Utah's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Utah's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

Minimum Requirements For Getting A CDL In Utah:

  • You need to hold a regular Class D driver license for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You need a Department of Transportation Medical Certificate (DOT card.)
  • Complete the Utah self-certification form when you apply for the CDL.
  • Proof of identity
  • Provide proof of legal presence
  • Provide proof of Utah residency
  • Provide your Social security number
  • Complete training provided by an authorized provider

Testing for your Utah CDL:

  • CDL Knowledge test - 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. 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. A combination test is only taken by those applying for a class A CDL. Involves details between a combination vehicle such as a tractor and trailer, it is 30-questions. The Air Brakes test is optional and can be taken by applicants for a class A, B or C CDL. An applicant 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 which restricts the driver to driving a commercial motor vehicle not equipped with air brakes. Air brake written knowledge test is 25-questions. Taking endorsement tests are optional, and tests can be taken twice before a retest charge is assessed.
  • CDL Road Skills Test - After successful completion of the knowledge test, the applicant can then take the road test which consists of three parts: a Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and Road Test. The Pre-Trip inspection includes a full walk-around of the vehicle and it requires the driver to point out vehicle components and explain what is being checked and why to the examiner. The Basic Vehicle Control test includes straight line backing, offset right or left backing and alley dock backing. The road test is conducted on streets and requires the driver to demonstrate his/her skills in normal traffic situations.

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.