Utah is a wonderful place to start a truck driving career, thanks to its employment opportunities and training institutions that can help you launch a successful career. The purpose of the guide below is to provide a robust guide where candidates can discover everything that they need to keep in mind to make sure that they start their careers on the right path.
Readers will find an analysis of the top training destinations to attend, as well as several sections discussing basic requirements and educational options. Additionally, there is a section that covers the licensing procedure and associated fees.
The guide ultimately concludes with an examination of the annual average salary possibilities for truck drivers in Utah, as well as the factors that influence these figures.
How to Become a Truck Driver in Utah
The framework below is the best for starting a truck driving career in Utah.
License Class & Basic Requirements
Truck drivers in Utah may fall into the Class A licensing category if they are driving a combination of vehicles with a weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds and a towed vehicle with a weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds. They can also fall into Class B or Class C categories, and they must ensure that they obtain a CDL that fits their specific license category.
Another basic requirement is the age requirement. Prospective truck drivers must be at least 18 years old to drive within Utah or 21 years old to drive across state lines.
Choosing a Training Program
The best training programs enable candidates to become successful truck drivers by teaching them the rules and regulations, and also helping them practice on actual roads with vehicles in their licensed class. Candidates who attend a training program may also benefit from career services, including professional development advice and job placement assistance, thanks to connections with companies across the region.
Students of truck driving programs can expect to complete their education within a few weeks in most programs. We explore some of the top options to consider in an upcoming section.
Passing the CDL Examination
Lastly, candidates must pass a CDL examination that includes aspects designed to gauge their proficiency in rules and regulations, as well as their driving skills. The following section describes the fees and considerations to keep in mind during the CDL examination stage.
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The licensing process for truck drivers in Utah requires candidates first to meet the minimum requirements, including the age requirement, holding a valid driver’s license, possessing a medical certificate, and providing proof of identity.
Afterwards, candidates need to pay relevant fees, including a $52 fee for the license itself in any category, $9 for any endorsement, and $26 to retake the CDL written exam. Taking the CDL skills test requires a $52 fee, while taking any endorsement test requires a $9.50 fee.
Candidates who wish to reschedule their CDL examination must pay a $25 fee.
Top Truck Driver Schools in Utah
Below are some of the most notable training programs for future truck drivers in Utah.
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT Campus Only
Salt Lake Community College offers a professional truck driving program that spans 180 hours and includes 9 credit hours of instruction.
Tuition
$1,500 - $1,800 per ProgramContact
(801) 957-5240
angela.majors@slcc.edu
160 Driving Academy
Salt Lake City, UT Campus Only
160 Driving Academy offers a 4-week CDL training program, comprising 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training on local and interstate roads.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(801) 285-0845
Sage Truck Driving School
Salt Lake City, UT Campus Only
Sage Truck Driving School in Salt Lake City offers a CDL training program that emphasizes hands-on experience and prepares students for a career in the trucking industry.
Tuition
$2,995 - $6,495 per ProgramContact
(801) 530-5361
slc@sageschools.com
Explore truck driving schools in Utah by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
Truck drivers in Utah can enhance their experience level and company of employment to improve their annual earnings. Those who have more endorsements and those who work in prominent locations are also very well rewarded.
Generally, a truck driver in Utah can earn an annual average salary of $53,494 in the bottom 10% category and $168,090 in the top 10% category. However, the most common category involves those in the median range, earning an annual average salary of $94,825, which is nearly in line with the national average.
Concerning prominent locations with high salary figures for truck drivers in the state, Midvale is first with an annual average salary of $175,868. At the same time, American Fork follows with an annual average salary of $166,706. Truck drivers in West Jordan are the third-highest-paid in Utah, with an annual average salary of $103,966.