Utah CDL Requirements

Utah CDL Overview

Utah's Commercial Driver License (CDL) program is administered by the Utah Department of Public Safety – Driver License Division (DLD). Utah follows federal CDL standards while maintaining specific state requirements that all commercial drivers must meet.

To obtain a Utah CDL, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a regular Class D license for at least one year. Utah offers Class A, Class B, and Class C commercial licenses, each with different vehicle operation privileges.

Age Requirements by CDL Class

Utah follows federal minimum age requirements with specific state provisions:

• 18-20 years old: May obtain any CDL class (A, B, or C) but limited to intrastate operation within Utah only
• 21+ years old: Eligible for interstate operation and all endorsements
• Prerequisite: Must have held a Class D license for at least 1 year before applying

Interstate vs. Intrastate Operations

Drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate commerce (within Utah only) due to federal regulations. Once you turn 21, you can apply to remove this restriction for interstate operations.

CDL Fees in Utah

Note: Skills tests are conducted by third-party examiners with separate fees set by the testing provider.

Knowledge Test Requirements

Utah requires written knowledge tests based on your desired CDL class and endorsements. All tests are based on the Utah CDL Driver Manual.

Required Knowledge Tests

• General Knowledge: Required for all CDL classes
• Air Brakes: Required if operating vehicles with air brake systems
• Combination Vehicles: Required for Class A CDL applicants

Endorsement Knowledge Tests

• Hazardous Materials (H): Plus TSA security threat assessment
• Passenger (P): For buses and passenger vehicles
• School Bus (S): Requires P endorsement first
• Tank Vehicles (N): For liquid cargo transport
• Doubles/Triples (T): For multiple trailer combinations

Test Topics Covered

Knowledge tests cover comprehensive commercial driving topics including:

• Vehicle inspection procedures and basic controls
• Safe driving techniques and space management
• Cargo securement and weight distribution
• Hours of service regulations
• Hazardous materials handling (H endorsement)
• Passenger safety procedures (P/S endorsements)
• Air brake systems operation and safety
• Federal and state commercial vehicle regulations

Skills Test Requirements

The CDL skills test consists of three parts and must be completed with a vehicle appropriate for your desired CDL class:

Three-Part Skills Test

1. Pre-Trip Inspection: Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety inspection
2. Basic Vehicle Control: Backing, parking, and maneuvering skills
3. On-Road Driving: Safe driving in traffic conditions

Skills Test Prerequisites

• Hold Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) for minimum 14 days
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Provide appropriate test vehicle or use third-party examiner's vehicle

Test Attempt Limits

Utah limits test attempts under each application:

• CDL Skills Test: Maximum 2 attempts within 6 months
• Endorsement Tests: Maximum 2 attempts for both knowledge and skills
• Additional attempts require new application and fees

Medical Requirements

Utah requires a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) for most CDL operations:

DOT Physical Requirements

• Medical Certificate: Form MCSA-5876 from certified DOT medical examiner
• Self-Certification: Complete Utah CDL-42 form declaring driving type
• Interstate Operations: Must meet federal DOT medical standards
• Intrastate Only: May qualify for Utah Intrastate Waiver with "K" restriction

Utah Medical Waiver Program

For intrastate operations only, Utah offers medical waivers for certain conditions. Contact the DLD Medical Waiver Program at 801-965-4437 for information about qualifying conditions and application procedures.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal ELDT requirements apply to Utah CDL applicants for:

• First-time Class A or Class B CDL
• Upgrade from Class B to Class A
• First-time Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazmat (H) endorsements

ELDT Training Providers

Training must be completed through FMCSA-registered providers listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Utah requires completion of appropriate ELDT before taking skills tests for covered CDL classes and endorsements.

Testing Locations and Scheduling

Knowledge Test Locations

Knowledge tests are administered at Utah DLD offices. Note: Farmington, Logan, and Tooele offices do not process CDLs. Schedule appointments online through the Utah DLD website.

Skills Test Locations

Utah uses third-party examiners for CDL skills tests. After obtaining your CLP and completing ELDT, schedule your skills test with an approved third-party testing provider. Fees are set by individual testing companies.

Required Documents

Bring to your appointment:

• Completed application and fees
• Valid DOT Medical Certificate
• Proof of identity and Utah residency
• Current driver license
• ELDT completion certificate

CDL Endorsements

Utah offers standard federal endorsements with specific testing requirements:

Hazmat (H) Endorsement

• Additional knowledge test
• TSA Security Threat Assessment
• ELDT hazmat theory training
• Background check and fingerprinting

Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) Endorsements

• Separate knowledge and skills tests
• ELDT passenger or school bus training
• Skills test in appropriate vehicle type
• School bus requires P endorsement first

Other Endorsements

• Tank Vehicles (N): Knowledge test only
• Doubles/Triples (T): Knowledge test only

Renewal and Reciprocity

CDL Renewal

Utah CDLs are issued for 5-year terms. Renewal requires:

• Current medical certificate
• Updated self-certification
• $52 renewal fee
• Clean driving record review

Out-of-State Transfers

When transferring an out-of-state CDL to Utah:

• Provide 10-year driving history
• Meet Utah medical certification requirements
• Complete Utah self-certification process
• Pass vision screening

Special Utah Requirements

English Language Requirement

Upcoming legislation requires CDL training school applicants to attest they can read and speak English sufficiently to:

• Understand highway traffic signs
• Respond to official inquiries
• Complete required reports
• Communicate with law enforcement

Unique Utah Provisions

• Class D History: Must hold regular license for 1+ years
• Intrastate Waiver: "K" restriction for medical waiver recipients
• Residency: Must be Utah resident or qualify for non-domiciled CDL

How to Apply for Your Utah CDL

Step 1: Prepare

• Ensure you've held a Class D license for at least 1 year
• Obtain DOT medical certificate from certified examiner
• Study the Utah CDL Driver Manual
• Determine required CDL class and endorsements

Step 2: Get Your CLP

• Complete online application
• Schedule appointment at DLD office
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay CLP fee ($23)

Step 3: Complete Training

• Complete required ELDT through registered provider
• Hold CLP for minimum 14 days
• Practice with qualified CDL holder if needed

Step 4: Take Skills Test

• Schedule with approved third-party examiner
• Provide appropriate test vehicle
• Pass all three parts of skills test
• Pay testing fees to examiner

Step 5: Get Your CDL

• Return to DLD office with passing test results
• Complete final application
• Pay license fee ($52)
• Receive your Utah CDL

Contact Information

Utah Department of Public Safety – Driver License Division

• Website: dmv.utah.gov
• CDL Medical Waiver Program: 801-965-4437
• General Information: Contact local DLD office

For the most current information on CDL requirements, fees, and testing locations, visit the official Utah DLD website or contact your local Driver License Division office.