Utah CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: A Commercial Driver Instruction Permit (CDIP), valid for 180 days

Utah issues a Commercial Driver Instruction Permit (CDIP) — the state name for the federal CLP. It is good for 180 days, and you must hold it at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.

Correct answer: A minimum of one year as a licensed driver

Utah law requires all CDL applicants to provide their driver license showing a minimum of one year of experience as a licensed driver, along with a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).

Correct answer: You surrender it to the Division; the CDIP then lets you operate your regular vehicle

You must surrender your existing driver license (Utah or another state) to the Driver License Division when you receive your CDIP. The CDIP itself authorizes you to operate your regular motor vehicle.

Correct answer: 80%

Every Utah CDL knowledge test is closed-book, multiple choice, and requires 80% to pass — the federal standard. The General Knowledge test has 50 questions, Combination has 20, and Air Brakes has 25.

Correct answer: English only — translation materials are strictly prohibited

The Utah DLD states that all CDL tests are administered in English only, and the use of translation materials is strictly prohibited. This aligns with the federal English-language-proficiency requirement for CMV drivers.

Correct answer: Twice — a third attempt requires a $26.00 retake fee

Each Utah CDL knowledge test may be taken up to two times before a $26.00 second-test (retake) fee is required for further attempts.

Correct answer: The "K" restriction — intrastate operation only

You must be at least 18 to apply for a Utah CDL. Drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate operation and carry the "K" restriction (intrastate commercial operation only); interstate driving requires age 21.

Correct answer: Passenger, School Bus, and Hazmat

CDL applicants under 21 in Utah are restricted from obtaining the Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements.

Correct answer: Modified skills tests are not permitted in the State of Utah

The Utah handbook states that modified skills tests are not permitted in the State of Utah. To remove an "E," "L," or "O" restriction, a driver must obtain a qualifying permit and pass the applicable skills test.

Correct answer: A taxi

Utah is unusual in using "Z" as an endorsement for operating a taxi. (Utah endorsements also include N for tank vehicles, T for doubles/triples, and X for hazmat-and-tank combination.)

Correct answer: Prohibited — the law forbids driving under their influence

The law prohibits being under the influence of any controlled substance, including amphetamines ("pep pills," "uppers," "bennies"), narcotics, or any other substance that can make the driver unsafe.

Correct answer: Seven or eight hours

The average person needs seven or eight hours of sleep every 24 hours. Leaving on a long trip when you are already tired is dangerous — make sure you get enough sleep before you go.

Correct answer: No — a sleep debt can only be paid off by sleeping; you cannot overcome it with willpower

Sleep is not like money — you cannot save it up ahead of time. If you do not sleep enough you build a sleep debt that can only be paid off by sleeping. You cannot overcome it with willpower and it will not go away by itself.

Correct answer: Between midnight and 6 a.m.

Your body is used to sleeping during certain hours. Many heavy motor vehicle accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m., when tired drivers can easily fall asleep — especially drivers who do not regularly drive at those hours.

Correct answer: A brief nap of four or five seconds — at 55 mph that is more than 100 yards traveled with no one driving

If you are drowsy you can have "micro-sleeps" — brief naps lasting around four or five seconds. At 55 mph that is more than 100 yards. Sleep is not voluntary: you can fall asleep and never even know it.

Correct answer: Stop and sleep, or at least pull off at a safe place and take a nap

When your body needs sleep, sleep is the only thing that will work. Stop at the first signs of sleepiness, even if earlier than planned. If you cannot stop for the night, pull off at a safe place and take a nap — a half-hour nap beats a half-hour coffee stop.

Correct answer: Keep a window or vent cracked open, or use the air conditioner, to stay cool and alert

A hot, poorly ventilated vehicle can make you sleepy. Keep the window or vent cracked open or use the air conditioner. Also take short breaks before you feel really drowsy — stop, walk around, and inspect your vehicle.

Correct answer: Do not drive — but in an emergency you may drive to the nearest place where you can safely stop

If you become so ill that you cannot operate a motor vehicle safely, you must not drive. However, in case of an emergency, you may drive to the nearest place where you can safely stop.

Correct answer: Rest — sleep is the only thing that can overcome fatigue

Sleep is the only thing that can overcome fatigue. Do not rely on coffee or caffeine, and do not count on the radio, an open window, or other tricks to keep you awake — they will not make a tired driver alert.

Correct answer: Any road condition or road user that is a possible danger

A hazard is any road condition or other road user — driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian — that is a possible danger. Seeing it early gives you time to act before it becomes an emergency.