What you need to bring to the Utah DMV for a learner's permit

Utah's Division of Motor Vehicles requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you explore for a learner's permit. You do not need to have a job or bank account — just documents that show who you are and where you live.

For identity, bring a birth certificate, passport, or state ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Utah address. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a parent or guardian plus their ID and a residency document. The DMV office will make copies; you keep the originals.

You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. Utah provides a study guide free on the DMV website. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office and takes about 30 minutes. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test on Utah traffic laws and road signs to receive a learner's permit.
  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, a recent utility bill or lease in your name, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • The written test is administered on a computer at any DMV office and requires an 80 percent score to pass.
  • A learner's permit costs $25 and is valid for two years; you can renew it once before you must take the test again.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times.

Age requirements and when you can start driving with a permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Utah. There is no upper age limit. Once you have the permit, you can drive during daylight hours only — from sunrise to sunset — and you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you.

You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction stays in place for the entire time you hold the learner's permit. If you are caught driving without a supervising driver or outside daylight hours, the DMV can suspend your permit and you will have to reapply.

The written test: what it covers and how to study

The Utah DMV written test has 50 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 60 minutes to complete it. The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, distracted driving, and what different road signs mean. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the Utah Driver License Handbook on its website. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. The handbook contains all the information tested on the exam. Many people study it for a week or two before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

A learner's permit costs $25 in Utah. You pay this fee when you pass the written test and submit your documents. The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can renew it once for another two years without retaking the written test — you just pay the $25 fee again and bring your current permit and updated residency proof if your address has changed.

If your permit expires and you do not renew it, you will have to take the written test again if you want to get another one. Many people renew before the two-year mark to avoid having to study and test again.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

While you hold a learner's permit in Utah, you must follow these rules: drive only during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), always have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat, and obey all traffic laws. You cannot drive on interstate highways. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device — this rule applies to all drivers under 18 in Utah, but it is especially important to follow while you are learning.

If you are under 18, you also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless they are a family member. These rules are designed to reduce crash risk while you are still building driving skills. Breaking them can result in permit suspension or denial of your license when you are old enough to test for one.

How to move from a learner's permit to a driver's license

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least six months and have reached your 16th birthday, you can test for a driver's license in Utah. You will need to pass a road test, which is a 30-minute drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. You schedule the road test at a DMV office.

Before you take the road test, make sure the car you will use is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. If you pass the road test, you will receive your driver's license on the spot.

Where to go and what to expect at the DMV office

Utah has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Utah DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now use an online appointment system. You can book an appointment for a learner's permit test through the website, which usually gets you in within a few days. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.

When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope. Check in at the front desk and tell them you are there for a learner's permit. They will verify your documents, collect the $25 fee, and direct you to a computer station to take the written test. After you pass, they will take your photo and issue your permit on the spot. The whole process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can bring a passport, state ID, or other government-issued identity document instead. If you do not have any of these, contact your county vital records office to order a birth certificate before you go to the DMV — it usually takes one to two weeks.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the handbook more.

Do I need to take driver's education classes before I get my learner's permit?

No. Utah does not require driver's education to get a learner's permit. However, if you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver education course before you can test for your license. Some high schools offer this course for free.

Can I drive on the highway with my learner's permit?

No. Utah law prohibits learner's permit holders from driving on interstate highways. You can only drive on regular roads and state highways with a supervising driver during daylight hours.

What if I move to a different state while I have a Utah learner's permit?

Your Utah permit is only valid in Utah. If you move, you will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Contact that state's DMV to find out what documents and tests you need.