What a driver log is and why Utah requires one
A driver log is a written record of every time you drive while holding a learner's permit in Utah. You write down the date, time, distance, road conditions, and who supervised you. Utah's Driver License Division requires you to complete and sign this log as proof that you have met the state's supervised driving requirement before you can take your road test.
The log serves two purposes: it shows the state that you have actually driven under supervision for the required number of hours, and it creates a record you can show an examiner if questions come up during your test. You cannot move forward to the road test without a completed log.
Key Takeaways
- Utah requires learner's permit holders to complete a driver log documenting supervised driving hours before taking the road test.
- The official Utah Driver Log form is available from the Driver License Division website or at any Driver License office.
- You must record the date, time of day, miles driven, road conditions, and the name of your supervising driver for each trip.
- Your supervising driver must sign the log after each entry, and you must sign it yourself before submitting it to the examiner.
- Bring your completed and signed log to your road test appointment; the examiner will review it before you drive.
Getting the official Utah driver log form
The Utah Driver Log is the official form you must use. You can read it from the Utah Driver License Division website, or you can pick up a printed copy at any Driver License office in the state. The form is free either way.
Do not create your own log or use a log from another state. The Utah form is formatted to meet state requirements, and examiners will only accept the official version. If you are unsure whether you have the right form, call your local Driver License office or check the Division's website before you start driving.
What information to record on each entry
For every time you drive, you fill in one row of the log with these details:
- Date: The month, day, and year you drove.
- Time of day: What time you started driving (morning, afternoon, evening, or night).
- Miles driven: How far you traveled on that trip.
- Road conditions: The type of roads you drove on — for example, residential streets, highways, rural roads, or city traffic.
- Supervising driver's name: The full name of the adult who was in the car with you.
Be honest and specific in each entry. Writing "10 miles on city streets at 3 p.m." is correct. Writing "some driving" or leaving fields blank will make the log invalid. The examiner will look at the log before your road test, and incomplete entries can delay your test or require you to add more hours.
Who can supervise and sign your log
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. This person sits in the front passenger seat while you drive. Common supervisors are parents, guardians, driving instructors, or other licensed adults you trust.
After each driving session, your supervisor must sign and date the log entry. Their signature confirms that they were present and that the information you wrote is correct. If a supervisor refuses to sign or if you drive without a supervisor present, that entry cannot count toward your required hours.
How many hours you need to log
Utah requires learner's permit holders to complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving before taking the road test. Of those 40 hours, at least 10 must be driven at night (between sunset and sunrise).
Keep track of your total hours as you fill in the log. Add up the time for each entry and write a running total so you know when you have reached 40 hours. Once you have completed 40 hours with at least 10 at night, you are ready to schedule your road test. The examiner will verify your hours by reviewing the log at the start of your test.
Signing and submitting your completed log
When you have finished all your driving entries and your supervisor has signed each one, you must sign the log yourself at the bottom. Your signature confirms that all the information is true and that you completed the driving hours recorded.
Bring the signed, completed log with you to your road test appointment. Do not mail it in advance or leave it at home. The examiner will ask to see it before you begin the test, and you will not be allowed to test without it. Keep the log in a safe place until your test date so it does not get lost or damaged.
What happens if your log is incomplete or missing
If you arrive at your road test without a log, or if your log has blank entries or missing signatures, the examiner will not let you test that day. You will have to reschedule your appointment and complete the missing entries before you can come back.
If you lose your log, contact your local Driver License office. They can tell you whether you can start a new log and continue from where you left off, or whether you will need to start over. It is easier to keep your log safe from the beginning than to deal with a lost or damaged one close to your test date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I count driving with a driving instructor toward my 40 hours?
Yes. A licensed driving instructor counts as a valid supervisor. The instructor must still sign your log after each lesson. Hours with an instructor count the same as hours with a parent or other licensed adult.
Do I have to drive at night if I do not feel ready?
You must complete at least 10 of your 40 required hours at night before you can take the road test. Night driving is a state requirement, not optional. Start practicing night driving early so you have time to build confidence before your test.
What if my supervising driver will not sign the log?
That entry will not count toward your hours. Make sure your supervisor understands that their signature is required for each trip and that you cannot move forward without it. If you have a supervisor who will not cooperate, find a different licensed adult to supervise your remaining hours.
Can I backdate entries if I forgot to fill in the log right away?
You should fill in the log as soon as possible after each drive while details are fresh. Backdating entries raises questions during the test. If you have missed entries, fill them in with the correct dates and have your supervisor sign them, but do not wait weeks to do this.
What do I do with my log after I pass the road test?
Keep your completed log in a safe place for your records. The examiner will keep a copy on file. You do not need to submit it anywhere else, but having your own copy is helpful if questions come up later about your driving history.