How licensing works in Utah
Every new Utah driver starts with a learner permit. Teens then get a provisional license with limits until they are older. How long you hold the permit and who may supervise you depends on your age.
| Age when you apply | Driver education | Holding period | Supervised practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Required | Six months and until 16 | 40 hours, 10 after sunset |
| 16–17 | Required | Six months | 40 hours, 10 after sunset |
| 18 | Required | None | 40 hours, 10 after sunset |
| 19 and older | Optional | 90 days, unless you take driver education | 40 hours, 10 after sunset, unless you take driver education |
Who may supervise you
- Ages 15–17: a licensed parent or legal guardian, an approved driving instructor, or the responsible adult who signed for financial responsibility. A parent who is not licensed may authorize someone 21 or older in writing.
- Age 18: a licensed driver who is at least 21.
- Other passengers are allowed while you practice, and you must carry your permit.
Up to five hours of the 40 may be done in a driving simulator. Time on an out-of-state learner permit counts toward the six-month holding period.
After the permit
At 16 or older, teens can move to a provisional license after passing the driving skills test. Provisional drivers under 18 may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m., with some exceptions.
The Utah written knowledge test
The written knowledge test has 50 questions and is closed-book. It covers Utah traffic laws, safe driving and road signs from the Utah Driver Handbook. Your test score and your permit are each valid for 18 months.
At your appointment
- Check in with your confirmation number.
- Have your photo taken.
- Complete the eye test.
- Pay the non-refundable fee.
- If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian sign.
- Take the written test.
What to bring
- Proof of identity
- Proof of lawful presence, if you are not a US citizen
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of your Utah address
If you fail, book a retake appointment through the DLD's scheduling system.
Rules specific to Utah
Phones
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all while driving. Texting is banned for all drivers, and school bus drivers may not use a phone while driving.
Getting the license
To get your license, you pass a driving skills test and the Traffic Safety and Trends Exam. Keep your permit valid and your practice log complete so you are ready on test day.
Practice that counts
Your 40 hours should cover more than quiet streets. Practice at night, on freeways, in canyon and mountain driving, and in snow if you can. At least 10 hours must be after sunset.
Making the most of your practice
Your supervised hours are where you really learn to drive. Plan them instead of leaving them to chance, and ask your supervisor to give you calm, clear feedback after each trip.
- Start in an empty parking lot to learn steering, braking, turning and backing.
- Move on to quiet streets, then busier roads, multi-lane roads and highways.
- Practice at night and in rain, so your first night drive alone is not your first night drive ever.
- Work on the skills a road test checks: full stops, lane changes, turns, parking and backing.
- Say out loud what you see: signs, hazards, and what other road users might do next.
In Utah, you need 40 hours, including 10 after sunset. Write down each drive right after it ends, with the date, the time and the conditions, so your log is complete when you apply.
On test day
- Check the official website the day before for documents, hours and any appointment rules.
- Bring every document on the official list, in the form the office asks for.
- Get a good night's sleep and arrive early, so you are not rushed.
- Read each question twice. Watch for words like always, never, only and except.
- If you are not sure, rule out the answers you know are wrong, then choose the safest one.
Test tips
- Learn the key numbers: 15, 18, 19, 21, 50 questions, 18 months, six months, 90 days, 40 hours, 10 after sunset, five simulator hours.
- Know which supervisors are allowed at each age.
- Study road signs by shape and color.
- Take full-length practice tests so 50 questions feels normal.
Next: the general rules of the road
This guide covers Utah's own rules. The written test also covers right-of-way, turns, passing, parking, alcohol and road signs. Study those in our national US driving study guide, then take the full practice tests.