Utah issues a learner's permit through the Driver License Division, and you can get one at 15 years old if you pass a written test and vision screening
Utah's learner's permit is called a Learner License, and it lets you practice driving under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You must be at least 15 years old, pass the written knowledge test, and pass a vision screening. The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
You get your permit at any Driver License Division office in Utah. There are offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Logan, plus several smaller locations. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait.
The written test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — there is no waiting period between attempts.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a vision screening to receive a Utah Learner License.
- The permit costs $20 and lasts one year from the date of issue.
- With a Learner License, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat next to you.
- You must hold your Learner License for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license.
- Violations while on a Learner License — such as driving alone or speeding — can delay your progress to a full license.
What documents you need to bring to the Driver License Division office
Bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Utah residency. A birth certificate or passport works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works for your Social Security number. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.
If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to sign a Parental Consent Form in front of the Driver License Division employee. The form is provided at the office — you do not need to bring it completed. Your parent or guardian must be present in person to sign it.
Bring the original documents or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation as well.
The written test: what to study and how to prepare
The Utah Driver License Division publishes a free study guide called the Utah Driver's Manual, available on their website in PDF form. It covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, and safe driving practices specific to Utah. The manual is about 40 pages and is the source material for the written test.
The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. Questions are multiple choice. You have no time limit to complete the test. The test is administered on a computer at the Driver License Division office, and you see your score when ready after you finish.
Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. Some Driver License Division offices offer practice tests on their website or at the office itself. Taking a practice test is a good way to see which topics you need to review more carefully.
Restrictions and rules while you hold a Learner License
With a Learner License, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 years old or older is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers — the supervising adult must be present every time you drive.
You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls or texts. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts. You must display your Learner License plate or sticker on the back of the vehicle so other drivers know you are a new driver.
Violations of these rules — such as driving alone, speeding, or using your phone — can result in a citation. Multiple violations can delay your progress to a full license or result in the suspension of your Learner License. Your supervising adult is responsible for ensuring you follow the rules.
How long you must hold your Learner License before taking the road test
You must hold your Learner License for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license. This waiting period is a state requirement and cannot be waived. During those six months, you should practice driving in different conditions — city streets, highways, rain, and night driving — with your supervising adult.
If your Learner License expires before you have held it for six months, you can renew it at any Driver License Division office. Renewal costs $20 and extends your permit for another year. You do not need to retake the written test to renew.
After you have held your Learner License for at least six months, you can schedule a road test appointment. The road test costs $25 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your Learner License, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition.
What happens if you fail the written test or need to retake it
If you score below 80 percent on the written test, you do not pass. You can retake the test when ready at the same office or return another day — there is no waiting period. Each attempt costs $20. Some people pass on the first try; others need two or three attempts. Taking time to study the Utah Driver's Manual between attempts usually improves your score.
If you pass the written test but fail the vision screening, you can address the vision issue and return to retake the screening. Vision problems are common and often correctable with glasses or contacts. Bring your corrective lenses if you wear them.
Renewing or replacing your Learner License
Your Learner License is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you have not yet taken your road test and your permit is about to expire, you can renew it at any Driver License Division office. Renewal costs $20 and extends your permit for another year. You do not need to retake the written test.
If your Learner License is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver License Division office. Replacement costs $20. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you did for your original permit. You will receive a new permit with a new expiration date one year from the replacement date.
If your Learner License expires and you have not yet taken your road test, you must reapply from the beginning — you will need to retake the written test and vision screening. This is why it is important to schedule your road test before your permit expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Learner License if I am homeschooled?
Yes. Utah does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a Learner License. You must still be 15 years old, pass the written test, and pass the vision screening. Bring the same documents — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — regardless of your schooling status.
What if I move to Utah from another state and already have a learner's permit from my old state?
You will need to get a Utah Learner License. Utah does not recognize out-of-state learner's permits. You must pass the Utah written test and vision screening. Your out-of-state permit does not count toward Utah's six-month holding period, so you start over with the six-month wait before you can take the road test.
Can my supervising adult be a family member, or does it have to be a professional instructor?
Your supervising adult can be any licensed driver 21 or older — a parent, guardian, relative, or friend. You do not need a professional driving instructor, though some people choose to take lessons with an instructor for extra practice. The person in the front passenger seat must have a valid driver's license.
What if I get a traffic ticket while driving on my Learner License?
Traffic violations while on a Learner License are taken seriously. A citation can result in fines and may delay your progress to a full license. Multiple violations can lead to suspension of your Learner License. Your supervising adult should help you understand the rules and drive safely to avoid tickets.
Can I drive to school or work on my Learner License?
No. You can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive to school, work, or anywhere else alone. The only exception is driving to a Driver License Division office to take your road test, and even then you must have a supervising adult in the vehicle with you.