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

To get a Utah driver's license, you will visit a Driver License Division office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about two visits — one to take the written test and one to take the driving test — and you can hold a temporary permit between them. Most people complete both tests within a few weeks of their first visit.

Utah does not mail licenses to you. You must appear in person at a Driver License Division office to have your photo taken and to sign your license. The office will give you a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card arrives by mail about two weeks later.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Division office twice: once to pass the written test and once to pass the driving test, with a temporary permit between them.
  • Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), a document proving your identity, and proof of your Utah address — such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free online.
  • The driving test is conducted by a Driver License Division examiner in your own vehicle or a rental, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • You pay a fee at your first visit; the amount depends on how long you want your license to be valid (four, eight, or ten years).

Documents you need to bring to your first visit

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Utah address. Your identity document must be a government-issued ID — a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a school ID or employee badge, but the Driver License Division website lists which combinations they accept.

For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, or a document from the Social Security Administration, or a W-2 form or tax return showing your number. A driver's license from another state that displays your number also counts.

For your Utah address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax notice, or a bank or credit card statement with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency can work instead.

Taking the written test at your first visit

When you arrive at the Driver License Division office, you will check in and pay your fee. The fee ranges from about $30 to $60 depending on the length of license you choose — four years, eight years, or ten years. You will then take the written test on a computer at the office.

The test has 25 questions about Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The questions come from the Utah Driver Handbook, which you can read for free on the Driver License Division website or pick up in print at any office. Most people study the handbook for a few hours or a few days before taking the test.

If you pass, you will receive a temporary permit that day — a paper document that lets you drive while you prepare for the driving test. If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

Getting your temporary permit and preparing for the driving test

Your temporary permit is valid for six months. During this time, you can drive alone on public roads to practice, or you can schedule your driving test whenever you feel ready. You do not have to wait any set amount of time between passing the written test and taking the driving test.

To schedule the driving test, call the Driver License Division office where you took the written test, or go to their website and book online. Most offices have openings within one to three weeks. You can also walk in without an appointment at some offices, though wait times vary.

For the driving test, bring your temporary permit, your proof of identity, and a vehicle. The vehicle can be your own car, a rental, or a borrowed vehicle — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work before the test begins.

Taking the driving test

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Driver License Division office. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also ask you to demonstrate that you understand traffic signs and right-of-way rules by responding to real traffic situations you encounter during the test.

You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you do not pass, you can take it again. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Receiving your plastic license card

When you pass the driving test, the examiner will take your photo and you will sign your license at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license that day that is valid for 30 days. Your plastic driver's license card will arrive by mail within about two weeks.

If your plastic card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Driver License Division office where you took your test. They can check the status or issue a replacement.

Special situations and alternatives

If you are under 18, you must take a driver education course before you can take the written test. The course can be online or in person, and takes about six hours. You will receive a certificate of completion that you must bring to your first visit at the Driver License Division office.

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you may be able to transfer it to Utah without taking the tests. You will still need to visit a Driver License Division office in person with your out-of-state license and proof of Utah residency. The office will tell you whether you need to take the written test, the driving test, or both.

If you are renewing a Utah license that has expired, the process is different — you can renew by mail or online if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Visit the Driver License Division website to see whether you are may be able to access to renew without visiting an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Utah driver's license cost?

The fee ranges from about $30 to $60 depending on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year or ten-year license. You pay the fee at your first visit when you take the written test.

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a Driver License Division office. However, you can study for the test online using the free Utah Driver Handbook on the Driver License Division website.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again with no waiting period. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may take one to three weeks depending on office availability. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

Only if you are under 18. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a driver education course. You can go straight to the written test at the Driver License Division office.

Can I use my temporary permit to drive alone?

Yes. Your temporary permit lets you drive alone on public roads. You do not need a supervising driver. The permit is valid for six months, which gives you time to practice and schedule your driving test.