What you need to do to get a Utah driver's license
To get a driver's license in Utah, you will visit a Driver Services office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.
Utah issues two types of licenses: a standard driver's license (valid for eight years) and an enhanced driver's license (valid for ten years, but costs more and requires a passport or birth certificate). Most people get the standard license. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit, and at least 17 to hold a full license without parental consent.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Utah Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a behind-the-wheel driving test with a Driver Services examiner.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and have a licensed adult in the car during practice.
- Your license will be mailed to you after you pass both tests; a temporary paper license lets you drive legally while you wait.
- The fee for a standard eight-year license is $33, and the process usually takes two to four weeks from test to mail delivery.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your identity. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card or a tax return or W-2 form that shows it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Utah address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign a consent form at the office. If you are renewing a license or replacing a lost one, bring your old license if you have it.
The written test on traffic laws and road signs
The written test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Driver Services office. You must score at least 80 percent to pass, which means you can miss no more than 8 questions.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Utah Driver's License Handbook, which is free and available on the Utah Driver Services website. Many people also study using online practice tests, which mimic the real test format.
You get one attempt at the written test during your office visit. If you fail, you can return and retake it, but you will pay the full fee again. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook.
The behind-the-wheel driving test
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test with a Driver Services examiner. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the car in real traffic.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car's lights, brakes, wipers, and mirrors must all work. You can use someone else's car as long as you have permission and proof of insurance. The examiner will check the vehicle before the test begins.
You get three attempts at the driving test within a 12-month period. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you will pay the fee each time. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.
If you are under 18: the learner's permit and practice requirements
If you are 16 or 17, you must first get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You get the permit by passing the written test at a Driver Services office.
You must hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During that time, you must practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. Utah does not require a set number of practice hours, but the state recommends at least 40 hours, with 10 of those at night.
Once you have held the permit for six months and feel ready, you can schedule your driving test. After you pass, you will get a full license in the mail.
Timeline and fees
The written test happens the same day you visit the Driver Services office. The driving test is usually scheduled within one to three weeks of passing the written test, depending on how busy the office is. After you pass the driving test, your license is printed and mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.
The total time from your first office visit to receiving your license in the mail is usually two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that lets you drive legally while you wait for the real license to arrive.
The fee for a standard eight-year driver's license is $33. If you want an enhanced license (which can be used for federal ID purposes), the fee is $48. You pay once at the office, regardless of how many times you take the tests. If you fail a test and retake it, you do not pay again.
Where to find a Driver Services office near you
Utah has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Utah Driver Services website, which lists all locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the website or call before you go. If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile services or extended hours on certain days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No, you must take both the written test and the driving test in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot take either test remotely.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. You will pay the full $33 fee again. Most people who study the handbook pass on their second attempt.
Do I need to take a driver's education class?
No, Utah does not require a driver's education class to get a license. However, if you are under 18, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course. Check with your insurance provider.
What if I move to Utah from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Utah license without taking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency to a Driver Services office. The fee is $33.
Can someone else take the driving test for me?
No, you must take the driving test yourself. The examiner needs to see that you can control the vehicle and follow traffic laws.