Getting a driver’s license is a significant event for many teenagers and even adults. Determining the specific process and standards can occasionally be difficult because they differ by state. So, are you looking to get a driver’s license in ‘Beehive State’? Is it hard to get a Utah driver’s license?
Actually, no, if you know the procedures behind getting a driver’s license in Utah. First, you must be at least 16 years old. Then you need to produce documents of your identification, Social Security Number (SSN), residency, citizenship, and legal presence to get it. Then, depending on your situation, the process could include a road, knowledge and vision tests, and a driver education course.
What are the steps involved in obtaining a Utah driver’s license? How much do you need to pay for a driver’s license in Utah? Keep reading to know more about it!
What documents are needed for a Utah driver’s license?
In Utah, you can apply for a learner’s permit when you’re 15. So, before going to a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office, ensure you have the following documents on hand.
- SSN: You can find this on your W-2 form, Social Security card, or pay stub. Ensure that the document contains your whole Social Security number.
- Identification and legal status proof: A US passport, permanent residency card, or birth certificate will all serve.
- Residential address proof: A utility bill, rent or mortgage documents, or a bank statement are all acceptable forms of residential address proof. You must provide two documents.
If applying for your first Utah driver’s license, you may need to show documentation of completing a driving education course or a valid license from another country. Only original documents originals are acceptable. Visit the Utah DPS website for a detailed list of the required documents.
How to get a Utah driver’s license
There are five main steps involved in this process.
- Getting a learner’s permit
- Complete driver’s education
- Finish the Online Traffic Safety and Trends Exam
- Attend the Utah Road Exam
- Schedule a DPS appointment and get the license
Getting a learner’s permit
It is the first stage of getting a Utah driver’s license. Then, with a learner’s permit, you can practice driving under the direction of an experienced driver. Getting a permit is crucial if you are a first-time driver who is 18 years old or younger or a first-time driver above 19 who likes to skip driver’s education.
If you are above 21, you can skip the learner’s permit by passing the road test and the driver’s education course to get a full driver’s license right away. You can choose between finishing your driver’s education or holding a 90-day learner’s permit.
How to get a learner’s permit
Before applying for a permit, you must pass the vision and knowledge exams.
Vision exam: To pass the test in Utah, drivers must have a vision of at least 20/40 and peripheral fields of 120 degrees in at least one eye. Suppose you are unable to meet these requirements. In that case, the Department will need to review a statement from your eye doctor before processing your application.
Knowledge exam: The closed-book exam features 50 questions. Your score must be at least 80% to pass the written test (you need 40 out of 50 questions correct to pass). The test will feature 25 questions and be an open book one if you have already obtained a license in another state or country.
Restrictions on permit
For 17 years and below
- You can only drive the car with a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor. While driving, the car requires the presence of the adult who gave the consent.
- The car must accommodate more passengers.
- You require a learner’s permit.
- No driving between midnight and 5 am.
- You must have had the permit for at least six months.
For 18 years and older
- You require a learner’s permit.
- While driving, a licensed adult aged above 21 must accompany you.
Complete driver’s education
After obtaining a learner’s permit, you will be eligible to do a driver’s education course. You can complete the course in three ways.
High school classroom instruction: Several public and private high schools in Utah provide driver’s education courses. You must complete 27 hours of classroom training and submit the high school transcript to the DPS for verification.
Commercial/private driving school: Many private and commercial driving schools are there across Utah. The DPS demands the universities in Utah to offer 18 hours of instruction to students to comply with the driver education requirement.
Online/home study driving course: For many new drivers, studying from home is a popular alternative. First, however, you must finish a 30-hour approved by Utah. You will also need to fulfill the requirements for your behind-the-wheel time and observation time.
Whatever method you choose must include six hours of instruction behind the wheel and observation.
Finish the Online Traffic Safety and Trends Exam
After the driver’s education, you can move to the third stage of getting a Utah driver’s license. All drivers under 21 must attend this exam while applying for a Utah Class D driver’s license. The test covers the Highway Safety Office’s safety topics and important causes of traffic-related fatalities. You will be shown videos during the exam, and there will be questions for you based on them. To pass, you must answer all the questions correctly but can undergo the exam multiple times.
