Commercial Driver License (CDL) Driving Skills Test

The driving skills test consists of three (3) separate tests: the vehicle inspection, 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.
See a list of third-party testers.

Schedule a CDL driving skills test at a DLD office..

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.

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 four (4) different exercises:

Forward stop,
Straight-line backing,
Forward offset tracking, and
Reverse offset backing.

To pass the basic skills test, you must accrue 8 (eight) or fewer error points.

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 hazardous materials (H) 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.