Utah · Handbook chapter 1 · 4 min read

Utah residency, driver education, the learner permit at 15, holding periods, teen restrictions, the written knowledge test, the Traffic Safety and Trends Exam, fees, documents and renewals.

Why this chapter matters

Utah's licensing rules change with your age, and the written test checks that you know them. This chapter covers everything from the permit at 15 to renewing an adult license.

Who needs a Utah license

Anyone who lives in Utah and drives on public roads needs a Utah license, learner permit or temporary license. You become a resident if you move to make Utah home, stay six months or more in a calendar year, register a vehicle, use resident benefits such as school tuition, or work here. Licensed visitors may drive for up to six months; a driver with only an out-of-state learner permit may not drive in Utah.

Driver education

Drivers under 19 must finish an approved course: 27 hours of high school classroom (or 18 commercial, or 30 online), 6 hours behind the wheel, and possibly 6 hours of observation. Teens also log 40 hours of driving with a parent or guardian, 10 after sunset.

The learner permit

• The person beside you must be a licensed parent, stepparent, foster parent, legal guardian, approved instructor or a responsible adult 21 or older. On the 6-month renewal permit, only a licensed parent, guardian or instructor.
• Keep the permit with you whenever you drive.
• A parent or guardian signs for financial responsibility. Withdrawing the signature invalidates the license until age 18.

Teen license restrictions (ages 16-17)

• No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 21+ is with you, or you are going to or from work, a school-sponsored activity, farm work or an emergency.
• First six months: no passengers outside your immediate family unless a licensed driver 21+ is in the front passenger seat, or for farm work or an emergency.

The tests

• Written knowledge test: 50 questions, closed book, for people never licensed. You need 80 percent (40 correct). It is not timed but usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You may take it twice a day, and the fee covers three attempts.
• Eye test: 20/40 in at least one eye and a 90-degree field of vision.
• Traffic Safety and Trends Exam: online, 40 questions, and you must score 100 percent before your first license.
• Driving skills test: at 16 at a DLD office, or 15 with a high school or third-party tester. Your car needs working lights, horn, belts, brakes and mirrors.

Fees and documents

A learner permit costs $19, a provisional license (under 21) $39 and a regular license (21+) $52. Bring original proof of identity and lawful presence, your Social Security number and two Utah address documents dated within 90 days. Photocopies are not accepted.

Keeping your license

• Licenses for drivers 21+ last eight years; provisional licenses five years.
• Renew up to six months early. Report a new address within 10 days.
• You may not hold a Utah license and a Utah ID card at the same time.