Commercial Driver’s License Utah
To get a commercial driver’s license in Utah, one should possess the necessary qualifications which are being imposed by the state such as age limit, clean driving record, an active driver’s license, and others. The United States government had issued several new truck driving regulations due to the recent security threats which had been experienced in the country. It is therefore important to know what these new qualifications and regulations are in order to successfully acquire a commercial driver’s license.
The first qualification involves age limit. Today, one has to be at least 18 years old in order to qualify for a commercial driver’s license in Utah for an intrastate coverage and 21 years old or higher for those who will be driving interstate. This is to make sure that only qualified and experienced drivers will be allowed to driver commercial vehicles on the road and ensure the safety of other drivers. Aside from this, they also need to have a clean driving record, with their licenses currently active and not revoked or suspended for any reason. Having a good driving background will certainly increase your chances of getting a CDL much easier.
The next thing that an applicant must do is to read the Utah CDL Manual. This manual contains important information regarding truck driving and it is also where test questions and the skills tests will be derived from. The manual also contains vital information about truck maneuvering, maintenance and operation which will be necessary once you get a full-time truck driving job. Since the written and skills test will be based on this manual, it will be a good step to completely read it and try to memorize some of the more important points. Once you think that you have understood it pretty well, you can then proceed to apply for the written test.
The written examination usually involves some general concepts about truck driving and road signs. In order to apply for this test, you will have to submit the following documents: copies of valid IDs, proof of residency in the state of Utah, proof of legal residency in the United States, current driver’s license, DOT medical certification, self-certification of the type of truck driving that you shall be doing, and you also have to pass a vision test. You also will need to submit your filled-out application form together with these documents.
Once you have submitted these requirements, you will then proceed to the written exam which will cover some general topics about truck driving. If you are applying for additional endorsements then you will have to take separate exams for them as well. If you pass the written tests, you will be given a CDL permit which will allow you to drive trucks as long as you are accompanied by a licensed individual. Before your permit expires, you should be able to take the skills test. It will cover three areas: pre-trip inspection, basic driving skills, and road test. If you pass all of these tests, you will be given your commercial driver’s license in Utah.
If you have never been behind the wheel of a semi-truck you will want to consider joining a training program to gain the necessary skills to pass the exams. Truck driving schools in UT can help you get this experience in as little as a few weeks. Often graduates of these schools can get help with job placement once they have received their license. To learn more about commercial license requirements you can find a link to the CDL manual below.
Utah Department of Public Safety
Website: http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/cdl.html
UT Commercial Driver License Manual
Salt Lake: 801-965-4437
Toll Free: 888-353-4224