Attend the Utah Road Exam
The Road Exam assesses a driver’s driving style. It determines whether they have the fundamental abilities, knowledge, and skills necessary to safely operate a car in the state. Additionally, the exam will require a car that is lawfully registered and in operation. The person administering your driving test might reject its condition if they think it would injure them or their clothing.
There are three ways by which you can attend the driving skills test.
At Utah DPS
It is one of the perfect options for new drivers as it facilitates your several license requirements in a single visit. But, first, you need to schedule a driving skills test with the DPS. Do it in advance as the slots fill up soon.
At a state-approved driving school
If you finished driver’s education in high school, there’s a good chance that they’ll waive the fee or at least provide you a discount on the skills exam. For more information, be sure to ask the administration of your particular institution.
Complete with an authorized third-party tester
Finally, you can take the exam with a licensed third-party tester. When you pass, the third-party tester will charge you and give you confirmation of completion. The tester will examine your driving posture, braking, left/right-hand turns, parking, steering, and other skills. If you don’t pass the driving skills exam the first time, you can try the next time again, but you only have three chances before paying another charge.
Get your Utah driver’s license
After fulfilling all the requirements, you must make an appointment to get your new Utah driver’s license.
If you are under 20 years, you must make an appointment for a provisional license and do the following.
- Submit a filled license application.
- Take a license photo.
- Produce learner’s permit.
- Pass the vision test.
- Get parent sign-off for 40 hours of supervised driving. Also, drivers aged 17 and under should get parent sign-off for financial responsibility.
- Pay a non-refundable charge of $39.
Drivers aged 21 and above must schedule a driver’s license appointment and do the following.
- Submit a filled license application.
- Take a license photo.
- Submit driver’s education proof.
- Pass the vision and knowledge tests.
- Pay a non-refundable charge of $52.
You’ll get a temporary photo license the same day on submitting the required documents and passing both exams. You will receive your permanent Utah driver’s license in 4-6 weeks.
How long does it take to get a Utah driver’s license?
It will take almost 4-6 weeks to get a driver’s license by mail in Utah.
How much does a Utah driver’s license cost?
An original Class D license will cost you around $52.
How many questions are on the Utah driver’s license test?
The closed-book exam has 50 questions. To pass, you need to answer 40 questions correctly. The test will have 25 questions and be an open book one if you have already obtained a license in another state or country.
How do I check the status of my driver’s license in Utah?
Usually, you should get the license via mail in 4-6 weeks. Else, you can check the status here.
Do I need an appointment for a Utah driver’s license?
You can schedule an appointment at the DMV or walk-in whenever convenient. They will review your documents and the 50-question written test. You’ll also need to take a photograph during the visit.
Where is the ID number on a Utah driver’s license?
You can locate the ID number on your renewal form or the blue license certificate. Normally, it is a six- or seven-digit number followed by a hyphen and a four-digit extension.
How do I transfer my out-of-state driver’s license to Utah?
Without your out-of-state license, you must submit original documentation or copies validated by the issuing agency proving your identity, lawful presence, full SSN or ITIN, two proofs of your Utah residency, and, if necessary, proof of a name change.
Is the Utah driver’s license division open?
Yes. Driver’s license division Utah is open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
What does the star mean on a Utah driver’s license?
The star means it’s a Real ID. A Real ID driver’s license star indicates that you can use it as federal identification.
Can I renew my Utah driver’s license online?
Only owners of an ID card or driver’s license are eligible for the online renewal service. If you are entitled to renew online, you will receive a letter in the mail 90 days before the expiration date, along with your PIN permission. Know more about renewing your driver’s license in Utah!
Getting auto insurance in Utah
Are you looking for Utah car insurance? Under Utah car insurance laws, drivers must carry proof of insurance and make it available to any law enforcement official upon request. If not, you may invite unwanted penalties and result in the suspension of your driver’s license. So, suppose you’re buying a car after getting a Utah driver’s license.
In that case, the challenge will be to find the right insurance policy! That’s where Way.com can help you! Visit Way, get quotes from various insurers, and buy the most affordable one. So, why wait for more? Get reasonable Utah insurance quotes now!
Here’s more info on top-rated airport parking, the best parking spots in your city, affordable auto insurance, easy auto refinance, and high-quality car washes near you.
