Tips for Getting a CDL in Indiana

If you’ve ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a big rig in Indiana, you probably know that the first step to doing so is getting a CDL in Indiana. Getting your commercial drivers license is a great way to jumpstart your career and gain independence. As a trucker, you’ll have the opportunity to see so much of the country through a new and exciting lens. The best way to achieve this kind of freedom is to get your commercial drivers license and start working in the trucking industry. 

Our graduates have an 80% job placement rate, and with the current shortage of truck drivers, getting a CDL in Indiana is the perfect way to take control of your future career. Truck Driver Institute offers three locations across the state of Indiana—in Indianapolis, Louisville, and South Bend—so you’re sure to find a location that suits your needs. The world of trucking is just waiting for you to join, so here are our top five tips for getting a CDL in Indiana. 

Top 5 Tips to Getting A CDL in Indiana 

1.Pick Your Certification

If you’re looking to obtain your commercial drivers license, you have a couple of options available to you. There are three levels of certification, each with different requirements attached to them. The most common choice is the Class A CDL, but at Truck Driver Institute we offer Class B as well. The Class A CDL certification allows you to operate any vehicle certified under Class B or C CDLs, including 18-wheelers. Additionally, the Class A license allows you to drive large cargo across state lines, which means you’ll have more versatile employment opportunities, in Indiana and beyond. Once you’ve decided which certification is best for you, you can begin the actual training process and begin your journey as a driver.

2.Know Your Terrain

Driving in Indiana can be an interesting experience, depending on the time of year you’re doing the driving. During the winter, you can face some slick situations, and it’s crucial that you’re ready to deal with them. Luckily, we offer versatile training programs that are specific to your geographical needs. This means that by the end of our course, you’ll know what to do in every weather situation on any terrain. You’ll learn what things to keep handy in your truck, and how to use them if you need to. This knowledge will help you take care of yourself and your vehicle during long trips, and you’ll be ready to tackle the icy Indiana winters with ease. 

3.Take Advantage of Practice Tests

There are two components to getting your CDL: a practical exam and a knowledge test. Before taking your knowledge exam, you should take advantage of the numerous free practice tests available online. TDI’s training courses help readily prepare you for the exam, but taking a few extra practice tests will never hurt, and there are countless options available. Practicing for the practical section of the exam is a bit more difficult, so using the resources available to study for the knowledge test is crucial. The faster you’re able to pass your exams, the faster you can get yourself onto the road and start earning money.

4.Transfer Your CDL From Another State

If you’re already a truck driver, you may not have to complete the entire training process for a second time. In certain states, you can transfer your CDL from one state to another. In Indiana, you simply have to pass the general knowledge written exams to have your license transferred over. If you have a hazardous materials endorsement, you’ll need to have acceptable threat assessment approval to get the endorsement on your Indiana license, but overall the process of transferring a license is much simpler than starting the process anew. 

5.Have Your Paperwork In Order

Aside from the actual tests necessary to obtain your commercial drivers license, you’ll need to provide some paperwork to ensure that your certification is official. You’ll need to have a valid Indiana State driver’s license for at least a year before you can get your commercial license, and you’ll need to prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, or permanent residence card. You’ll also need two documents that prove Indiana residency, along with a Medical Examination Report (MER) and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). To maintain a valid CDL, you’ll need to keep these documents up to date. 

Come See the Experts at Truck Driver Institute

Here at TDI, we have everything you need to get started in the world of truck driving. Our program was founded in 1973 by Thomas Gast, and has been helping people realize their dreams of becoming a truck driver ever since. This is an immersive program that will have you ready to take on the road in just three short weeks. Our class was developed by seasoned professional drivers who have logged thousands of miles in the trucking industry. Our program is updated regularly to ensure that all information remains current. Best of all, we offer testing on-site at the conclusion of your program, so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

We partner with over twenty carriers, which means the transition from school to the workforce is simple and easy. From Cypress Truck Lines to Amazon, our partners offer competitive salaries and great benefits. Some partners even offer tuition assistance to help get you on the road even faster. If you’re looking for more options, there are countless other CDL jobs available through many other resources online. If you’ve decided that getting a CDL in Indiana is the right choice for you, look no further than one of our three Indiana training locations. Between South Bend, Indianapolis, and Louisville, you’re sure to find a location that works for you, and you’ll be on your way to earning a truckers salary in just three short weeks. Fill out this interest form today to receive more information and get started with the next chapter of your career.