The Beehive State on Wheels: Your 2025 Guide to a Utah Driver's License

Getting your first driver's license in Utah is an exciting milestone, unlocking the freedom to explore everything from the red rock deserts to the Wasatch mountains. To ensure all new drivers are safe, skilled, and responsible, the state has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teenagers. This program is designed to help young drivers build experience in stages, gradually increasing their driving privileges. For adults, the path is more direct but still requires careful adherence to the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) requirements.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, whether you're a teen embarking on the GDL journey or an adult getting licensed for the first time in the Beehive State.

For Teen Drivers: The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

Utah's GDL program is a proven framework for reducing crashes among young, inexperienced drivers. It's a multi-stage process that systematically increases driving freedom as a teen demonstrates skill and responsibility.

Stage 1: The Learner Permit

This is your official entry into the driver's seat. The Learner Permit allows you to legally practice operating a vehicle under the supervision of an approved adult.

Eligibility and First Steps:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old to apply.
• Driver Education: You must be enrolled in a state-approved driver education course.

How to Apply:

1. Gather Your Documents: Before heading to a Driver License Division office, you must collect several key documents:
   • Proof of identity (e.g., original birth certificate or valid U.S. passport).
   • Your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number.
   • Two proofs of Utah residency (e.g., recent utility bills, bank statements).
   • A parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign the application.
2. Schedule an Appointment: It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment online through the DLD website to avoid long wait times.
3. Pass the Tests: At your appointment, you must pass two tests:
   • Written Knowledge Test: A 50-question, multiple-choice test based on the Utah Driver Handbook. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (an 80% score) to pass.
   • Vision Screening: A basic eye exam to ensure you meet the state's minimum vision standards for driving.
4. Medical Questionnaire and Photo: You will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and have your photograph taken.
5. Pay the Fee: Once you pass the tests, you will pay the required fee for the learner permit.

Learner Permit Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You must always be accompanied by a licensed driving instructor, or a licensed parent/guardian, or another licensed adult who has been approved by your parent/guardian. The supervising driver must be seated in the front passenger seat.
• 40-Hour Driving Requirement: Before you can apply for your provisional license, you must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving. At least 10 of these hours must be at night. This must be certified by your parent or guardian.
• Holding Period: You must hold your learner permit for at least six months if you are under 18.

Stage 2: The Provisional License

This is the next level of freedom, allowing you to drive alone but with some critical restrictions designed to keep you safe.

Eligibility:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have held your learner permit for at least six months.
• You must have completed the 40-hour driving log.
• You must have successfully completed your driver education course.

How to Apply:

1. Schedule a Driving Test: You must schedule your driving skills test appointment online.
2. Pass the Driving Test: This is the practical, behind-the-wheel exam where an examiner will assess your ability to safely control a vehicle and perform specific maneuvers, including parallel parking.
3. Get Your License: Upon passing the road test and paying the fee, you will be issued your Provisional License.

Provisional License Restrictions (until age 17):

• Driving Curfew: You may not drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., with limited exceptions for work, school events, or emergencies.
• Passenger Limit: You may not drive with any passengers who are not immediate family members, unless accompanied by a licensed adult over 21.

Stage 3: The Full, Unrestricted License

At age 18, your provisional license automatically becomes a full, unrestricted license, and all GDL restrictions are lifted. A driver may be eligible to have restrictions lifted earlier by maintaining a clean driving record.

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are a new driver aged 18 or older, you are not required to follow the GDL program's time restrictions and practice hour logs.

1. Get a Learner Permit: You will follow the same application process as a teen (documents, knowledge test, and vision test) to obtain your permit.
2. Practice Driving: It is highly recommended that you practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 until you are completely confident in your ability to safely handle all common driving situations.
3. Take the Driving Test: You can schedule and take your driving test once you feel you are ready.
4. Get Your License: After passing the driving test and paying the fee, you will be issued your full, unrestricted Class D operator's license.