CDL Truck Driver in Utah
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for UT
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Utah
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Utah, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Utah Driver License Division. Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting a medical examiner's certificate. The application fee for the CDL is $78, which includes the driving skills test and license issuance, while the written knowledge tests and Commercial Learner's Permit cost $52. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate commerce, and must have held a Class D license for at least one year. Utah has reciprocity agreements with Taiwan and the Republic of Korea for driver's licenses.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Utah
| Detail | Utah |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Utah Driver License Division |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($52) |
| Application Fee | $78 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have held a Class D license for one year. Those under 21 are restricted to intrastate operation and cannot apply for hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsements. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The $52 fee covers the written knowledge tests and the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). The $78 fee covers the driving skills test and CDL issuance. Skills test fees with third-party providers vary (e.g., $300). Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants, those upgrading a Class B to Class A CDL, or first-time applicants for S, P, or H endorsements. ELDT consists of theory and behind-the-wheel training. A CLP must be held for 14 days before taking the skills test. Endorsement tests cost an additional $9 each. Hazmat endorsements require a federal TSA and DOT background check every five years, costing $80-$110 and taking 30-90 days. |
Source: Utah Driver License Division
License Tiers
Utah offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Utah
The median cdl truck driver salary in Utah is $59,580 per year, which is 3.7% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,360 |
| 25th | $49,650 |
| 50th (median) | $59,580 |
| 75th | $65,090 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,270 |
Utah employs approximately 24,280 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Utah Worth It?
Factors to consider: Utah's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.