Free Water Well Driller Oral Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Water Well Driller Oral Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During an oral problem scenario, an owner presents one valid Start Card and asks the driller to construct a second well at the same listed location. What should the driller say?

   1. A. The card authorizes any number of wells at that location
   2. B. A second well is allowed if completed the same day
   3. C. Only a verbal owner request is additionally required
   4. D. The card authorizes exactly one well; another well requires state engineer authorization

   Answer: D

   Explanation: R655-4-4.1 authorizes work on "exactly one well at each location listed on the Start Card." A second well requires additional state engineer authorization.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-4.1 Authorization to Drill

2. 2What is the minimum required casing projection above finished ground for a completed Utah water well?

   1. A. 6 inches
   2. B. 12 inches
   3. C. 18 inches
   4. D. 24 inches

   Answer: C

   Explanation: R655-4-11.2.2 states: "The well casing shall extend a minimum of 18 inches above finished ground level." The correct minimum is 18 inches.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.2.2 Casing Stick-up

3. 3Leakage develops around the casing of an artesian well. May the driller normally move the rig before stopping it?

   1. A. No; leakage must be stopped unless the state engineer authorizes temporary removal or life or property is in imminent danger
   2. B. Yes, once the surface flow is measured
   3. C. Yes, if the casing extends 18 inches above grade
   4. D. Yes, whenever the owner requests it

   Answer: A

   Explanation: R655-4-11.4.3.5 says the driller "shall not move the drilling rig from the well site until leakage is completely stopped," subject to the stated authorization and emergency exceptions.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.4.3.5 Sealing Artesian Wells

4. 4Under the ordinary completion rule, when may a licensed driller remove the drill rig from a well site?

   1. A. After reaching planned depth but before installing the required surface seal
   2. B. After setting casing but before completing the required gravel pack
   3. C. After the well has been completed or abandoned
   4. D. After development but while the unsuccessful borehole remains open

   Answer: C

   Explanation: R655-4-11.7.3 states that a driller "shall not remove the drill rig from a well site unless the well is completed or abandoned." Only option C satisfies that condition.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.7.3 Completion or Abandonment

5. 5A contractor proposes drilling several exploratory borings at an approved point of diversion under its single Start Card. What is the compliant response?

   1. A. Obtain authorization from the state engineer before drilling multiple borings
   2. B. Proceed because borings are never regulated
   3. C. Proceed if none exceeds 30 feet
   4. D. Submit only one well log after all borings are complete

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Utah states: "The drilling of multiple borings or wells at an approved location or point of diversion is not allowed without authorization." The contractor must obtain it first.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-4.1 Authorization to Drill

6. 6Which completion properly protects the open top of a Utah water-well casing?

   1. A. A threaded well plug without a locking feature
   2. B. A vented cap without an insect screen
   3. C. A temporary casing cap that is not mechanically secured
   4. D. A secure sanitary weatherproof cap, seal, or completely welded cap

   Answer: D

   Explanation: R655-4-11.2.2 requires "A secure sanitary, weatherproof mechanically secured cap, seal, or a completely welded cap." Option D contains the required protective closure.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.2.2 Casing Stick-up

7. 7A new artesian well flows naturally at land surface. Which wellhead component satisfies the required flow control?

   1. A. A screened casing vent
   2. B. A control valve capable of completely stopping flow
   3. C. A pressure-relief valve that cannot isolate the discharge
   4. D. A check valve that prevents only reverse flow

   Answer: B

   Explanation: R655-4-11.4.3.5 requires "a control valve so that the flow can be completely stopped." All choices are real well-system components, but only B can perform the required complete shutoff.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.4.3.5 Flow control

8. 8Operations must stop overnight before a well is complete. How must the unattended well or borehole be left?

   1. A. Open so pressure can equalize
   2. B. Marked only with survey ribbon
   3. C. Filled with drill cuttings
   4. D. Securely covered against contaminants and entry by people or animals

   Answer: D

   Explanation: R655-4-11.7.4 requires it to be "covered securely to prevent contaminants from entering" and secured against entry by people and animals. Option D supplies both protections.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.7.4 Surface Security

9. 9A driller telephones Start Card information and reaches voicemail. What must happen next?

   1. A. Nothing; voicemail permanently replaces the card
   2. B. Voicemail is acceptable notice, but the completed original Start Card must then be sent
   3. C. Work must wait for a mailed confirmation
   4. D. The owner, rather than the licensee, must send an unsigned copy

   Answer: B

   Explanation: R655-4-4.2.1 says "leaving a voice mail is an acceptable notification" and then requires the completed original Start Card. Option B gives both steps.

   Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-4.2.1 Start Cards

10. 10A sanitary cap includes a vent. What protection must be added to the vent?

    1. A. A screen that excludes debris, insects, and other animals
    2. B. A valve that remains permanently closed
    3. C. An unsealed enlargement below grade
    4. D. A gravel pack open to the atmosphere

    Answer: A

    Explanation: R655-4-11.2.2 says a cap vent "shall be properly screened to prevent access to the well by debris, insects, or other animals." Option A provides that screen.

    Reference: Ut R 655 4 — R655-4-11.2.2 Vented cap