CDL Requirements in Utah (2026): Steps, Cost & Testing

Requirements verified July 20, 2026 against Utah Driver License Division (DLD)

Utah issues CDLs through the Driver License Division (DLD), which is separate from the DMV. You hold a Class D license for a year, complete federal ELDT, pass the General Knowledge test for a Commercial Learner Permit, hold it 14 days, then pass a three-part skills test in a vehicle you supply — at a DLD office or a certified third-party tester. The $52 application fee covers your written tests, and a Utah CDL lasts 5 years.

Utah handles CDLs through the Driver License Division (DLD), which — unlike in many states — is separate from the DMV that handles vehicle registration. The process follows the federal pattern: hold a Class D license for a year, complete ELDT, pass the General Knowledge test for a Commercial Learner Permit, hold it 14 days, then pass a three-part skills test in a vehicle you supply, at a DLD office or a certified third-party tester.

Utah's fee structure bundles testing into the license: a $52 application fee covers your written tests, the skills test is $78 for two attempts, and endorsements are $9 each. A Utah CDL lasts 5 years and can't be renewed online. Some of the lowest-cost training in the country is at Utah's technical colleges (Davis, Southwest, Dixie), running roughly $1,850–$2,900.

Two current notes matter: Utah paused non-domiciled CDL issuance as of January 20, 2026, and three DLD offices (Farmington, Logan, Tooele) don't process CDLs. Utah's disqualification rules, codified in Utah Code 53-3-414, are in places stricter than the federal minimum.

Eligibility and documents in Utah

• Age: at least 18 for intrastate driving; 21 to drive interstate or haul hazmat.
• Your current Class D driver license (held for one year)
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of Utah residency/address
• A Medical Examiner's Certificate (submitted electronically by the examiner)
• Name-change documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, updated passport) if your names don't match across documents

How to get your CDL: step by step

1. Get your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Pass the required knowledge tests: General Knowledge (50 questions — required to be issued a CLP); Combination Vehicles (20 questions, Class A); Air Brakes (25 questions, if applicable); Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, H, N, T).
2. Complete ELDT training. For a first Class A/B CDL or a first hazmat, passenger, or school-bus endorsement, you must train with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Utah applies the federal ELDT rule and relies on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Theory can be completed before the permit, but behind-the-wheel training requires the CLP first. Utah has no separate state training portal. The rule is not retroactive — CDLs and S/P/H endorsements issued before February 7, 2022 are exempt. A military exception applies under 49 CFR 383.77 and Utah Code 53-3-410.
3. Hold your permit 14 days. Federal rules require at least 14 days before the skills test.
4. Pass the skills test. It has 3 parts: Pre-trip vehicle inspection, Basic control skills (four exercises; pass = 8 or fewer error points), On-road driving test (pass = 30 or fewer error points). You may seek out an approved certified third-party tester to administer the CDL driving skills test; the tester submits results electronically to the DLD and sets its own fee. You can also test at a DLD office (but not at Farmington, Logan, or Tooele).
5. Get your CDL issued. Pay the license fee, submit your medical self-certification, and receive your license (valid 5 years). A Utah CDL is valid 5 years and is mailed in about 4–6 weeks. CDL holders cannot renew online — renewal is in person with updated information and certification each time. Upgrading class or adding endorsements requires the applicable tests and ELDT for first-time H/P/S. Note: as of January 20, 2026, Utah paused issuance of non-domiciled CDLs until further notice. The DLD offices in Farmington, Logan, and Tooele do not process CDLs.

Medical certification in Utah

Self-certify your category on Form CDL-42. Your Medical Examiner's Certificate (valid up to 24 months) should be transmitted electronically by your doctor; you can call the DLD at 801-965-4437 to confirm receipt. Self-certification can also be submitted by fax, email to dlmedcert@utah.gov, or mail. Under National Registry II, certified examiners transmit exam results electronically to FMCSA, which passes the data to the state.

If your card lapses: Keep your self-certification and medical certificate current; a lapsed card leads to a downgrade of your CDL. Confirm your medical status with the DLD if you don't see it reflected on your record.

Every CDL holder must self-certify one operating category. The categories offered here:

• NI — Non-excepted Interstate (medical card required)
• EI — Excepted Interstate
• NA — Non-excepted Intrastate (Utah only; carries the 'K' restriction)
• EA — Excepted Intrastate (Utah only; carries the 'K' restriction)

New to the DOT physical? See our DOT physical guide and CDL medical card explainer.

What a CDL costs in Utah

The $52 application fee covers your written tests; the DLD skills test is $78 for two attempts. Endorsements are $9 each ($18 for the X combo and S). For hazmat, the TSA Security Threat Assessment fee is set by TSA (not published by the DLD — confirm with TSA/IdentoGO). Utah technical colleges (Davis, Southwest, Dixie) offer some of the lowest-cost programs in the country.

See the full national breakdown on our CDL cost guide.

Skills testing in Utah Third-party testing allowed

Utah allows approved third-party testers to administer the CDL skills test, which can mean shorter waits than a state office. The DLD provides online scheduling but publishes no specific wait-time figures.

Your test vehicle: You must bring your own registered, road-ready vehicle representative of the class you are seeking to the skills test — the DLD does not provide one.

Endorsements available in Utah

Utah offers the standard federal endorsements. Adding one usually means an extra knowledge test (and a skills test for passenger and school bus). Tap an endorsement for the full federal process and cost:

• HHazmat — Utah is NOT a TSA self-managed state. You file the TSA hazmat application online or by phone (855-347-8371) first, get fingerprinted at any TSA-contracted enrollment location (TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA / IdentoGO), then take the 30-question hazmat knowledge test at a DLD office once TSA clears you. Renewal applications must be filed no later than 45 days before license expiration; the Security Threat Assessment is renewed every 5 years.
• NTanker — Tank vehicle (20-question test).
• XHazmat + Tank — Combined hazmat + tank; listed at an $18 endorsement fee for the two written tests.
• PPassenger — Passenger; requires a 20-question test plus a driving skills test, and ELDT for first-timers.
• SSchool Bus — School bus; requires passenger + school-bus written tests plus a driving skills test, ELDT for first-timers, and the knowledge test again at renewal. Listed at an $18 endorsement fee.
• TDoubles/Triples — Doubles/triples (Class A only). Under-21 drivers cannot obtain H, P, or S endorsements.

CDL disqualifications

Disqualifying offenses are set by federal law (49 CFR 383.51) and apply in every state — including offenses in your personal vehicle. Utah applies the federal 49 CFR 383.51 framework and codifies disqualifications in Utah Code 53-3-414, in some cases stricter than the federal baseline: disqualification of at least 60 days for two serious traffic violations and at least 120 days for three or more within a three-year window (where at least one affects the non-CDL driving privilege). Utah's serious-violation list includes speeding 15+ mph over the limit, reckless driving, and using a wireless communication device while operating a CMV. Out-of-service violations carry civil penalties of at least $2,500 (first) and $5,000 (subsequent).

Full federal detail: CDL disqualifications explained.

Military skills-test waiver

Utah waives the driving skills test for qualifying service members through its 'Application for Even Exchange' (Form CDL-ST WVR). You need discharge papers showing an honorable discharge within the previous 90 days and documentation (DA348, AF2293, or equivalent) verifying CMV certification during the two years before discharge, and you must still pass all required written tests. The school bus (S) and doubles/triples (T) endorsements cannot be transferred under the waiver.

Utah CDL FAQ