Utah Driving Test Cheat Sheet: Key Numbers & Rules for a Quick Pass

Your Utah driving test is the final hurdle to getting your license. For that crucial last-minute review, this "cheat sheet" boils down the most important information into an easy-to-scan guide. Refresh your memory on these critical numbers, rules, and maneuvers to walk into the Driver License Division (DLD) with confidence.

Critical Numbers to Memorize

The examiner will expect you to know these specific numbers. Getting them right shows you've studied the Utah Driver Handbook.

20 mph: The maximum speed limit in a school zone when lights are flashing or children are present.
25 mph: The maximum speed limit in business or residential districts.
55 mph: The speed limit in other locations unless otherwise posted.
2 seconds: The minimum safe following distance you should maintain behind another vehicle in ideal conditions. Increase this significantly in bad weather.
100 feet: The distance you should signal before turning or changing lanes in areas where the speed limit is below 50 mph.
200 feet: While some sources suggest 200 feet, the Utah Driver Handbook emphasizes signaling for at least two full seconds before a turn or lane change. Consistency and early signaling are key.
12 inches: The maximum distance your wheels should be from the curb when you complete a parallel park.
30 feet: Do not park within this distance of a stop sign.
20/40: The minimum vision acuity you must have in at least one eye to pass the vision test.
20 points: The maximum number of points you can lose on the road test and still pass.

Key Maneuvers: What the Examiner is Looking For

The road test is about more than just driving straight. You will be graded on your ability to perform these specific maneuvers smoothly and safely. The Utah DLD even provides videos of these maneuvers for you to study.

Parallel Parking

The Setup: Pull up parallel to the car in front of the empty space, about 2-3 feet away.
The Angle: Back up slowly, turning your wheel to enter the space at roughly a 45-degree angle.
Observation: Continuously check all mirrors and windows. Do not rely solely on a backup camera.
The Finish: Center your vehicle in the space, no more than 12 inches from the curb. If you hit the cones at a DLD test, you fail automatically.

Three-Point Turn

The Purpose: To turn the vehicle around in a narrow space.
The Steps:
1. Signal right, pull over, and stop.
2. Signal left, check traffic, and turn the wheel sharply left across the road until you are near the opposite curb.
3. Shift to reverse, signal right, look back, and turn the wheel sharply right while backing up.
4. Shift to drive, signal left, check traffic, and accelerate into the correct lane.
Key Tip: Use your turn signals for all three "points" of the turn.

Hill Parking

Uphill with a curb: Turn your wheels away from the curb (left).
Uphill without a curb: Turn your wheels toward the side of the road (right).
Downhill with or without a curb: Turn your wheels toward the side of the road (right).
Mnemonic: "Up, up, and away!" for uphill with a curb. Always set your parking brake.

Straight-Line Backing

Pull parallel to the curb.
Look over your right shoulder through the rear window the entire time. Do not just use your mirrors.
Back up slowly and smoothly for about 50 feet.

U-Turn

This will be performed on a two-lane road.
Ensure you have a clear view and enough space to complete the turn without hitting a curb or needing to make a three-point turn.

The Unwritten Rules: Examiner's Top Priorities

These are the core safety habits that examiners focus on. Failing to do these consistently will cost you points.

SMOG Every Time: Signal, check your Mirrors, look Over your shoulder (head check), and Go. Do this for every lane change, turn, merge, and when pulling away from the curb. This is the most common mistake applicants make.
Two Hands on the Wheel: Maintain proper driving posture with both hands on the steering wheel unless you are briefly signaling or shifting gears. Some examiners look for the push-pull steering method.
Complete Stops: Always come to a full and complete stop behind the white line at stop signs and red lights. No "rolling stops."
Lane Management: Stay in the center of your lane. After turning left, move to the right lane when it's safe to do so. Slower traffic keeps right.
Confidence is Key: A hesitant driver can be an unsafe driver. Be confident in your decisions, but not aggressive. The examiner wants to see that you are in control of the vehicle and your actions.
Anticipate Hazards: Look far down the road and anticipate potential problems, such as pedestrians, cars pulling out, or stale green lights. This demonstrates defensive driving skills.

This cheat sheet is your final review tool. Combine this knowledge with plenty of behind-the-wheel practice, and you'll be well-prepared to ace your Utah driving test. Good luck!