A 3-minute lesson from the Indiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Driving a cab, limo, or rideshare, or hauling mid-weight loads for pay, requires a for-hire endorsement. It covers smaller passenger vehicles and certain property haulers, but never commercial motor vehicles.
A for-hire endorsement lets you operate a vehicle that is:
Registered at a gross weight of at least 16,000 but not more than 26,000 lbs, hauling property for hire
Designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers (driver included), carrying passengers for hire
A for-hire endorsement does not let you operate a commercial motor vehicle. CDL holders who want to drive for hire (such as a limo, cab, or ride share) must also pass the for-hire exam and get the endorsement.
To get a license with the endorsement you must pass the driver knowledge exam and the for-hire exam. If you already hold an unexpired license, you only need the for-hire exam.
New residents 18+ holding a valid out-of-state license, chauffeur's or public passenger chauffeur's license, or CDL with a for-hire endorsement can add it after passing the for-hire exam.
The BMV does not require a medical examination report for the endorsement. If you're unsure whether your vehicle needs one, contact the Indiana Department of Transportation.
You've had your Indiana license for eight months and want to drive for a rideshare company. You aren't eligible yet, because you need a valid Indiana license held at least one year. After that you'll only need to pass the for-hire exam.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the weight range covered by a for-hire endorsement for property transport?
At least 10,000 but not more than 16,000 pounds
At least 16,000 but not more than 26,000 pounds
At least 26,000 but not more than 80,000 pounds
Less than 16,000 pounds
Answer: At least 16,000 but not more than 26,000 pounds
A for-hire endorsement covers vehicles registered at 16,000 to 26,000 pounds transporting property for hire.