What You Need to Do to Get a Utah Learner's Permit
To get a learner's permit in Utah, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour on the day you explore. You cannot complete this online or by mail — you must appear at an office location with an adult who is at least 21 years old if you are under 18.
Utah issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and older. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle, but you cannot drive alone. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of Utah residency, and proof of lawful presence to the Driver License Division office.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, available free on the UDOT website.
- You must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older if you are under 18, and that adult must be present during your entire visit.
- The learner's permit fee is $20 and is valid for one year; you will need to renew it if you do not pass your driving test within that time.
- After you hold your permit for six months and pass a driving test, you can move to a provisional license, which allows you to drive alone with restrictions.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Division
Bring your original Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form instead. The office will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card.
You also need proof of your identity. Acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, a passport, a school ID with your photo, or a tribal ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your birth certificate does not have your photo, bring a second photo ID such as a school ID or passport.
Bring proof that you live in Utah. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A mail piece from a government agency also counts.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring proof of lawful presence. This can be a green card, visa, employment authorization document, or other USCIS-issued document. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to bring anything extra for this requirement.
Studying for and Taking the Written Test
The written test has 40 questions and covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
Study using the official Utah Driver Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can also take practice tests on the UDOT website to see which topics you need to review more.
On the day of your test, you will sit at a computer terminal in the Driver License Division office. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will see each question on the screen and select your answer. The office will tell you whether you passed when ready after you finish.
If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people who study the handbook pass on their first or second attempt.
Bringing an Adult and Completing Your process
If you are under 18, you must bring a parent, guardian, or other adult age 21 or older to the office with you. That adult must be present the entire time you are there. They do not need to bring documents, but they will need to sign your process form.
If you are 18 or older, you can go to the office alone. You will sign your own process form.
At the office, a staff member will take your photograph for your permit. You will also be asked to sign a form confirming that you understand the rules for learner's permit holders. The staff member will review your documents, confirm they are acceptable, and then direct you to take the written test.
Paying the Fee and Receiving Your Permit
The learner's permit fee is $20. You pay this fee after you pass the written test. The Driver License Division accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Utah State Treasurer.
After you pay, the office will print your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit will show your name, date of birth, address, photograph, and the expiration date (one year from the date of issue). You will receive the physical permit card before you leave the office.
Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. It is a legal requirement to have it in your possession while practicing.
Where to Find a Driver License Division Office
Utah has Driver License Division offices in most counties. The main office is located in Salt Lake City, but there are branch offices in Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and other cities. You can visit any office — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.
To find the office nearest you and check its hours, visit the UDOT website and search for "Driver License Division offices." Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have limited hours on certain days. It is a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm the office is open before you go.
Wait times vary by office and time of day. Offices are usually less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you go during lunch hours or right after school, you may wait longer.
What Happens After You Get Your Permit
Once you have your learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. The adult must be seated in the front passenger seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take a driving test for a provisional license. During those six months, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, city streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic.
When you are ready, you can schedule a driving test at a Driver License Division office. The test takes about 30 minutes and includes both driving on the road and parking maneuvers. If you pass, you will receive a provisional license, which allows you to drive alone but with certain restrictions (such as no passengers under 21 unless a parent is present, and no cell phone use).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Utah requires a Social Security number to issue a learner's permit. If you do not have one and are a U.S. citizen, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may not be able to get a learner's permit in Utah.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. Most offices allow you to retake it when ready after you receive your score. If you want to wait and study more, you can come back another day and retake it then.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You do not need the card itself. You can bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form that shows your Social Security number. The office will not accept a photocopy of your card.
How long does the entire process take on the day I explore?
Plan for 30 minutes to an hour. This includes checking in, reviewing your documents, taking your photograph, taking the written test, paying the fee, and receiving your permit. Wait times at the office can add time to this.
Can I renew my learner's permit if it expires before I pass my driving test?
Yes. If your permit expires and you have not yet taken or passed your driving test, you can renew it at a Driver License Division office. You will pay the $20 fee again and take a new photograph, but you do not need to retake the written test.