Santa Clara Utah Online Driver Education and Santa Clara Utah Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Santa Clara Utah? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Santa Clara Utah has implemented a graduated driver license program for Santa Clara Utah drivers who are under the age of 18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Santa Clara Utah.
Santa Clara Utah Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)
You will be able to apply for an instruction permit in Santa Clara Utah after your 15th birthday.
- When you go down to your local driver's license office, be sure to take along the following paperwork:
- Valid Forms of ID (For a list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Santa Clara Utah DPS website)
- Social Security card (or SSN proof, such as a W-2 form)
- Proof of residency in Santa Clara Utah
- $15 for the fee
At the driver's license office, you will need to first pass a medical and eye exam, and then the written test. Then you will be issued an instruction permit.
Instruction Permit--Restrictions:
- You may only drive if a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old is in the car and actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat.
- Everyone in the car must wear seatbelts
Santa Clara Utah Intermediate License (aka--Minor License)
- After you turn 16, you will be eligible to apply for your intermediate license provided you meet the following requirements:
- Have held an instruction permit, with a clean driving record, for 6 months
- Completed a state-approved drivers education course
- Accumulated at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must be at night). Keep a log of your driving practice times and have your parent/guardian sign it
When you're ready to upgrade to an intermediate license, gather up the documents you took with you to the driver license office last time along with your instruction permit and head back down to the driver license office. You will need to pass a road test to get your intermediate driver's license.
Intermediate License--Restrictions:
- For the first 6 months (or until you turn 18, whichever comes first), no passengers under 21 years old may ride with you (unless they are family members)
- You may not drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am, unless you're going to or from your job, a school-sponsored activity, on assignment for a farmer/rancher, or you have a medical emergency
After you turn 18, all of these restrictions are lifted.
Santa Clara Utah Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Santa Clara Utah is as follows:
- $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
- $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
- $15,000--property damage per accident
Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.
Santa Clara Utah Drunk Driving Laws
Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Santa Clara Utah, and the law is strictly enforced.
Upon your FIRST Santa Clara Utah DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:
- 48 hours (minimum) in Jail or a 48-hour work service program
- Home confinement
- $700 fine
- 120-day License Suspension
- Alcohol/drug screening, assessment, education, & treatment (all at your expense!)
Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.
Santa Clara Utah Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws
Santa Clara Utah currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using a cell phone while they are driving.
Santa Clara Utah Drivers Education
For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in Santa Clara Utah, please visit Santa Clara Utah's DPS website.