Free Indiana Water Well Driller Competency Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Indiana Water Well Driller Competency Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An Indiana driller is choosing among feasible locations for a new domestic well. How should the site relate to a known contamination source?

   1. A. As far away as practicable
   2. B. At least 25 feet away
   3. C. At least 50 feet away
   4. D. At least 100 feet away

   Answer: A

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-3-2(a)(2) requires a well to be located "As far as practicable" from any known contamination source. The rule does not substitute a universal numeric setback here.

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-3-2(a)(2)

2. 2Who is responsible under Indiana rules for initiating, maintaining, and supervising operations at a drilling site?

   1. A. The property owner
   2. B. The licensed driller or pump installer
   3. C. The local health officer
   4. D. The equipment manufacturer

   Answer: B

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-3-1 states: "The driller or pump installer is responsible for initiating, maintaining, and supervising operations."

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-3-1

3. 3During driven-casing installation, where must the casing sit within the larger starter borehole?

   1. A. Against the upgradient wall
   2. B. Against the downgradient wall
   3. C. Centered in the borehole
   4. D. Offset toward the discharge line

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The driven or jetted construction rule states: "The casing shall be centered in the larger diameter borehole."

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-6-3(c)

4. 4A larger temporary casing is used to install a smaller permanent casing. What follow-up construction step is generally required?

   1. A. Pressure-test the temporary casing
   2. B. Grout the well under the rotary-or-auger standard
   3. C. Install a second well screen
   4. D. Leave the temporary casing as an annular liner

   Answer: B

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-6-3(d) requires the well to "be grouted under section 1 of this rule" when a larger temporary casing installs a smaller permanent casing.

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-6-3(d)(1)

5. 5Which flow path is provided by a pitless adapter under the Indiana definition?

   1. A. Water through the casing wall
   2. B. Air through the well vent
   3. C. Grout upward through the annulus
   4. D. Drilling fluid up the drill stem

   Answer: A

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-1-19.5 defines a pitless adapter as an assembly that "allows water to pass through the wall of the well casing." The alternatives are real well-system flow paths but are performed by other components or operations.

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-1-19.5(1)

6. 6Under Indiana's rule definition, what is the regulatory purpose of well disinfection?

   1. A. Destroy pathogenic microorganisms
   2. B. Increase aquifer transmissivity
   3. C. Raise static water level
   4. D. Enlarge screen openings

   Answer: A

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-1-12 defines disinfection as "the process of destroying pathogenic micro-organisms, such as coliform bacteria."

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-1-12

7. 7Under Indiana's statutory definition, which description correctly identifies groundwater?

   1. A. Water beneath the ground surface regardless of location or form
   2. B. Only water in mapped sand-and-gravel aquifers
   3. C. Only water below consolidated bedrock
   4. D. Water stored in a finished well casing

   Answer: A

   Explanation: IC 25-39-2-10 defines ground water as "water occurring beneath the surface of the ground regardless of location or form."

   Reference: 2026 Indiana Code Html — IC 25-39-2-10 [ZIP member: 2026-Indiana-Code-html/2026_Indiana_Code_HTML/25.html]

8. 8What behavior identifies groundwater in a confined aquifer?

   1. A. It rises above the upper aquifer boundary because of hydrostatic head
   2. B. It remains fixed at the aquifer bottom
   3. C. It flows only when the casing is pressurized
   4. D. It evaporates before entering a well

   Answer: A

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-1-9 says a confined aquifer has enough hydrostatic head "to cause ground water to rise above the upper boundary of the aquifer."

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-1-9

9. 9A cable-tool crew will drive casing directly. What starter-borehole depth range does Indiana prescribe?

   1. A. 1 to 3 feet
   2. B. 2 to 4 feet
   3. C. 3 to 5 feet
   4. D. 5 to 8 feet

   Answer: C

   Explanation: 312 IAC 13-6-3(c) requires the larger borehole to be dug "at least three (3) feet, but not more than five (5) feet, below ground surface."

   Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-6-3(c)

10. 10A DNR representative arrives while a crew is drilling. Which equipment-related authority may the representative exercise?

    1. A. Select the drilling contractor
    2. B. Inspect equipment used to drill the well
    3. C. Set the contract price
    4. D. Choose the production aquifer

    Answer: B

    Explanation: 312 IAC 13-11-1 authorizes a department representative to "inspect equipment used to drill a well or install a pump."

    Reference: Title 312, ARTICLE 13. WATER WELL DRILLERS AND WATER WELL PUMP INSTALLERS | IARP — 312 IAC 13-11-1(2)