What to Expect on the Indiana CDL Skills Test: A State-Specific Guide
- Emily Parker
- Dec 8
- 4 min read
Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Indiana is a critical step toward starting a career in trucking or commercial driving. The final step is the Indiana CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and certified third-party examiners. This exam measures your ability to inspect, control, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) according to Indiana and federal safety standards.
At CDL eXpert, we help drivers prepare for the skills test with the CDL Skills Exam course, taught by veteran CDL examiner Al Hanley. The course explains exactly what examiners look for—so you can walk into your test confident and ready.
Follow this link and enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $10 off!
This guide outlines what to expect on the Indiana CDL skills test, including state-specific requirements and how our course helps you prepare to pass.
What’s on the Indiana CDL Skills Test?
The Indiana CDL skills test includes three required sections:
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
On-Road Driving
You must pass all three parts to earn your CDL.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
This section evaluates your ability to inspect your vehicle for safety. You’ll need to name components, explain their function, and describe how you would inspect them.
What to Expect
You’ll be asked to inspect and describe parts such as:
Engine compartment (belts, fluids, hoses)
Brake system and air brake components
Steering and suspension systems
Tires, wheels, and rims
Lights, reflectors, and emergency equipment
Coupling devices (if applicable)
If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you’ll perform a full air brake system check, including:
Static pressure test
Applied pressure test
Low air warning system
Emergency spring brake test
Use standard terminology such as:
“Properly mounted and secure”
“Not cracked, bent, or broken”
“No leaks and safe to operate”
Indiana-Specific Requirements
Indiana uses a pass/fail grading system for the pre-trip inspection. Missing critical components or failing the air brake check can result in an automatic fail.You must complete the inspection from memory, without assistance or notes.The Indiana CDL Manual outlines the exact checklist your examiner will use.Performing the air brake inspection correctly is required to earn the air brake endorsement.
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
This portion of the test measures your ability to safely maneuver a CMV in a confined space. You’ll perform controlled backing maneuvers in a test yard.
What to Expect
Indiana examiners typically test three of the following:
Straight-Line Backing
Offset Backing (Left or Right)
Parallel Parking (Driver-Side or Conventional)
Alley Dock
Your performance is evaluated based on vehicle control, boundary lines, cone strikes, and proper setup.
Indiana-Specific Requirements
Parallel parking is required for most CDL applicants in Indiana.You’re allowed a limited number of pull-ups—exceeding this may result in deductions or failure.Cone strikes, unsafe corrections, or leaving boundaries may cause automatic disqualification.Indiana follows AAMVA-standard layouts, but spacing and surface conditions may vary by location.
On-Road Driving
The on-road portion tests your ability to operate a CMV in real traffic situations. You’ll drive a predetermined route while the examiner evaluates your performance.
What to Expect
You’ll be evaluated on your ability to:
Maintain speed and lane control
Use mirrors and check blind spots
Shift gears correctly (for manual transmissions)
Make turns, stop safely, and follow traffic signals
Merge, change lanes, and navigate intersections
Handle railroad crossings, school zones, and work zones
Indiana-Specific Requirements
You must make a complete stop at all railroad crossings, even when no train is present.Speeding or violating any traffic law—especially in school or construction zones—results in automatic failure.Expect a mix of urban, residential, and highway driving on the route.Examiners watch closely for mirror usage, signaling, and control throughout the exam.
Indiana CDL Testing Locations
CDL skills tests in Indiana are administered by the BMV at official CDL testing sites and through approved third-party testers.
Common testing locations include:
Indianapolis
Fort Wayne
Evansville
South Bend
Lafayette
Bloomington
All CDL tests are appointment only. Availability varies, so plan and schedule early.
How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare
Our CDL Skills Exam course is designed to help you pass your Indiana CDL skills test the first time. Created by an experienced examiner, the course walks you through the structure of the test and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
What’s Included?
Full Pre-Trip Inspection walkthroughs (standard and legacy formats)
Backing maneuver tutorials with setup and correction strategies
On-road driving tips tailored to what examiners score
Air brake inspection demos using official procedures and terminology
Course Details
$29.95
2.5 hours of video training
37 detailed lessons
Free preview available
Follow this link and enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $10 off!
This course is ideal for both first-time testers and those preparing for a retake.
Final Thoughts
The Indiana CDL skills test is a serious step—but it’s one you can master with the right preparation. The CDL Skills Exam course gives you the structure, clarity, and insider knowledge to pass with confidence.
From your pre-trip inspection to backing maneuvers to navigating Indiana’s roads safely, we help you get test-day ready.
Good luck on your Indiana CDL skills test!
