Utah Department of Public Safety

Driver License Division - Minor/Teen Utah Driver License

A minor driver is one who is under the age of 21 and they are issued a "Provisional Class D" driver license.  Leaner permits are a piece of paper issued the same day.  When requirements have been met for a driver license, you will receive a temporary photo license on the same day and the completed license will be mailed to you in approximately three weeks.

 

I want my learner permit -

You may obtain your learner permit to drive if you are at least 15 years of age.  You will be required to:

  • appear at a driver license office;
  • fill out the learner permit application (you can fill out and print the application ahead of time online and bring with you, or you can schedule an appointment for your visit to avoid waiting in line at the office and this process will have you print your typed application);
  • take a driver license photo;
  • provide proof of birth, full social security number and residence.  Visit documentation needed page for what is accepted proof;
  • pass the knowledge (written) test, eye test, and medical questionnaire;
  • parent/legal guardian signs for financial responsibility; and
  • submit a nonrefundable fee of $15.00

The learner permit entitles an applicant that is younger than 18 years of age to operate a regular motor vehicle only if:

  • an approved driving instructor, parent or legal guardian who is licensed, is occupying the seat beside the applicant;
  • the responsible adult who signed for financial responsibility, who is a licensed driver, is occupying the seat beside the applicant;
  • allows for other passengers in the vehicle; and
  • learner permit must be in the applicant's immediate possession

The learner permit entitles an applicant that is older than 18 years of age to operate a regular motor vehicle only if:

  • a person 21 years of age or older, who must be a licensed driver, is occupying the seat beside the applicant; and
  • learner permit must be in the applicant's immediate possession
If an applicant is 17 years of age or younger when they apply for their learner permit, they must hold the learner permit for six months before being able to apply for a driver license.  However, if the applicant turns 18 during the holding period, they may apply for their driver license upon turning 18.  And the six-month learner permit holding requirement does not apply to an applicant who is age 18 or older at the time of application for the learner permit.

The $15.00 fee for the learner permit entitles the applicant to not more than three attempts to pass the knowledge (written) test within one year.  After 3 failures, applicant will be required to pay an additional fee. 

You may renew a learner permit by paying a $15.00 renewal fee and completing the application process again.  However, the documentation you furnished for your original learner permit is not required to obtain a renewal or duplicate learner permit.

You must have a learner permit before taking a driver education course.

 

I am 16 now -

Once you reach the age of 16 and you have carried your learner permit for 6 months you are ready to obtain a regular Class D driver license.  You will be required to:

  • have completed a driver education course, or have proof of license from another state or country;
  • appear at a driver license office;
  • fill out the driver license application (you can fill out and print the application ahead of time online and bring with you, or you can schedule an appointment for your visit to avoid waiting in line at the office and this process will have you print your typed application);
  • take a driver license photo;
  • pass the eye test and complete medical questionnaire;
  • have completed the 40 hours of driving (10 hours at night), which parent/legal guardian must sign off;
  • parent/legal guardian signs for financial responsibility; and
  • submit a nonrefundable fee of $30.00

If the person signing for minor is not the natural parent they must show legal court documents.  Example: a mother can sign for financial responsibility for son or daughter's license, but a step-father cannot come in and sign for financial responsibility or sign off on the 40 hours of driving without legal court documents.

 

Teen driving restrictions -

Operation of vehicle by persons under 17 years of age, whether resident or nonresident of this state, may not operate a motor vehicle upon any highway of this state between the hours of 12:00 am and 5:00 am except for:

  • when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age who is occupying a seat next to the driver;
  • driving is in connection with the driver's employment, including the trip to and from the driver's residence and the driver's employment;
  • the driver drives directly to the driver's residence from a school-sponsored activity by a school or school district, and the provided transportation commenced from and returns to the school property where the driver is enrolled;
  • the driver is on assignment of a farmer or rancher and the driver is engaged in an agricultural operation; or
  • in an emergency

Operation of vehicle by persons under 16 and six months - passenger limitations, whether resident or nonresident of this state, may not operate a motor vehicle upon any highway of this state with any passenger who is not an immediate family member of the driver until the earlier of:

  • six months from the date the license was issued; or
  • the driver reaches 18 years of age

Exceptions to this rule are:

  • if accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age;
  • on assignment of a farmer or rancher and the driver is engaged in an agricultural operation;
  • in an emergency

 

Things parents should know -

  • your son/daughter may obtain a learner permit at the age of 15. 
  • they must carry a learner permit for 6 months before being able to apply for a driver license at the age of 16.
  • must complete a driver education course after learner permit is issued.
  • pass an eye exam, medical questionnaire, knowledge (written) test, and skills (driving) test.
  • complete 40 hours of driving with parent, 10 of which are after dark.  Here is a link to our new printable Parent/Teen Driving Guide.
  • you must sign for financial responsibility until they are the age of 18.  You can at anytime and for any reason withdraw your signature and this would cancel your minor's driver license.  Call Customer Service with questions.
  • your minor that is younger than 17 cannot drive in Utah between the hours of 12:00 am and 5:00 am, there are some exceptions stated above.
  • your minor that is 16 or 17 may not drive with any passengers who is not an immediate family member until six (6) months from the date the license was issued.  "no driving with friends for the first six months."
  • your minor cannot operate a motorcycle until they have tested and received a motorcycle endorsement.

 

I am under 18 and have lost my Utah driver license -

If you have misplaced your Utah driver license, you will need to visit one of our offices to obtain a duplicate license and complete the following:

 

  • fill out the driver license application (you can fill out and print the application ahead of time online and bring with you, or you can schedule an appointment for your visit to avoid waiting in line at the office and this process will have you print your typed application);
  • take a new driver license photo;
  • present required documentation; and
  • submit a nonrefundable fee of $18.00

If your driver license was not a Utah driver license, you will need to apply for an original Utah driver license.

 

I am 19 and over and never been licensed-

 

Driver education is not required to obtain your Utah driver license if you are the age of 19 and over, effective July 1, 2012.  However, you will be required to:

 

  • appear at a driver license office;
  • fill out the driver license application (you can fill out and print the application ahead of time online and bring with you, or you can schedule an appointment for your visit to avoid waiting in line at the office and this process will have you print your typed application);
  • take a driver license photo;
  • provide proof of birth, full social security number and residence.  Visit documentation needed page for what is accepted proof;
  • pass the eye test, and complete the medical questionnaire;
  • pass a written test and hold learner permit for 90 days; and
  • complete 40 hours of practice driving (10 at night).

For more information click on this new law and the requirements.

 

Licensing fees -

  • learner permit - $15.00
  • provisional driver license - $30.00

 

[Last Update - Friday, 08-Mar-2013 16:25:31 MST]