Utah CDL Classes Explained
Which Utah CDL class you need depends on vehicle weight, what it tows, and the type of operation, not just the truck size. The three classes are set by federal rule (49 CFR 383.91) and are the same in every state, so a Utah CDL is valid nationwide. Utah Driver License Division issues the license and runs the knowledge and skills tests. Utah's booming technology and logistics sectors have made the Salt Lake corridor one of the West's fastest-growing freight markets.
A Class A CDL is generally used for combination vehicles, including tractor-trailers, when the gross combination weight rating is 26,001 pounds or more and the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds.
Knowledge Test Topics
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes if equipped
- Combination Vehicles
- Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- Road Test
Common Job Types
- Tractor-trailer driver
- Regional freight driver
- Heavy combination vehicle operator
- Class A delivery driver
Class A CDL in Utah
Class A is the license behind most of Utah's long-haul and heavy freight, much of it moving on I-15, I-70, I-80, I-84. With mining and metals, technology distribution, outdoor retail and recreation supply driving demand, typical Utah Class A work includes:
- Mining and metals: bulk end-dumps, belly-dump hoppers, and heavy-haul equipment moves for the mines
- Technology distribution: regional and over-the-road distribution runs for grocery, retail, and e-commerce freight
Apply, test, and schedule through Utah Driver License Division. Not sure this is your class? Use the Utah CDL Selector.
A Class B CDL is generally used for a single commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, plus limited towing.
Knowledge Test Topics
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes if equipped
- Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- Road Test
Common Job Types
- Straight truck driver
- Dump truck driver
- Large bus driver
- Box truck driver
- Concrete mixer driver
Class B CDL in Utah
Class B covers the single heavy vehicles that keep Utah moving locally: no tractor-trailer, but everything from dump trucks to full-size buses. Typical Utah Class B work includes:
- Mining and metals: on-road dump trucks and water trucks around mine and quarry sites
- Technology distribution: local delivery straight trucks and last-mile box trucks
- Transit and school districts: city buses and full-size school buses across Utah (P and S endorsements)
Apply, test, and schedule through Utah Driver License Division. Not sure this is your class? Use the Utah CDL Selector.
A Class C CDL may apply when the vehicle does not meet Class A or B weight definitions but is used for passengers, school bus operation, or placarded hazardous materials.
Knowledge Test Topics
- General Knowledge as required
- Passenger or School Bus endorsement if applicable
- HazMat endorsement if applicable
- State-specific requirements
Common Job Types
- Shuttle driver
- Small passenger vehicle driver
- School activity driver
- HazMat delivery driver
Class C CDL in Utah
Class C applies to lighter vehicles in Utah that still need a CDL because of what they carry: 16 or more passengers, or placarded hazardous materials. Typical Utah Class C work includes:
- Mining and metals: crew and shift-change buses (P endorsement) and light HazMat runs to the sites
- Technology distribution: light HazMat delivery routes when the load requires placards
- Smaller school buses and activity buses for Utah school districts (P and S endorsements)
- Shuttle, paratransit, and church or community vans built for 16 or more passengers
Apply, test, and schedule through Utah Driver License Division. Not sure this is your class? Use the Utah CDL Selector.
Not sure which class applies to you?
Answer a few questions about your vehicle and operation, and the CDL Selector gives you a starting point in under a minute.