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Indiana CDL Knowledge Practice Test

In Indiana, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) gives the CDL knowledge (written) tests. Here is what the BMV says about the steps and how to practice.

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Steps to an Indiana CDL

Use the Indiana BMV’s current CDL checklist for your application, medical certification and required knowledge tests. Complete the required human-trafficking awareness video. First-time Class A or B applicants and certain upgrades or endorsements also need entry-level driver training. For Class A/B and P/S paths, ELDT must be completed before the skills test; a first HazMat applicant needs the applicable theory training before the HazMat knowledge test.

Scoring

Federal rules require 80% correct on each knowledge test, including General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination and each endorsement.

The skills test

You must hold your CLP for 14 days first. The skills test is taken at a BMV-authorized third-party site and has three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills and the road test. Check the testing site’s booking notice and availability.

How passMarker helps

Practice General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination and each endorsement topic, with explanations for every answer. Start with the free diagnostic.

Original sample practice questions

Study examples from the learner-approved practice bank. These are not live exam questions. Open each answer to see the explanation and source reference.

1. Applicable to Class A, B, and C. During a pre-trip walkaround, a driver notices a fresh puddle of fuel beneath the vehicle. What should the driver do with this finding?

  1. Wait until the after-trip inspection to record it
  2. Treat it as a vehicle defect requiring attention before operation
  3. Ignore it if the engine starts normally
  4. Assume it is condensation unless the fuel gauge drops
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. The inspection method directs drivers to look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks when approaching it. A fresh fuel leak is therefore a safety-related defect to address. (Section 2, supplied PDF pp. 21–27.)

Source: Section 2, PDF pp. 21–27

2. While monitoring a truck’s air system, a driver sees tank pressure climb to about 125 psi and then stop increasing even though the engine is running normally. Which component is most directly responsible for stopping compressor pumping at that point?

  1. The safety relief valve
  2. The application pressure gauge
  3. The air compressor governor
  4. The low-air-pressure warning device
Show answer and explanation

Answer C. The compressor governor stops the compressor from pumping when tank pressure reaches its cut-out level, around 125 psi. The safety valve is a separate overpressure protection device. (Section 5, PDF p. 73)

Source: Section 5, PDF pp. 73–76

3. A Class A driver is loading a tractor-semitrailer for a route with several exit ramps. Which loading decision best reduces rollover risk?

  1. Place the heaviest cargo high and toward the trailer's curb side
  2. Place the heaviest cargo as low as possible and keep the load centered
  3. Leave open space on one side so the load can shift during turns
  4. Concentrate cargo near the rear doors to reduce off-tracking
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. Keeping cargo close to the ground, centered, and spread out helps prevent rollover. A load concentrated to one side can make a trailer lean and increase rollover risk. Source: Section 6, PDF pp. 83–87.

Source: Section 6, PDF pp. 83–87

4. A driver plans to operate a Class B truck carrying a nonhazardous liquid in two permanently attached 500-gallon tanks. Is an N endorsement required?

  1. No, because only a single tank of more than 1,000 gallons requires an N endorsement.
  2. Yes, because any Class B vehicle carrying any liquid requires an N endorsement.
  3. No, because the liquid is not hazardous.
  4. Yes, because each tank exceeds 119 gallons and the tanks total 1,000 gallons.
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. For a Class A or B vehicle, an N endorsement is required when hauling liquid or liquid gas in tanks with an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. Section 8, PDF pp. 100–101.

Source: Section 8, PDF pp. 100–101

5. A dispatcher assigns a driver to transport hazardous material in a small van. The shipment is in a quantity that requires placards under federal regulations. What credential is required before the driver may operate the vehicle?

  1. No additional credential because the vehicle is small
  2. A tank-vehicle endorsement only
  3. A standard operator license if the shipment is under a shipper-set weight limit
  4. A CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. A vehicle transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards is subject to the CDL hazardous-materials endorsement requirement, regardless of vehicle size. (Indiana CDL manual, Section 9, PDF pp. 103–110; 49 CFR 383.93.)

Source: Section 9, PDF pp. 103–110

6. Before beginning a morning route, a bus driver reviews the previous driver's inspection report and sees a defect listed from the prior shift. The repair shop says it will be handled later today, but there is no certification that it was repaired or did not need repair. What should the driver do regarding the previous report?

  1. Discard it and prepare a new report without reviewing it
  2. Sign it because the repair shop knows about the defect
  3. Sign it only after the reported defect is certified as repaired or not needing repair
  4. Sign it if the bus starts and the brakes appear normal
Show answer and explanation

Answer C. A driver must review the previous driver's inspection report and should sign it only when earlier reported defects have been certified as repaired or not needing repair. (Section 4, PDF p. 69)

Source: Section 4, PDF pp. 69–70

7. Before beginning a route, a driver notices that the outside flat mirrors do not show the rear tires touching the ground. What should the driver do?

  1. Use the overhead inside mirror to view the rear tires
  2. Rely on the crossover mirrors instead
  3. Readjust the flat mirrors before operating the bus
  4. Begin the route and adjust the mirrors at the first stop
Show answer and explanation

Answer C. Outside left and right flat mirrors should be adjusted so the driver can see the rear tires touching the ground, and each mirror should be checked before operating the bus. (PDF pp. 125–126)

Source: Section 10, PDF pp. 125–130

8. A driver is taking a double-trailer combination onto a highway exit ramp at a speed that would be comfortable for a straight truck. What is the safest adjustment?

  1. Accelerate slightly so both trailers track more smoothly
  2. Move toward the inside of the ramp and steer more sharply
  3. Maintain the same speed but brake harder near the ramp curve
  4. Slow down and steer gently through the ramp
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. A speed safe for a straight truck or single-trailer combination may be too fast for doubles or triples. The driver should go slowly and steer gently on ramps and curves to help prevent rollover. (PDF pp. 97–98, Section 7.1.1)

Source: Section 7, PDF pp. 97–98

9. During a CDL vehicle inspection test, a driver exits the cab to begin a walk-around inspection. Which action is required before exiting?

  1. Shut off the engine and place the vehicle in reverse
  2. Set the parking brake(s) and place the vehicle in neutral
  3. Turn on the four-way flashers and leave the vehicle in drive
  4. Release the parking brake(s) and chock only the front wheels
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. Before exiting the vehicle during the inspection, the driver must set the parking brake(s) and place the vehicle in neutral. Section 11, PDF pp. 137–140.

Source: Section 11, PDF pp. 137–140

10. Before leaving with a loaded cargo van, a driver notices that stacked cartons block the only practical path to the vehicle's fire extinguisher. The cartons are otherwise secured. What must the driver do?

  1. Reposition the cartons so they do not restrict access to emergency equipment
  2. Move the cartons only if the vehicle will travel on an interstate
  3. Add more tie-downs without changing the carton location
  4. Leave the cartons because they are secured and inside a closed van
Show answer and explanation

Answer A. A driver is responsible for knowing that cargo does not restrict access to emergency equipment. Section 3, PDF pp. 65–66.

Source: Section 3, PDF pp. 65–66

Frequently asked questions

What score do I need to pass the Indiana CDL test?

80% on each knowledge test, the federal standard.

How long are my test results good for?

Check your current application and the BMV’s CDL checklist for the expiry date that applies to you.

Where do I take the skills test?

At a BMV-authorized testing site. Confirm its booking requirements directly.

Official sources

Source information reviewed November 11, 2026. Policies can change; confirm requirements with the licensing agency before booking.

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