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Commercial Driver License (CDL) Driving Skills Test

The driving skills test consists of three (3) separate tests: the pre-trip, basic control skills, and driving skills test.  An examiner with the Driver License Division can administer these tests for $78.00 (two (2) attempts) and $52.00 for retakes.  You are required to complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) prior to scheduling a driving skills test.  When testing with the Driver License Division, you will be required to provide your registered and road-ready vehicle.

THIRD-PARTY TESTERS: You may seek out a certified Third-Party Tester to administer the CDL driving skills test.  The tester charges a fee and they determine the cost.  After completing a driving skills test with a Third-Party Tester, they will submit the test results electronically to the Driver License Division.  For a list of Third-Party Testers, click here.

To schedule a CDL driving skills test, click here.

Pre-Trip

The pre-trip tests your knowledge of whether the vehicle is safe to drive.  It consists of an inspection of a commercial motor vehicle that must be done before and after a trip.  The test may include:

  • Inspecting the engine, tractor and trailer, lights, and safety equipment.
  • In-cab inspection will consist of gauges and other electronic equipment, safety equipment, and air brakes if the vehicle is equipped.

The pre-trip is graded on which class of license is applied for, whether or not the vehicle is equipped with air brakes, and which section of the vehicle is asked to be inspected.

Basic Skills Test

The basic skills test aims to evaluate your basic skills in controlling the vehicle and judging its position in relation to other objects.  It tests basic skills essential for safe control of a vehicle.  The test consists of three (3) different exercises:

  1. Straight-line backing,
  2. An offset backing left or right
  3. One (1) of either a sight side parallel park or conventional parallel park or alley dock.

To pass the basic skills test, you must accrue 12 or fewer error points.

Driving Skills Test

The purpose of the driving skills test is to determine if you have a minimum level of skills to drive in most traffic situations.  This test is administered on the actual roadway and will have specific maneuvers that need to be completed while driving, depending on the vehicle used for the test.

To pass the driving skills test, you must accrue 30 or fewer error points.

Military Waiver of Driving Skills Test

The Utah Driver License Division may waive the driving skills tests for military veterans applying for a CDL who meet the licensing qualifications, have been honorably discharged in the previous year, and have operated a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) during the immediate two (2) year period preceding discharge.

Requirements to be eligible to have the CDL driving skills tests waived:
  • Complete the application.
  • Complete the CDL-ST WVR page 1, and the last commanding officer must complete the CDL-ST WVR page 2.
  • Provide a DD214 or discharge papers showing evidence of honorable discharge within the previous year.
  • If you are a reservist, you must present your last orders.
  • Provide a copy of a DA348, AF2293, or other equivalent document verifying certification for operating a commercial motor vehicle.
  • Pass all required written knowledge testing.

Note: Any applicant who meets the exceptions for taking a driving skills test is also exempt from the ELDT requirements.

The transfer of school bus (S) and/or passenger (P) endorsements under this waiver program is prohibited.

If you did not operate a vehicle with air brakes or manual transmission, an air brake restriction or automatic transmission restriction would be added to the license.

To remove these restrictions, complete the driving skills test in a representative vehicle.