Driver License Menu

CDL Written and Driving Skills Testing

WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE TESTS

An applicant will take different written knowledge tests depending on the class of CDL applying for and endorsements needed. All CDL written knowledge tests are closed book, multiple-choice questions and must be passed with an 80% or better.

Three (3) tests make up the core testing for a CDL. These tests are included in the $52.00 license application fee. Each test may be taken up to two (2) times before a second test fee of $26.00 will be required.

  • General Written Knowledge – This test is taken by all applicants, Class A, B, and C CDL. It encompasses general trucking knowledge, driving safety, transporting cargo, and how to perform a pre-trip inspection. The general written knowledge test is 50 questions. Once the general written knowledge test is passed, a commercial learner permit (CLP) will be issued for six (6) months.
  • Combination – This test is only taken by those applying for a Class A CDL.  Involves details between a combination vehicle such as a tractor and trailer. The combination test is 30 questions.
  • Air Brakes – This test is optional and can be taken by applicants for a Class A, B, or C CDL. Applicants will need to take this test if they are planning on driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes. If an applicant does not take the written knowledge test and complete a driving skills test in an air brake-equipped vehicle, they will have an ‘L’ restriction restricting the driver to driving a commercial motor vehicle not equipped with air brakes. The air brake written knowledge test is 25 questions.

Taking endorsement tests is optional. Each endorsement is $9.00 for two (2) written knowledge tests. Additional two (2) test chances are $9.00.

Click here to study the CDL driver manual.

If you are ready to fill out the driver license application and schedule an appointment to obtain your CDL, click here (this is not for a driving skills test – see link below to schedule a CDL driving skills test.)

DRIVING SKILLS TEST

Driving skills testing consists of three (3) separate tests: the pre-trip, basic skills, and road test. An examiner with the Driver License Division can administer these tests for $78.00 (2 attempts) and $52.00 for retakes. You are required to complete the requirements for the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) prior to scheduling a driving skills test. For testing with the Driver License Division, you will be required to provide your registered and road-ready vehicle. An applicant can seek out a Third-Party Tester to administer the driving skills test. Many Third-Party Testers may provide a vehicle for you to test in.

  • Pre-Trip – The pre-trip tests the applicant’s 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. Another element of the pre-trip test is an in-cab inspection, which will consist of elements inside the cab such as 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 the driver’s 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, the straight line backing, an offset backing left or right, and one (1) of either a sight side parallel park or conventional parallel park or alley dock. To pass the basic skills test, applicants must accrue 12 or fewer error points against them.
  • Road Test – The purpose of the road test is to determine if the commercial driver has 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 road test, an applicant must accrue 30 or fewer error points against them.

To schedule a CDL driving skills test, click here.

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 CMV during the immediate two (2) year period preceding discharge.

The applicant must complete all of the following 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 the applicant was 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 individual 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 are prohibited.

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

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