How to obtain a CLP in Indiana
Indiana requirements for obtaining your learner’s permit
- You must be at least 18 years old if transporting property within state lines and 21 years old if you are transporting property outside state lines
- You must have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year
- When applying for your first CLP in Indiana, you must provide a Medical Examination Report (MER) and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).
- Pass a written exam covering topics related to the type of vehicle you plan to drive. You can learn more about that on the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.
Studying for your Indiana CLP
The Indiana Commercial Driver License Manual was updated in July of 2017. It contains all of the federal and state-specific requirements for this state. As a commercial truck driver, you will take one or more of these exams, depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive: air brakes, combination vehicle, hazardous materials, tanker, doubles/triples (when a truck hauls more than one trailer).
Apply to CDL training with a federally-sanctioned program
Here’s a pro tip: apply to CDL schools / training programs as soon as you start studying for your learning permit. Why? Because there can be several weeks between when you apply and space is available in your chosen training program. When your chosen training partner has a spot ready, you want to be ready too.
You also want to make sure you’re enrolling in an Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program, like Halvor’s paid CDL training, that has been approved by the federal government and is listed on their registry. As of 2022, it’s required for every new driver.
Halvor Lines offers a paid CDL training program and follows that with paid OTR training. If that sounds good to you, reach out to a Halvor recruiter today.
Taking your CDL test
Once you’ve obtained your CLP and finished your ELDT / CDL training program, it’s time to take your road test. Halvor’s CDL training program driving instructors will teach you what you need to know.
Learning over-the-road skills with a trainer
At Halvor Lines, we want to make sure new drivers have the experience and confidence to succeed as a professional OTR driver. Our paid OTR Finishing Program pairs you with a trainer for four weeks. After that, you’re ready to drive solo or drive as part of a team. We’ve also got a special 12-week program that allows you to become a trainer and earn extra pay.
