Commercial
Driver's License

"Truck drivers keep America moving — delivering the majority of goods we use every day." High-Demand, High-Wage occupation.

How To Enroll

The Track Ahead

Potential Careers & Salaries

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-Class A)

Location: Winchester Community High School

Class Times: To be Announced Spring 2026

  • Enrollment: Seniors Only
  • Concentrator status completed in one year

If you’re looking for an in-demand and financially rewarding career, consider CDL training. The trucking industry needs more than 400,000 new drivers every year. 

The CDL pathway prepares students for the written and practical portions of the State of Indiana’s Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam. Students learn how to safely drive, operate, and back up a truck and trailer, complete a vehicle inspection, and gain a fundamental working knowledge of the trucking industry, including rules and regulations.

Student Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to enroll in the CDL pathway:

  • Be 18 years of age or the student will turn 18 on or before January 31st
  • Holds a valid Indiana driver’s license for at least one year
  • Have an acceptable driving record
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence, Proof of Indiana residency

Learn more about Commercial Driving Careers!

Indiana Mean Wage – All career and salary information cited from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Photo Gallery

Earn Credits, Gain Speed

Year 1
Certification
HS CoursesHS Credits
7386 Principles of Transportation and Logistics - CDL Permit Process2
7387 Commercial Drivers Operations2
7388 Advanced Commercial Drivers Operations2
Year 1 Total HS Credits6

Real-World Driving Experience

Students learn and practice professional driving skills by practicing on public roads to learn how to safely operate a truck in live traffic conditions.

Certification

Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Indiana

The Class A license is the most advanced CDL you can obtain. It permits you to drive vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more or to tow a vehicle that is more than 10,000 lbs. The standard 18-wheeler requires a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. In general, the Class A license allows you to drive everything up to a full-size semi-truck, including everything Class A and Class B license holders can drive.

CDL Licensing Requirements and Process:

Age and Driver’s License:

  • Be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL. However, you must be 21 years old to drive across state lines.
  • Have a valid Indiana driver’s license for at least one year with an acceptable driving record.

Medical Requirements:

  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and drug screen.
  • Obtain a DOT Medical Examination Report (MER) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).

Social Security Number and Citizenship:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence, Proof of Indiana residency.
  • Acceptable criminal background check.

Commercial Learner’s Permit:

  • Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a written knowledge test.
  • This permit must be held for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test.

Written Test:

  • You must pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices.
  • The test may include questions specific to the vehicle type you plan to operate (e.g., Class A)

Skills Test: The skills test is a three-part examination:

  • Pre-trip Inspection: Demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle before driving.
  • Basic Controls: Demonstrate your ability to operate the vehicle’s controls.
  • Road Test: Drive the vehicle in various traffic situations.

Postsecondary Opportunity at Ivy Tech

Stack your credentials by enrolling in Ivy Tech and completing an short-term certificate in CDL Plus, Diesel Electronic Controls, or Truck Chassis Systems, or other long-term certificates.

Guided by Experience

Meet The Pathway Instructors

RAZ-32 Career and Technical Education Instructors are experienced, credentialed educators who are dedicated to providing high school students with a positive experience as they embark on learning about a career field through hands-on learning, related academics, technical skills attainment, and engagement with local business and industry representatives.

Instructor: Keith Newbaurer

  • 20 years of experience in Truck Driving and Logistics
  • 14 years as a School Bus Driver for Randolph Central School Corporation
  • CDL and Bus Driver Instructor providing training in East Central Indiana

Meet Mr. Newbaurer

Instructor: Jake Pittman

  • 20 years of experience as a Commercial Truck Driver
  • Experience working for First Fleet in Bluffton, Indiana for 12 years
  • Bus Driver for Randolph Central School Corporation for 5 years
  • Conducts CDL and Bus Driver Training in East Central Indiana

Meet Mr. Pittman

Where the Road Leads

When You Finish...

  • Meet Graduation Requirements
  • Earn the Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Work Ready: You would be licensed to operate tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tank vehicles, livestock carriers, and school bus (by adding an Endorsement (S) – School Bus to your license). CDL A allows you to drive any vehicle that requires a Class B CDL, such as box trucks over (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds.
  • Postsecondary: Stack your credentials by completing an Ivy Tech short-term certificate in CDL Plus, Diesel Electronic Controls, or Truck Chassis Systems, or other long-term certificates.

Start Your Engine

Rev up your skills and fuel your passions with a variety of hands-on programs designed to put you in the driver's seat.

Start steering your future today and gear up for what's next!

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