FLORIDA UNDERGROUND UTILITY CONTRACTOR
EXAM PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum distance a utility line must be buried under a
driveway?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 30 inches
Answer: B. 18 inches
Rationale: Florida regulations generally require that underground utility
lines under driveways be buried at least 18 inches to prevent damage
from vehicular traffic.
2. Which document must be obtained before beginning excavation
near existing utilities?
A. Contractor license
B. Excavation permit
C. Utility clearance
D. Surveyor report
Answer: C. Utility clearance
Rationale: Utility clearance ensures that no active utility lines are struck
during excavation, which is a key safety requirement.
3. What is the standard color for marking electrical lines in the field?
A. Blue
B. Red
,C. Yellow
D. Green
Answer: B. Red
Rationale: According to the APWA color code, red is used to indicate
electrical power lines.
4. Which type of pipe is most commonly used for potable water
distribution underground?
A. PVC
B. HDPE
C. Copper
D. Steel
Answer: A. PVC
Rationale: PVC is widely used for underground potable water lines
because of its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation.
5. What is the maximum allowable slope for a gravity sewer line in
Florida?
A. 0.25%
B. 0.5%
C. 1%
D. 2%
Answer: B. 0.5%
Rationale: Gravity sewer lines must have sufficient slope to maintain
flow; Florida code often specifies a minimum slope of 0.5% for standard
sewer pipes.
6. What should be done if a contractor encounters an unmarked
utility line during excavation?
A. Continue digging cautiously
B. Call the utility owner immediately
C. Fill the hole and stop work
, D. Use hand tools only
Answer: B. Call the utility owner immediately
Rationale: Contacting the utility company prevents damage and ensures
safety; excavation must stop until clearance is provided.
7. Which soil type is most prone to collapsing during trenching?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Silt
D. Gravel
Answer: A. Sand
Rationale: Sandy soils are unstable and prone to collapse, requiring
proper shoring or sloping during excavation.
8. The primary purpose of a trench box is to:
A. Store tools safely
B. Protect workers from cave-ins
C. Support pipes during installation
D. Measure trench depth
Answer: B. Protect workers from cave-ins
Rationale: Trench boxes are designed to prevent soil from collapsing on
workers in trenches deeper than 5 feet.
9. Before backfilling a utility trench, the contractor must:
A. Compact soil in layers
B. Verify line elevation and alignment
C. Place warning tape
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Proper backfill requires compaction, verification of line
placement, and installation of warning tape for future reference.
EXAM PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum distance a utility line must be buried under a
driveway?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 30 inches
Answer: B. 18 inches
Rationale: Florida regulations generally require that underground utility
lines under driveways be buried at least 18 inches to prevent damage
from vehicular traffic.
2. Which document must be obtained before beginning excavation
near existing utilities?
A. Contractor license
B. Excavation permit
C. Utility clearance
D. Surveyor report
Answer: C. Utility clearance
Rationale: Utility clearance ensures that no active utility lines are struck
during excavation, which is a key safety requirement.
3. What is the standard color for marking electrical lines in the field?
A. Blue
B. Red
,C. Yellow
D. Green
Answer: B. Red
Rationale: According to the APWA color code, red is used to indicate
electrical power lines.
4. Which type of pipe is most commonly used for potable water
distribution underground?
A. PVC
B. HDPE
C. Copper
D. Steel
Answer: A. PVC
Rationale: PVC is widely used for underground potable water lines
because of its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation.
5. What is the maximum allowable slope for a gravity sewer line in
Florida?
A. 0.25%
B. 0.5%
C. 1%
D. 2%
Answer: B. 0.5%
Rationale: Gravity sewer lines must have sufficient slope to maintain
flow; Florida code often specifies a minimum slope of 0.5% for standard
sewer pipes.
6. What should be done if a contractor encounters an unmarked
utility line during excavation?
A. Continue digging cautiously
B. Call the utility owner immediately
C. Fill the hole and stop work
, D. Use hand tools only
Answer: B. Call the utility owner immediately
Rationale: Contacting the utility company prevents damage and ensures
safety; excavation must stop until clearance is provided.
7. Which soil type is most prone to collapsing during trenching?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Silt
D. Gravel
Answer: A. Sand
Rationale: Sandy soils are unstable and prone to collapse, requiring
proper shoring or sloping during excavation.
8. The primary purpose of a trench box is to:
A. Store tools safely
B. Protect workers from cave-ins
C. Support pipes during installation
D. Measure trench depth
Answer: B. Protect workers from cave-ins
Rationale: Trench boxes are designed to prevent soil from collapsing on
workers in trenches deeper than 5 feet.
9. Before backfilling a utility trench, the contractor must:
A. Compact soil in layers
B. Verify line elevation and alignment
C. Place warning tape
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Proper backfill requires compaction, verification of line
placement, and installation of warning tape for future reference.
