What You Need to Do to Get a Utah Driver's License
To get a Utah driver's license, you visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring required documents proving your identity and residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — you must appear in person at least twice: once to take the written test and once to take the driving test.
Utah issues three types of licenses: a standard license (valid for eight years), a provisional license (for drivers under 18), and a commercial license (for operating commercial vehicles). Most people getting their first license will follow the standard path, which involves the written test first, then the driving test, then receiving your license card in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person twice: once to take the written test and once to take the driving test.
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Utah address.
- The written test covers Utah traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Driver Handbook available free online.
- After passing both tests, your license card arrives by mail within two weeks.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
The Driver License Division requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Utah address. The address documents can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one — the office will take it and send it to that state.
Do not bring photocopies of your birth certificate or Social Security card. The office must see the originals. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the state where you were born, but this adds weeks to your timeline.
Taking the Written Test at a Driver License Office
Visit any Driver License Division office during business hours. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff you are taking the written test for a new license. They will check your documents, take your photo, and give you a test booklet or direct you to a computer terminal where you take the test on screen.
The written test has 40 questions about Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Driver License Division website.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook beforehand.
Getting a Learner's Permit If You Are Under 18
If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to the driving test. You must first pass the written test, then hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. You also must complete a driver education course — either through a school, a private instructor, or an online provider approved by Utah.
Once you pass the written test, the office will issue your learner's permit on the spot. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
During the six months you hold the permit, take your driver education course and practice driving with a licensed adult. After six months have passed, you can schedule your driving test.
Taking the Driving Test
Once you have passed the written test (and waited six months if you are under 18), you schedule an appointment for the driving test. Call the Driver License Division or book online through their website. The driving test is not available at all offices, so you may need to travel to a larger city office.
Bring your learner's permit or your written test receipt, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A Driver License Division examiner will ride with you for about 20 to 30 minutes while you drive on local roads. They will ask you to perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes.
The examiner is looking for safe driving habits: checking mirrors, signaling before turns, maintaining safe speed, and following traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week before your next attempt.
What Happens After You Pass Both Tests
Once you pass the driving test, you are done at the office. The examiner will tell you that you have passed. Your physical license card is printed and mailed to the address you provided. It usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take up to four weeks during busy periods.
While you wait for your card, you can drive legally using your test receipt as proof that you passed. Keep that receipt with you. Once your license card arrives, it is valid for eight years (or until age 21 if you are currently under 18, at which point you will need to renew it).
If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Driver License Division office where you took your test. They can check the status and reissue a card if needed.
Driver License Division Office Locations and Hours
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Logan. The Salt Lake City office is the largest and usually has the shortest wait times. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings.
You do not need an appointment for the written test, but you do need one for the driving test. Check the Driver License Division website for current hours at your nearest office, as hours change seasonally and may be affected by holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Driver License Division office. However, you can study the material online using the free Utah Driver Handbook before you go.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one week. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You do not need to retake the written test.
Do I need to take a driver education course if I am over 18?
No. Driver education is required only for people under 18. If you are 18 or older, you can take the written and driving tests without completing a course.
How much does a Utah driver's license cost?
A standard eight-year license costs $30. A provisional license for drivers under 18 costs $20. Fees may vary slightly, so check the Driver License Division website for current pricing.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewals can be done by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation. Check the Driver License Division website to see which method applies to you.