CDL Training in Indiana

Are you tired of entering the phrase “CDL training Indiana” on your favorite search engine? Have you been scouring the web in hopes of finding the best schools to attend for CDL training in Hoosier State? Wish you could learn everything you need to know about CDL training in Indiana in a single article?

If that sounds familiar, then you have come to the right place. Below, the experts from FreightWaves Ratings cut through the noise and give you the specifics on Indiana CDL training. Read on to learn more!

How Does CDL Training in Indiana Work?

Currently, the state of Indiana does not require you to attend formal CDL training. You only need to pass the written and practical exams for the vehicle class that you intend to operate. However, passing these exams can be incredibly challenging without any training.

A training program will teach you valuable skills that will help you safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. These courses will also prepare you to sit for the written Indiana CDL exam.

Indiana Trucking Schools Facts & Figures

Below, we have compiled some basic facts and figures about Indiana trucking schools.

Number of Schools

There are approximately 35 truck driving schools in the state of Indiana, according to the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The majority of these schools are located in and around Indianapolis. However, there are a few schools dispersed throughout the state as well.

Number of Students per Class

The average number of students per class is 20. With that being said, the size of your class will vary depending on several factors. Smaller programs may have classes of 10 students or less.

The overall class size is not as important as the number of instructors per student. Ideally, you want to enroll in a program that has an instructor-to-student ratio of no more than 3 to 1 during practical driving exercises.

Tuition Rates

The average cost of tuition in Indiana is just over $13,000. Like the class size, the exact tuition rates of your program will vary. Indiana CDL training programs that are hosted at state colleges may be cheaper than those that are located at private training facilities.

Average Loan Amount

Most students take out loans to cover about 50%-60% of their tuition. This translates to approximately $6,300 in loans per student. Keep in mind that many training facilities partner with employers to offer tuition reimbursement This can reduce your costs of attending Indiana CDL training.

Scholarship

In addition to reimbursement opportunities, you may be able to obtain a scholarship to offset some of the costs associated with attending CDL training. 

On average, students are able to obtain scholarships totaling over $5,500. Most scholarship opportunities are restricted to CDL programs at accredited universities. Private driving schools rarely have any scholarships available.

Job Placement

Most CDL schools in Indiana offer some form of job placement assistance. They strive to match students with employers before graduation so that they can begin working as soon as they pass the state exam. 

When you’re choosing a truck driving school in Indiana, you should inquire about their job placement success rate.

Indiana Trucking Employment Facts & Figures

Our experts have compiled statistics on Indiana trucking employment to provide you insights into the outlook for this career field.

Employment

Biggest Employer	Average Salary	Company Size
Baylor Trucking	$78,000	262
Venture Logistics, LLC	$71,000	5,000
Fraley & Schilling, Inc	$73,000	300
Bolt Express	$62,000	130
Magnum Transportation	$68,000	1,000

Salary

The average salary for a truck driver in Indiana is:

• Weekly: $1,067.92
• Monthly: $4,449.67
• Yearly: $53,396

5 Best CDL Training Programs in Indiana

The 5 best programs for CDL training in Indiana are:

160 Driving Academy

160 Driving Academy has training facilities located throughout the nation. It has a total of four schools in Indiana alone, two of which are located in Indianapolis. The other schools are located in Gary and Evansville. This expedited program is a great way to get quality training in a short time span.

Cost: $6,000

Program Length: 160 hours or four weeks

Financial Assistance: Yes

• Payment plans
• Scholarships
• Tuition assistance
• No upfront costs

Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, this school has no upfront costs and assists graduates with job placement. These employers will cover the cost of tuition if the student accepts a position with their company.

Class Size: 20 or less

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A
• Class B

C1 Training

C1 Truck Driver Training has been in business since 1987. They have one school in the state of Indiana, which is located on the outskirts of Indianapolis. The program includes classroom, range, and road segments to teach you a complete set of skills.

Cost: $5,000

Program Length: 160 hours or four weeks

Financial Assistance: Yes

• Tuition assistance
• Company-sponsored training

Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, C1 offers tuition reimbursement through partnerships with employers throughout the state.

Class Size: 15-20

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A
• Class B

Ivy Tech Truck Driving School

Ivy Tech Community College offers CDL training as part of their “Workforce” curriculum. This program is an 18-credit hour certificate that is eligible for federal student loans. Ivy Tech only charges $150 per credit hour for in-state students, which means that the total cost of this program is less than $3,000.

Cost: $2,700

Program Length: 160 hours

Financial Assistance: Yes

• Financial aid
• Student loans

Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, Ivy Tech has partnered with national and local carriers. These companies offer tuition reimbursement to graduates in exchange for accepting employment and remaining with the company for a prescribed period of time.

Class Size: 25

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A

Driveco CDL Learning Center

The Driveco CDL Learning Center has five locations throughout the state of Indiana. They offer both Class A CDL training and refresher programs. The Class A program is 160 hours. They offer both a 4-week full-time option and a 10-week part-time option.

Cost: $3,000-$5,000

Program Length: 160 hours

Financial Assistance: Yes

• Federal aid
• Veterans’ assistance
• Payment plans

Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, they offer tuition reimbursement by partnering with top carriers like Schneider National, Foodliner inc., and Maverick.

Class Size: 20

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A

Indiana CDL Training Center

The Indiana CDL Training Center offers unique programs for private students, high schools, and carriers. They have a one-week Class B course and a two-week Class A course available for private students. Their high school program lasts 6 weeks and is designed to help upcoming graduates start their careers.

Cost: $1,400-$6,000 depending on program

Program Length: 40-240 hours

Financial Assistance: Yes

• Financial aid
• Scholarships

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Indiana CDL Training Center to find out more.

Class Size: 1-25

Job Placement: No

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A
• Class B

Choosing the Right School for You

Using the information above, you can find the perfect CDL training in Indiana to suit your needs. If you are ready to jumpstart your career and start working fast, then we suggest inquiring about one of the faster-paced programs. Conversely, if you want to obtain the maximum amount of time behind the wheel before taking your exam, then you should enroll in a full-length school.

FAQs