Join the Industry and Hit the Road

In 2011, Indiana enacted a no texting-while-driving law, and in July 2020, our state became the 22nd one to approve and implement a hands-free law. IMTA stands behind these legislative steps. That’s why we’ve committed to utilizing our resources and knowledge to provide driving education to Hoosiers at schools, youth camps, the state fair, and more. Please join the Put the Phone Down initiative.

Not an IMTA Member?

Join now and start your career off right. 

Crossroads Quarterly

Interested in joining the industry? Get more information through our newsletter. 

Start a Career as a Truck Driver

Short Training Time

Most programs enable you to receive your CDL in an average of about 7 weeks.

Great Pay

Pay has been steadily increasing since 2012 and is expected to continue to rise.

Bonuses, Too

70% of carriers offer bonuses, usually based on safety, starting, and retention.

Be Your Own Boss

About 1 in 9 truck drivers in America are owner/operators and work for themselves.

The Traveling

This career is ideal for those who love to travel and experience new places.

Get Funds for Training

Some carriers will cover costs, and some schools provide financial aid.

BMV CDL Overview

The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements are stricter than any other Indiana driver's license and are based on stringent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.

The Indiana CDL allows drivers to operate:
  • Commercial motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles with declared gross vehicle weight ratings over 26,000 pounds
  • Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver; and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials

IMTA Member CDL Schools​

Get started on your certification training at one of these reputable IMTA member schools. Click the logos below to learn more.

Partnering with Ivy Tech to Offer CDL+ Certification

Conexus Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College have launched the nation’s first federally funded training program for commercial truck drivers, enhancing graduates' employability in the growing trucking industry. With initial funding from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and in collaboration with IMTA and Venture Logistics, the CDL+ program elevates training quality and removes financial barriers.

What to Expect
  • 17-credit-hour certificate
  • Can be completed in one semester
  • 160 hours of training
  • 121 hours of operating observation
  • 30 hours of behind-the-wheel practice
  • 8-week internship
  • Comprehensive overview of logistics and transportation
  • Curriculum emphasizes professionalism and customer service

CDL+ Frequently Asked Questions

​What’s the CDL+ Certificate?
​It is a 17-credit-hour credential at Ivy Tech Community College. It includes the Department of Transportation 160-hour training to earn a CDL A Commercial Drivers License to drive a semi-truck. It also includes an overview of the industry, transportation modes, trucking rating systems, health and wellness, and an internship to reinforce safety and driving expertise.
​What’s the difference between the widely available CDL trucking driving programs I see around, including at Ivy Tech, and the CDL+ Certificate?
​Ivy Tech and other programs offering just the 160-hour CDL A training are doing the minimum to get you a license and into the industry. This is the minimum credential needed to drive a semi-truck. These programs are non-credit. The CDL Plus Certificate includes everything these other programs provide but in an academic credit format of 17 credit hours. Eight of these credit hours match up exactly with these other programs. The remaining 9 credit hours include an overview of the industry, critical soft skills needed to succeed and take care of your health, rating systems, and all transportation types (rail, ship, pipeline, air) you will encounter in the industry. Lastly, it includes an internship that trains the driver in partnership with their employer to ensure that the driver has all of the skills to be an excellent, safe, and complete driver to tackle all skills needed to operate in a variety of situations that the traditional CDL training does not provide.
​What is the cost difference between the traditional CDL A training and the CDL+?
​The traditional CDL A training costs between $2500 and $5500, depending on location and provider. The CDL+ Certificate costs approximately $7200 but is eligible for financial aid.
​Why is there a cost difference?
​Traditional CDL A training is 160 hours. The CDL+ Certificate has the same 160-hour training, plus more than 200 hours of training, resulting in a 17-credit hour college credential.
​How long does it take to complete?
​One semester, or about three months. However, there is limited capacity due to a 1 to 4 instructor-to-student ratio following federal regulations, which could push your start date out.
​What if I already have my CDL A license? Can I still get the CDL+ Certificate?
​Yes. If you have an active CDL A license, you can crosswalk that for 8 credit hours of the 17 required for the CDL+ Certificate. This recognizes that you have successfully completed the 160-hour CDL A training, so you would not need to duplicate that accomplishment. You must then sign up for the other 9 credit hours that address the additional competencies.
​Will I need to apply for the FAFSA?
​You are not required to apply for the FAFSA, but it’s highly encouraged.
​When do classes start?
​The CDL+ Certificate runs continuously; you can start when a class has openings.
​Where is it offered?
​It’s currently offered in Fort Wayne and Hamilton County. More campuses are planning to offer the program, but they do not have set start dates at this time.
​Why does Conexus support this training?
​Conexus proposed this certification program to Ivy Tech to make Indiana roads safer for Hoosiers, ensure high-quality CDL training, increase driving quality and performance for new driver employability, and allow students to apply the CDL training toward a Supply Chain Management Degree at Ivy Tech Community College.

Proud Partners of IMTA