What you need to do to get a Utah driver's license

To get a driver's license in Utah, you will pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licenses. You can take the written test at any DMV office, and you schedule the driving test separately at a location near you. The whole process usually 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 by mail.

Utah issues licenses valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license will expire sooner and will have different restrictions on when you can drive and who can ride with you. The fee for a standard eight-year license is $33 as of 2024, though this amount can change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other identity document, plus proof of your current Utah address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers Utah traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DMV handbook available free on the Utah DMV website.
  • After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which you take in your own vehicle with a DMV examiner.
  • You can drive when ready after passing both tests using a temporary permit while your physical license is mailed to you, which takes about one to two weeks.
  • If you are under 21, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and follow passenger and time-of-day restrictions before you can get an unrestricted license.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Utah. For identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a permanent resident card. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough — you need an official government document.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a letter from your employer, a government benefit statement, or a property tax notice. Bring the originals, not copies.

You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or have the number memorized. If you are renewing a license, bring your current license or ID card.

Taking the written test at a DMV office

Walk into any Utah DMV office during business hours and ask to take the written test. You do not need to schedule this in advance. The test has 50 questions about Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready.

Study using the official Utah Driver's License Handbook, which is free on the Utah DMV website at dmv.utah.gov. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests on the same website. Many people study for a few hours to a few days before taking the test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the DMV office.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, the DMV will tell you how to schedule your driving test. In Utah, you book the driving test through the DMV website at dmv.utah.gov or by calling the DMV office. You choose a date and time that works for you. Wait times vary by location and season; in busy months you might wait two to four weeks, while in slower months you could get an appointment within a few days.

Bring your own vehicle to the driving test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The DMV examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work. Bring your temporary permit and proof of insurance.

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, though you may have to wait for another appointment and pay the test fee again.

Getting your temporary permit and physical license

Once you pass both the written and driving tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive when ready while your physical license is mailed to you. The temporary permit is valid for about 30 days, which is enough time for your license to arrive by mail.

Your physical license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. It usually arrives within one to two weeks. Keep your temporary permit with you while you drive until the physical license arrives. Once it arrives, you can throw away the temporary permit.

Rules if you are under 21

If you are under 21, you must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, pass the written test and bring the same documents you would need for a full license. The learner's permit costs $20.

While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot drive with passengers under 21 in the car unless a licensed adult 25 or older is in the front seat.

After six months with a learner's permit and no traffic violations, you can schedule the driving test. Once you pass, you get an intermediate license, which has fewer restrictions than a learner's permit but more than an adult license. You keep the intermediate license until you turn 21, at which point you can get an unrestricted license.

DMV office locations and hours

Utah has DMV offices in most cities and towns. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but you can use any office in the state. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Utah DMV website at dmv.utah.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours.

Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times, though you do not need an appointment for the written test. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No, you must take the written test in person at a DMV office. However, you can study online using the practice tests and handbook on the Utah DMV website before you go.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You will have to schedule another appointment and may have to pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the DMV?

You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. You can tell the DMV your number if you have it memorized. Bringing the card makes it faster.

How long is my Utah driver's license valid?

A standard Utah driver's license is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license expires sooner — usually when you turn 21. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires.

Can I get a license if I do not have a permanent address?

You need to provide a current address for your license. If you do not have a permanent home, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address where you can receive your license. Talk to the DMV about your situation when you explore.