Utah Online Driver Education and Utah Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in 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 Utah has implemented a graduated driver license program for 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 Utah.

Utah Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You will be able to apply for an instruction permit in 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 Utah DPS website)
• Social Security card (or SSN proof, such as a W-2 form)
• Proof of residency in 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

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.

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 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.

Utah Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Utah, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST 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.

Utah Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Utah currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using a cell phone while they are driving.

Utah Drivers Education

For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in South Carolina, please visit Utah's DPS website.

Driving Schools