Indiana CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) in Indiana include specific endorsements and restrictions that determine the types of vehicles you can operate and under what conditions. These endorsements expand your CDL privileges, while restrictions may limit them based on factors such as vehicle configuration, medical certification, or testing qualifications.

Understanding these codes is essential for staying compliant with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) regulations and ensuring safety on the road.

CDL Endorsements in Indiana

To operate specialized commercial vehicles or transport certain types of cargo, Indiana CDL holders must obtain additional endorsements. These are granted after passing the relevant written knowledge and sometimes skills tests.

Common Endorsements

• H – Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Required to transport hazardous materials. You must pass a TSA background check and a HazMat knowledge test.
• N – Tank Vehicles: For drivers who operate vehicles transporting liquids in tanks.
• P – Passenger: For drivers who transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. A road skills test in a passenger vehicle is required.
• S – School Bus: Required for school bus drivers. Includes both P and S endorsements and involves additional background checks and specialized training.
• T – Double/Triple Trailers: Needed to haul double or triple trailer combinations.
• X – Combination of Tank and HazMat: This endorsement includes both the N and H endorsements.

To apply for any of these, begin with the How to Obtain a Commercial Driver's License in Indiana guide.

CDL Restrictions in Indiana

Restrictions limit the type of commercial driving a person may perform. These are usually added when a driver completes testing in a vehicle that does not meet certain specifications or fails to meet specific qualifications.

Common Restrictions

• E – No Manual Transmission: Issued if the CDL skills test is taken in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
• K – Intrastate Only: Limits the driver to operating a CMV within Indiana. Often related to age or medical waivers.
• L – No Air Brake Equipped CMV: Applies if the driver fails the air brake component or tests in a vehicle without air brakes.
• M – No Class A Passenger Vehicle: For Class B CDL holders who are not qualified to drive Class A passenger vehicles.
• N – No Class A and B Passenger Vehicle: For Class C CDL holders who aren't authorized for larger passenger vehicles.
• O – No Tractor Trailer: Placed when the CDL is tested in a non-tractor trailer vehicle for Class A.

Removing a restriction typically involves retaking the CDL skills test in a properly equipped vehicle or resolving any disqualifying medical or legal issues.

Steps to Add an Endorsement or Remove a Restriction

1. Schedule a Knowledge or Skills Test: Visit the Indiana BMV Appointments page.
2. Meet Medical Certification Requirements: All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid medical card. Learn more from CDL Renewal and Medical Certification in Indiana.
3. Submit to Background Checks if Required: Especially necessary for endorsements like HazMat and School Bus.
4. Pay Applicable Fees: Refer to the Indiana BMV Fee Schedule Overview.

CDL Knowledge and Preparation

Proper test preparation is essential for passing endorsement exams and CDL skills tests. Use the Preparing for the Indiana Driver's Knowledge Test and Practice Tests for Indiana Permit Exam to ensure readiness.

For further detail, consult the Indiana CDL Manual provided by the Indiana BMV.