Drivers Permits in Utah

Getting Your Utah Learner's Permit

According to the Utah Safety Council, a crash involving teen drivers occurs every 24 minutes. Alarming statistics like this have prompted many states, including Utah, to start a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

In the Utah GDL program, teens must reach certain age- and experience-related milestones before they can get a driver's license.

One of the first steps on your path to your Utah driver's license is to obtain your Utah learner's permit. Below you will find all the details, including behind-the-wheel driving requirements and what documents you'll need to submit.

If you need further information, you can always contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (888) 353-4224.

Utah REAL ID Driver's License

The UT DPS began issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in 2010. As of May 7 2025, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings.

For more detail on Utah REAL IDs, visit the DPS' guide and FAQs.

New to Utah?

If you're new to the state and you have an out-of-state learner's permit, you may trade it in for a Utah learner's permit using the application process outlined below. You must hold your Utah learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months before applying for a driver's license.

If you've taken a Driver's Ed course in your previous state, you will also need to show proof of completion when you apply for your license. Your Driver's Ed course must meet the UT requirements. Online or home study courses are not accepted.

Utah, like many other states, has restrictions for drivers under 18 years old. and those in the graduated drivers licensing programs. It is important to understand the specific restrictions for driver's who are under 18 years old,  when moving to or visiting the state.

NOTE: Learner's permits issued from another state do not fulfill the learner's permit holding requirement of 6 months. That means the time you held your previous permit does not apply towards a Utah learner's permit.

Utah Learner's Permit Age Requirements and Restrictions

In Utah there are driving requirements and restrictions based on age. Please refer to the age-specific checklists below.

Age 15 – 17

If you are 15 years old to 17 years old, you must:

  • Have written parental consent.
  • Pass the written permit test.
  • Complete a Driver's Ed course.
  • Complete 40 hours of practice driving with 10 hours at night.
  • Pass a driving skills test.

Once you turn 16 years old and have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months, you are eligible to apply for your provisional driver's license.

Age 18

Teen applicants 18 years old must:

  • Pass the written permit test.
  • Complete an approved Driver's Ed course.
  • Pass a driving skills test.

There is no required time that you must hold your learner's permit before applying for a driver's license.

Age 19

Applicants 19 years old will need to:

  • Pass the written permit test.
  • Pass the driving skills test.
  • Do one of the following:
    • Hold a learner's permit for at least 90 days AND completed 40 hours of practice driving with 10 hours at night.
    OR
    • Complete an approved Driver's Ed course instead of holding a permit.

How to Get a Utah Learner's Permit

The minimum age to apply for a learner's permit in the state of Utah is 15 years old. Note that applicants 15 years old will not be eligible to receive their provisional license until they turn 16 years old.

Bring to your local driver license office:

  • Your parent/guardian.
  • A completed Learner Permit Application (Form DLD6a).
  • Proof of age (valid, unexpired U.S. passport, certified copy of birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad).
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub showing name and SSN).
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • 2 documents proving residence (bank statement, school transcript, utility bill).
  • Payment for the $19 learner's permit fee.

For more information, please refer to this list of acceptable documentation.

Taking the Utah Written Permit Test

The written exam comprised of 25 questions is based on information about state-specific traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving techniques discussed in the Utah Driver Handbook. To help you prepare, the DLD provides a basic practice test. Our suggestion is to take your preparation to the next level with a comprehensive online practice test from our approved partner.

  1. You are allowed 2 attempts to pass per day.
  2. If you fail the permit test 3 times, you must pay your learner's permit fee ($19) again.

In addition to passing the written exam, you will need to pass an eye exam and complete a medical questionnaire. Your parent or legal guardian will also need to sign for financial responsibility.

Taking Driver's Ed in Utah

Upon successfully passing your written permit test, you'll receive your learner's permit. Your permit allows you to take a Driver's Ed course. This course can be taken at a high school, through a commercial driving school, or from a certified online provider.

Your Driver's Ed course must include:

  • 27 hours of classroom instruction or 30 hours of an approved online home/study course.
  • 6 hours of driving training.

Note: If you take your Driver's Ed course online, you'll need to complete your 6 hours of driving training and 18 hours of classroom commercial driving school.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements

As an integral part of the Utah GDL, all teens applying for a Utah driver's license must complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice; of these hours, 10 hours must be at night with a qualified supervising driver.

  • Under 18 years old:
    • Your supervising driver must be an approved driving instructor, or your parent or guardian who is licensed, occupying the seat next to you.
  • Over 18 years old:
    • You must be accompanied by a person 21 years old or older who is a licensed driver, and occupies the seat next to you.

Replace or Renew Your UT Learner's Permit

You may replace or renew a learner's permit by completing the application process again and paying the $19 fee. However, the documents you presented for your original learner permit are kept on file and are not required to obtain a renewal or duplicate learner permit.

For more information, please refer to our Replacing a Lost License page.

Your Next Step: Get Your Driver's License

As a first-time driver in Utah you're about to embrace a new world of freedom and opportunity. To make this the best experience possible, please use extreme caution whenever you're in the driver's seat.

Your next step in the GDL process is to take the road test so that you can get your driver's license. For more information, please refer to our Teen Driver's Licensing page.

Forms

DLD6a
Application For License
Utah Driver License Division application for a regular, motorcycle, OR commercial permit OR license. Can also be used to apply for a UT identification card.
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