Commercial Driver FAQs

There's certainly a lot of information that needs to be conveyed about having a commercial driver's license (CDL). We've done our best to present the necessary information in our other CDL sections. Here, we'll try to tie up a few loose ends.

Other Information Sources

An excellent overall source of information is your trusty CDL Test Booklet. Besides containing the basic information required to help pass your tests, it also has material on physical examinations and waivers, safety regulations, alcohol testing and endorsements.

For additional information, a wide variety of CDL-related forms, publications, checklists, manuals and even a newsletter are available for downloading through the Indiana Motor Carrier Services Web site. There's also a brief Frequently Asked Questions page available.

Fingerprinting

All CDL holders who have or want to have a Hazardous Materials endorsement need to be fingerprinted. A number of license agencies throughout the state offer this service.

CDL Not Required

A CDL is not needed to legally operate farm, emergency, firefighting, and military vehicles.

CDL Expiration

Your CDL is valid for four years. Be sure to renew your license at least within one year after the expiration date.

Failing to do so will cause you to take all necessary knowledge and skills test again. The same holds true for those who have had their license canceled, revoked, invalidated or disqualified for more than one year.

CDL Violations and Penalties

Having a CDL is a serious responsibility, with safety being at the forefront. That's why the punishment for a safety violation is so severe.

You should note that anyone with a CDL is considered to be legally drunk with a blood alcohol content of .04%, half of the limit for non-CDL holders.

The first time you're found guilty of drunk driving, you'll lose your license for one year (or three years if you're driving a hazardous materials vehicle). If it happens again, you'll lose it for life.

You'll also lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you're found guilty (while driving a commercial motor vehicle)(CMV) of two offenses that include excessive speeding, reckless driving and any traffic offense in connection with a fatal accident, within a three-year period.

You'll lose it for at least 120 days if three of these violations occur within a three-year period.

In addition, you'll have your license suspended for one year if you leave the scene of an accident that involved your CMV, or if you use your CMV in the act of a felony. The penalty is three years if you're driving a hazardous materials vehicle.

Also, by having a CDL, you give your implied consent for alcohol testing for any of the above infractions.

A list of possible Driver Offenses, Disqualifications and Penalties is available for downloading.

Safety Act Rules

You should also be aware of the following rules and regulations:

• You may only have one CDL. The states are on a computerized link that tracks this information. If you happen to have more than one license, keep your Indiana license and return the other. You could be fined $5000, or face jail time if you don't comply.

• You must have a CDL to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The same possible penalties apply as listed above.

• If you have a suspended or revoked CDL, your employer may not permit you to drive. If they do, the same penalties apply.

• Along those lines, if your license has been canceled, revoked or suspended, you must let your employer know about it on a timely basis.

• If you are found guilty of any sort of traffic violation (besides parking) while driving any type of vehicle, you must tell your employer within 30 days of the conviction.

• You must also notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles if you are found guilty of any sort of traffic violation (besides parking) while driving any type of vehicle in another state, within 30 days of the conviction.

• When you are applying for a commercial driving job, you must tell the potential employer of all the driving jobs you've had in the previous 10 years.

Fees

Here are the costs of some common CDL fees:

• CDL: $30

• Amended CDL: $20

• CDL learner's permit: $16

• Amended CDL learner's permit: $10

Contact Information

Here are some numbers and addresses that you might find helpful:

• Indiana Department of Revenue

• Motor Carrier Services Division

• 5252 Decatur Blvd., Suite R

• Indianapolis, IN 46241

• (317) 615-7200

• Indiana State Police

• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

• 5252 Decatur Blvd., Suite J

• Indianapolis, IN 46241

• (800) 523-2226

• Federal Office of Motor Carriers

• 575 North Pennsylvania, Suite 261

• Indianapolis, IN 46204

• (317) 226-7474