The Utah written test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass

The Utah Driver License Division administers a 50-question multiple-choice test that covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Utah. You need a score of 80 percent — meaning 40 correct answers — to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages, and you take it on a computer at a Driver License Division office.

The questions come from the Utah Driver Handbook, which is the official source document for all test content. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions. Nothing on the test goes beyond what appears in that handbook.

Key Takeaways

  • You must answer 40 out of 50 questions correctly, which equals an 80 percent passing score.
  • All test questions are drawn from the Utah Driver Handbook, so studying that document directly prepares you for the actual test.
  • The test is taken on a computer at a Driver License Division office, and you receive your score when ready after finishing.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though some offices may have limits on how many times you can test in one visit.

What the 50 questions cover

The test breaks down into several topic areas. Questions cover traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts, speed limits and when they change, parking rules, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and how to handle pedestrians and cyclists. You will also see questions about driving in bad weather, what to do if your brakes fail, how to safely pass other vehicles, and the rules for sharing the road with large trucks.

Utah-specific content appears throughout. Questions may ask about Utah's open container law, how Utah handles left turns at traffic lights, or the state's rules for child safety seats. The test also includes questions about distracted driving, impaired driving, and what happens if you refuse a breath test.

How the test is administered

You take the test on a computer terminal at any Driver License Division office. The test is untimed, so you can take as long as you need to read each question and select your answer. You move through the questions one at a time, and you cannot go back to change previous answers once you move forward.

After you finish all 50 questions, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed. If you pass, you move on to the road test. If you fail, you can usually retake the written test the same day, though you may need to wait a short period between attempts. Check with your local Driver License Division office about their specific retesting policy, as it can vary by location.

How to prepare for the 50-question test

The Utah Driver Handbook is your primary study resource. You can read it online at the Driver License Division website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver License Division office. The handbook is organized by topic, so you can study one section at a time and focus on areas where you feel less confident.

Many people also use practice tests available online through third-party websites. These are not official Utah materials, but they follow the same format and cover the same topics as the real test. Practice tests help you get used to the multiple-choice format and identify which topics need more study time. However, the official handbook remains the most reliable source for accurate information.

What happens if you do not pass

If you score below 40 correct answers, you fail the test. You will need to retake it, and you can do so the same day at most offices. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office, though you may need to pay the test fee again depending on your location's policy.

You can retake the test as many times as needed. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though some offices may have scheduling constraints during busy periods. Each time you take the test, the questions may be different, as the Driver License Division draws from a larger question bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, and you cannot bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing area. You must answer the questions from memory based on what you have studied from the Utah Driver Handbook.

How long does it take to finish all 50 questions?

Most people finish between 15 and 30 minutes, though there is no time limit. You can spend as long as you need on each question. The test is untimed, so rushing is not necessary.

What score do I need to pass?

You need to answer at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly. That is an 80 percent score. Anything below 40 correct is a failing score, and you will need to retake the test.

Are the test questions the same every time I take it?

No. The Driver License Division draws questions from a larger bank, so each test may have different questions. However, all questions come from the same Utah Driver Handbook, so studying that handbook prepares you for any version of the test.

What languages is the test offered in?

The test is available in English and several other languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and others. Contact your local Driver License Division office to confirm which languages are available at your location.