Utah · DLD

How to get your CDL permit in Utah

In Utah you book a CDL appointment with DLD, pay a $52 application fee, and pass closed-book knowledge tests given only in English. Your permit (Utah calls it a CDIP) lasts 180 days.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DLD sources

Start the free Utah permit classroom Official Utah CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in Utah only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $52 application fee (no separate CLP fee)
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English only
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Make sure you are at least 18 and have held a driver license for at least one year.
2Study the Utah CDL Handbook. Tests are closed book.
3Fill out the self-certification form (CDL-42) and get a DOT medical exam if you are non-excepted.
4Apply online and book a CDL appointment with DLD.
5At your appointment, show your documents, surrender your current license, and pay the $52 fee.
6Pass the General Knowledge test plus any class and endorsement tests you need, in English.
7Practice for at least 14 days with a qualified CDL holder, and finish ELDT with a registered provider.
8Take your skills test with DLD or a third-party tester.

What to bring

Your current driver license (you will surrender it)
Proof of U.S. citizenship: valid passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate
One document showing your full Social Security number, such as a signed SSN card, W-2 or pay stub
Two documents showing your name and Utah home address
Name-change papers if your name differs, and certified translations of any foreign-language documents

Medical card

You self-certify to one of four commerce types on form CDL-42. Your medical examiner should send your certificate electronically, and you can call DLD at 801-965-4437 to confirm it arrived.

Fees

CDL application with knowledge testCovers Class A, B or C; no separate CLP fee is listed.	$52
Endorsement	$9 each
CDL skills test	$78
Knowledge test retestEndorsement retest is $9.	$26
Skills test retest	$52
Rescheduling fee	$25

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DLD before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsements as needed

Testing in Utah

All CDL tests are in English only, and translation materials are not allowed.
You need an appointment. Retests are booked through DLD's appointment system.
Knowledge tests are closed book and taken at DLD, not online.

Study for these tests in the Utah classroom

Good to know in Utah

Utah requires at least one year of driving experience on a regular license before you apply.
You hand in your regular license when your permit is issued. The permit also lets you drive regular vehicles.
Under 21, you're limited to driving inside Utah and can't get HazMat, Passenger or School Bus endorsements.
If you renew your permit, you must meet ELDT rules before DLD will give you a skills test.
Intrastate drivers who don't meet federal medical standards may qualify for a Utah variance with a 'K' restriction.
Before paying a CDL school, check that it is still listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Thousands of providers were removed in 2025–2026.

Non-domiciled applicants

Utah has paused issuing non-domiciled CDLs since January 20, 2026. Its CDLs are for U.S. citizens.

Confirm with DLD before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

How long you must wait to retake a failed test.
The vision standard for commercial applicants.
Whether renewing your permit costs anything — confirm with DLD.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Utah gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Utah Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division. Rules and fees change, so always check with DLD before you apply.