How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Your Permit in Utah?

You have to be at least 15 years old to get your permit in Utah. The learner permit is the first step in Utah’s graduated licensing system, and it lets you practice driving under supervision for up to 18 months before you’re eligible for a provisional license. To get one, you’ll visit a Driver License Division (DLD) office, pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening, and pay a nonrefundable fee. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian has to sign your application in person.¹

The parent or guardian who signs takes on financial responsibility for any damage you cause behind the wheel. If no parent or guardian is available, another responsible adult can sign for you and accept that same liability.²

What to Bring to the DLD Office

Plan to arrive at a DLD office with originals of the following:

Proof of identity, such as an original birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport showing your full legal name and date of birth.
Your Social Security card or an official replacement.
Two documents showing your name and Utah home address. A utility bill, bank statement, rental or mortgage contract, school transcript, vehicle title, or property tax notice all work. Documents older than 90 days may need extra review.

If you’re under 18, your parent or legal guardian has to come with you to sign the application on the spot.³

The Written Knowledge Test

The test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you need 80% or better to pass. The $19 nonrefundable fee covers up to three attempts within one year, and you’re allowed to take the test twice in a single day if your first try doesn’t go well.¹⁴ Fail all three and you pay the $19 again for another round.⁵

Once you pass, both the test score and the permit itself are good for 18 months. Let the permit expire without moving up to a provisional license and you start over: new application, new fee, new knowledge test.

Who Has to Ride With You

A learner permit never lets you drive alone. Who can supervise depends on your age.

If you’re under 18, the front passenger seat has to be occupied by one of the following:

A licensed driving instructor.
Your parent or legal guardian, as long as they hold a valid driver license.
The adult who signed your application, if that wasn’t your parent.
Another licensed adult 21 or older, but only if your parent or guardian isn’t a licensed driver and has given that person written authorization to supervise you.

If you’re 18 or older with a learner permit, any licensed driver at least 21 can supervise.¹

Carry the physical permit any time you’re driving. Leaving it at home is a citable offense.¹

Curfew and Phone Rules for Minor Permit Holders

If you’re under 17, you cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM. The curfew doesn’t apply when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the seat beside you, or when you’re going to or from work, a school activity, an agricultural operation, or an emergency.⁶

Utah also bans wireless phone use for all drivers under 18, including texting and hands-free calls. A violation carries a maximum $25 fine and does not add points to your driving record.⁶

When You Can Move Up to a License

You have to be at least 16 to apply for a Utah driver license, so even if you get your permit the day you turn 15, you’re looking at a full year of supervised practice before the road test is on the table.⁷⁸²

1
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-210.5 – Learner Permit
2
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-211 – Application of Minors, Liability of Person Signing Application
3
Utah Driver License Division. Required Documents to Obtain a Utah License or Identification Card
4
Utah Driver License Division. Written Knowledge Test
5
Utah Driver License Division. Learner Permit
6
Utah Legislature. Utah Code Title 41 Chapter 8 – Driving by Minors
7
Utah Driver License Division. Driving Skills Test
8
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-505.5 – Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirement