Utah CDL Requirements (A Complete 2024 Guide)

So you plan on getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Utah?

Great choice!

You’ll get a lot of job opportunities here that pay well.

But remember, getting a commercial license is a process — you need to complete requirements, pass tests, submit documents, and all that.

Moreover, you’ll have to know which CDL class you need, as well as endorsements.

But don’t worry.

We’re here to give you a complete guide to the Utah CDL requirements.

We won’t skip any detail.

So let’s jump right to it!

CDL Classes in Utah

First things first, you must know which CDL class you need.

Here are the 3 CDL classes and the commercial vehicles they can operate:

Class A CDL: for combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. The towed vehicle should be more than 10,000 pounds. The most common class A vehicles are truck tractors, semi-trailers, and trailer combinations.

Class B CDL: for single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. If the vehicle tows a unit, it should not exceed 10,000 pounds. Examples of Class B vehicles are dump trucks, box trucks, and large buses.

Class C CDL: for single vehicles that have a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds and, if towing, the unit should not weigh more than 10,000 pounds. Also, it is only for vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers OR transport hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Naturally, Class A commercial vehicles will be more difficult to manage because of the weight and size of the vehicle.

So if you have a Class A CDL, you are automatically allowed to operate Class B and C vehicles as long as you have the right endorsements.

CDL Endorsements in Utah

Speaking of endorsements, what are they and why do you need them?

Endorsements are additional permits that allow you to operate specific types of commercial vehicles.

In Utah, there are 6 types of endorsements:

Double and Triple Trailers (T) – drivers who wish to drive these vehicles should have a Class A CDL. You will also need to pass a special knowledge exam to add a T endorsement.

Tank Vehicle (N) – these vehicles are designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks. Class A, B, and C CDL holders can operate tank vehicles. However, if it’s transporting hazardous materials, a Class C CDL is required. A special knowledge exam is required to get an N endorsement.

Passengers (P) – these are vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver. There is a special knowledge exam and a skills test. This endorsement can be applied to all CDL classes.

Hazardous Materials (H) – for vehicles that haul materials designated as hazardous under 49 USC 5103, vehicles required to be placarded under 49 CFR Part 172, or for materials listed as toxins under 42 CFR Part 73. There is a special knowledge exam to get this endorsement.

Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle (X) – these are for operating tank vehicles that transport hazardous materials or waste. Passing the knowledge exams of N and H endorsements is required.

School Buses (S) – required for school bus drivers. A special knowledge exam and driving test are required to get this endorsement.

CDL Restrictions in Utah

Like endorsements, restrictions are added to a CDL to show what isn’t allowed for the truck driver.

In Utah, there are 10 types of restrictions:

No restrictions (A) – the commercial driver has no restrictions on their CDL.

Corrective lenses (B) – the truck driver needs corrective lenses to operate the commercial vehicle.

No manual transmission (E) – if the CDL holder passed a skills test using an automatic transmission vehicle, they are not allowed to operate a commercial vehicle with a manual transmission.

Restriction deemed necessary (J) – any restriction that the Utah vehicle division finds necessary to include.

Intrastate only (K) – for truck drivers that are restricted to operating a commercial vehicle within the state.

No air brake equipped CMV (L) – operators cannot drive a vehicle with air brakes if they did not take or pass the air brake portion of the knowledge exam. Also for those that took a skills test with a commercial vehicle that doesn’t have air brakes.

No Class A passenger vehicle (M) – those who applied for a Class B CDL with a P endorsement are prohibited from operating Class A vehicles to transport passengers.

No Class A and B passenger vehicle (N) – those who applied for a Class C CDL with a P endorsement are prohibited from operating both Class A and B vehicles to transport passengers.

No tractor-trailer CMV (O) – the operator is prohibited from driving a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel. This will be added to your CDL if you took the driving test in a vehicle that does not have a fifth-wheel connection or hook.

Medical Variance (V) – indicates that the driver has a medical variance (or condition) on their driver record.

CDL Requirements in Utah

Okay, so now you know the CDL classes, endorsements, and restrictions.

Let’s move on to the CDL eligibility requirements.

Are you eligible to apply for a CDL in Utah?

Check the requirements below:

Be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate OR 21 years old to drive interstate, transport hazardous materials, or carry 16 or more passengers.

Have a valid driver’s license for at least one year.

Have proof of identity, citizenship or legal presence, Utah residency, and Social Security Number.

That’s it!

If you have all those, then you can move on to the steps on how to get your CDL in Utah…

How to Get A CDL in Utah

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a Class A, B, or C CDL — the process is the same.

Either way, you’ll have to go through 2 stages — a commercial learner’s permit (also called a CDL permit) and a commercial driver’s license.

Let’s look into this one by one.

How to Get Your UT CDL Permit

Here are the steps you need to complete to get your CDL permit in Utah:

Apply for your CDL through the UT DPS online portal.

Once you submit your application, you will have to schedule an appointment for a driver’s license office visit.

Prepare these documents:
1. Printed out application
2. A completed self-certification form (Form CDL-42)
3. A DOT Medical Card from a licensed physician (check your self-certification form if this is necessary)
4. Your valid driver’s license
5. Proof of identity, citizenship or legal presence, Utah residency (2 documents), and Social Security Number (click here for a list of acceptable documents)

NOTE: You can send your self-certification form and DOT card through these other channels:

Fax – 801.957.8633
Email – dlmedcert@utah.gov
Mail – Utah Driver License Division
ATTN: Med-Cert Desk
PO BOX 144501
Salt Lake City UT 84114-4501

At the office, submit your documents and have your picture taken.

Take and pass the eye test.

Pay the $52 fee plus $9 for every endorsement you will get.

Take and pass the general CDL written test and other special written exams for your endorsements.

NOTE: To prepare for the CDL written test, you can study the Utah CDL Handbook.

Receive your CDL permit.

You can now practice driving a vehicle under the CDL class you applied for. However, always remember that you need to be accompanied by someone at least 21 years old and who has a CDL with the same class as yours.

How to Get Your UT CDL

Ready for the last few steps?

We hope you’re ready!

Follow these steps to get your CDL in Utah:

Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-approved provider. This training is required for all new CDL applicants starting February 2022.

Schedule your CDL skills test with a driver license examiner or a third-party provider.

On the day of your CDL skills test, bring the following:
1. An insured and registered commercial vehicle that falls under your CDL class
2. Your valid CDL permit
3. Your valid driver’s license
4. Proof of identity, citizenship or legal presence, Utah residency (2 documents), and Social Security Number

Pay the CDL skills test fee of $78 to a driver license examiner. A third-party provider may have their own fees in place.

Take and pass the CDL skills test (vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road).

Go back to the driver’s license office you applied to and bring proof of passing your CDL skills test.

Surrender your CDL permit.

Receive your temporary CDL. Your official CDL will be delivered in 4-6 weeks by mail.

And you’re done!

You can now look for a job as a truck driver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah CDL Requirements

How Much Does It Cost to Get a CDL in Utah?

Prepare to pay around $2,650 to $3,000 to get a CDL in Utah.

Here is a breakdown of the expenses:

CDL permit and knowledge test – $52
Endorsement knowledge test – $9 each
CDL and skills test – $78
ELDT program – at least $2,500

How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in Utah?

You can expect to complete the Utah CDL requirements in 2 to 4 months. This mostly depends on how long you complete the ELDT program.

Of course, other factors, such as failing the required tests on the first try, will make the process longer.

But if everything goes smoothly, 2 to 4 months is a good timeframe.

Is School Required for CDL in Utah?

Yes, all new CDL applicants must enroll in an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program from an FMCSA-registered provider.

How Long Is Utah CDL Good For?

Your Utah-issued CDL is valid for 5 years before you need to renew it.

How Many Questions Are on the Utah CDL Permit Test?

The general knowledge test has 50 questions. You’ll have to get 80% of them correct to pass.

As for the endorsement knowledge tests, this will depend on the type of endorsement you get.

Conclusion

That was your complete guide to the Utah CDL requirements.

Yes, the road to getting a CDL takes time — but with this guide, you won’t feel at a loss as you go through the process.

By following the steps and requirements checklist, you’ll prevent delays in your CDL journey.

Good luck!