the class of CDL you want. A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. This license is suitable for buses and straight trucks, including box trucks and most dump trucks. A Class C CDL allows you to operate relatively smaller vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more occupants (including the driver). Decide which class of CDL you want to apply for, based on the types of vehicles you expect to be driving in your career.
To obtain a CDL, there are a bunch of requirements you must meet. One of the most important is to pass a skills test, showing that you have mastered the skills of commercial driving. Mastering those skills will take a lot of practice. To practice commercial driving under supervision, you need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). To obtain a CLP, you must pass a written General Knowledge test and meet some other requirements, including passing a medical examination.
The General Knowledge test will assess your understanding of commercial driving theory, based on the official Indiana Commercial Driver’s License Manual. But it’s not easy to pass this test just by reading the manual, no matter how many times you read it. There are better study tools. This free Indiana CDL permit practice test is also based on the official manual, and it’s up to date as of November, 2025. Practicing with it will enable you to think about what you read in the manual, reinforcing it in your mind. To make your study easier, each of the 50 questions comes with a helpful hint and an explanation of the correct answer. The practice questions contained in this test will assess your knowledge of such topics as distracted driving, cargo management, driving emergencies, and stopping distance.

Authored and curated by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.
Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)
Methodology & Editorial Policy
Last verified for accuracy: November 2025 (reviewed weekly)
What to expect on the actual IN permit test
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
Real Indiana drivers who passed first try
Verified student reviews • Shared with permission
FAQs
How much does a CDL cost in Indiana?
The cost for a CDL in Indiana includes a $35 fee for the CDL itself and a $16 knowledge test fee. Additional fees may apply for skills testing and endorsements.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?
In Indiana, disqualifications from obtaining a CDL include major traffic violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, certain criminal convictions, and medical conditions that impair safe driving abilities.
How do you obtain a CDL in Indiana?
To get a CDL in Indiana, first obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing the required knowledge tests. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then complete CDL training (optional but recommended) and pass the skills test. Ensure you meet all medical and legal requirements.
Is CDL school mandatory?
CDL school is not mandatory in Indiana, but it's highly recommended for proper training and increased likelihood of passing the skills test. Some employers may require CDL training program completion.
What does the general knowledge test include?
The general knowledge test for a CDL in Indiana covers various topics such as basic vehicle operation, safe driving practices, reading road signs, and specific rules for commercial vehicles. It assesses the basic knowledge required for safely operating a commercial vehicle.
More IN CDL test resources
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