Utah Driver’s License Requirements (A Complete 2024 Guide)

So your teenager just turned 15 years old and is ready to take the driving world by storm. 

But hold up…

First, they need to go through all the Utah driver’s license requirements. 

What do the requirements include?

Is it difficult?

We’re going to give you all the details here. This way, you’ll know exactly what to do. 

What if you’re already 19+ years old and getting your driver’s license for the first time?

We also have the steps for you. 

So are you ready to learn more?

Let’s dive in!

How to Get A Driver’s License in Utah

The Utah driver’s license requirements include some important aspects before you get your full driver’s license. These are: 

• Learner’s permit
• Driver education
• Traffic Safety and Trends Exam (for minors)

Depending on your age, not all of these are required. So make sure to read this guide carefully to know which ones you can waive. 

How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Utah

A learner’s permit is a requirement for anyone who:

• Is 15 to 18 years old and is a first-time driver
• Is 19 and above and wants to skip the driver education requirement

If you fit any of the descriptions above, here are the steps to getting your Utah learner’s permit: 

1. Apply for your driver’s license online. 

2. Once you submit your application, you’ll be asked to schedule a learner’s permit appointment with a Driver’s License Office. 

3. During your appointment, bring the following with you:
   1. Your parent or legal guardian (if you’re under 18 years old). Make sure that they bring proof of identity and guardianship. 
   2. Proof of identity and birthdate
   3. 2 proofs of Utah residency address (if you’re a minor, it can be in the name of a parent or legal guardian)
   4. Social Security card

You can click here to see acceptable documents. 

4. Submit all the documents and have your parent/legal guardian sign for financial responsibility (if under 18 years old). 

5. Have your photo taken. 

6. Pass the eye exam. 

7. Pass the written knowledge exam. You can prepare for this by studying the Utah Driver Handbook OR taking an online exam prep. 

8. Pay $19 for the learner’s permit with cash, money order, check, or credit card. 

9. Receive your learner’s permit. 

Now, a learner’s permit has several restrictions based on your age. 

If you’re 15-17 years old, here are your restrictions: 

• You can only drive if you’re accompanied by your parent, legal guardian, a driving instructor, or the licensed adult that signed for financial responsibility in the front passenger seat. 
• You must always have your learner’s permit with you. 

If you’re 18 and above, you just have to be accompanied by a licensed adult that’s 21 and above. Again, they must be in the front passenger seat. 

You must also always have your learner’s permit with you when behind the wheel. 

How to Get a First-Time Driver’s License in Utah

To get a first-time driver’s license, here are the requirements and steps: 

1. Be at least 16 years old. 

2. Hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months OR if you turn 18 years old (whichever comes first). If you’re already above 18 years old, the 6-month permit holding period does not apply. You can go straight to the next step whenever you’re ready. 

3. Complete a driver’s education from a state-approved provider. 

4. Practice driving for 40 hours, including 10 hours at night. Parents or guardians, you have to log the 40 hours and learn how to “Teach Your Teen to Driver”. 

5. Pass the Traffic Safety and Trends Exam. You will have to log in (or create a new account) with Utah.gov. This exam is FREE for all Utah residents. 

6. Complete the online driver’s license application and schedule a driving skills test appointment after. 

NOTE: You can take the driving skills test with your driver’s education provider if they offer it. If so, you will only need to schedule a Driver’s License Office appointment.

7. During your visit, bring the following with you:
   1. Your valid learner’s permit
   2. A parent or legal guardian (if under 18 years old)
   3. Any name change documentation (if necessary)
   4. A registered and insured vehicle for the test (if you didn’t already take the test)

8. Have your parent/legal guardian sign for financial responsibility and 40 hours of driving practice (if under 18 years old). 

9. Have your photo taken. 

10. Pass the eye screening. 

11. Pass the driving skills test (if applicable).

12. Pay the minor driver’s license fee of $39.

13. Receive your temporary driver’s license. Your 5-year permanent driver’s license will be sent in 4-6 weeks via mail. 

Since this is a first-time driver’s license, there are still going to be restrictions for those who are 16-17 years old. 

This includes:

• You can only drive unsupervised from 5 AM to 12 AM.

• If driving between 12 AM to 5 AM, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat. 

• You can drive unsupervised from 12 AM to 5 AM ONLY if you’re driving to and from school or work, engaged in agricultural operation, or an emergency. 

• You cannot drive with passengers that are not part of your immediate family (unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat). This restriction will be removed after 6 months OR when you turn 18 years old (whichever comes first). 

How to Get An Adult Driver’s License in Utah

Let’s say you’re already 19+ years old and just started working on your driver’s license. 

Well, for drivers 19 and above, you have the option to skip the driver’s education requirement. However, if you do, you must get a learner’s permit and hold it for at least 90 days. 

Plus, you must also complete 40 hours of driving practice, with 10 hours down after sunset. 

Whatever the case, here are the requirements and steps for you:

1. Undergo the online driver’s license application. 

2. After that, schedule an appointment for an original driver’s license. 

3. Bring the following documents to your appointment:
   1. Proof of identity and birthdate
   2. 2 proofs of Utah residency address
   3. Social Security card
   4. Any name change documentation (if necessary)

4. If you’re planning to get a learner’s permit, do the following:
   1. Get your photo. 
   2. Pass the vision exam.
   3. Pass the knowledge test.
   4. Pay the $19 permit fee. 
   5. Receive your learner’s permit. 
   6. Hold the permit for 90 days. 
   7. Complete 40 hours of driving practice, with 10 hours at night.

5. If you want to skip the learner’s permit stage, do the following:
   1. complete a driver’s education from a state-approved provider. NOTE: If provided, you can take the knowledge written test and driving skills test with your provider. 
   2. Have your photo taken. 
   3. Pass the vision test. 
   4. Pass the knowledge written exam (if applicable).

6. Take and pass the Traffic Safety and Trends Exam. Log in or create an account to access the exam. Don’t worry – this is FREE if you’re a Utah resident. 

7. For the driving skills test, go through the online application again and schedule a driving skills test (if you didn’t already take it with your driver’s ed provider).

8. During the test, bring the following:
   1. Your valid learner’s permit (if applicable)
   2. A registered and insured vehicle

9. Have your photo taken and pass the vision test. 

10. Pass the driving skills test (if applicable).

11. Pay the adult driver’s license fee of $52.

12. Receive a temporary driver’s license. Your 8-year official driver’s license will arrive through the mail in 4-6 weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Utah Driver’s License Requirements

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Driver’s License in Utah?

For your total expenses, expect around $460. If you’re already 19+ years old and don’t take driver’s ed, then the cost goes down to $71. 

Here is a breakdown of all the expenses: 

Learner’s permit:	$19
First-time driver’s license:	$39
Adult driver’s license:	$52
Driver’s education:	Average of $350

How Long Does it Take to Get Your License in Utah?

At a UT Driver’s License Office, you will receive a temporary driver’s license. The official one will arrive through the mail in about 4-6 weeks. 

If it already passed the timeframe and you still didn’t receive your official driver’s license, you can check its status here. 

What 4 Tests Are Required to Get a License in Utah?

To get a Utah-issued driver’s license, you must pass a vision screening, a knowledge written test, a driving skills test, and the Traffic Safety and Trends Exam.

How Many Questions Are on the Utah Driver’s License Test?

In the knowledge written test, there are 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to get 40 questions correct. 

Conclusion

And that is your complete guide to the Utah driver’s license requirements. 

Now that you know what to expect, the process will become a lot easier. Just make sure to follow the steps according to your age. 

So what are you waiting for?

Go and apply for your driver’s license today!