How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Utah: Documents and Tests

To get a learner’s permit in Utah, you must be at least 15, bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Utah residency to a Driver License Division (DLD) office, pass a vision screening, pay a $19 fee, and score at least 80% on a 50-question written knowledge test. The permit is valid for 18 months.¹

Documents to Bring

Utah requires three categories of documents. Show up missing one and you’ll be sent home.

Proof of Identity

One document showing your full legal name and date of birth. A valid U.S. passport or passport card works, as does a certified birth certificate issued by a state vital statistics office. Hospital certificates and small laminated cards don’t qualify. Certificates of Naturalization and Permanent Resident Cards are also accepted.²

Proof of Social Security Number

One document verifying your SSN. A signed Social Security card is the easiest option. A W-2, SSA-1099, or pay stub showing your full name and complete Social Security number is also accepted.²

Proof of Utah Residency

Two different documents with your name and Utah residential address, both showing the same address. Bank statements, utility bills, a current mortgage or rental contract, a property tax notice, a major credit card bill, a school transcript, or a vehicle title all qualify.²

Parental Co-Signature for Minors

If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian has to sign your application. The signature carries real weight: the co-signing adult takes on financial liability for damages you cause while driving, and that liability stays in place until you turn 18. If the adult has auto insurance that meets Utah’s minimum coverage requirements, they’re shielded from personal liability for damages you cause. Confirm coverage with the insurer before signing day.³

The co-signer can later ask the DLD in writing to cancel the co-signature. That request cancels your permit at the same time.³

What Happens at the DLD Office

The DLD website has an office locator and an online scheduling tool. Check whether your office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins, since that varies by location.

Staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and put you through a vision screening. The minimum is 20/40 acuity in at least one eye. You can wear glasses or contacts for the screening, but your permit will carry a corrective lens restriction if you do.⁴

The fee is $19, paid at the office. It’s nonrefundable and covers up to three attempts at the knowledge test within one year.⁵

Passing the Written Knowledge Test

The test has 50 multiple-choice questions pulled from the Utah Driver Handbook. You need 40 correct answers to pass. There’s no time limit, though most people finish in 30 to 45 minutes.⁶

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day. The DLD allows two attempts per visit. After three failed attempts, you’ll pay another $19 fee before testing again.⁷

The DLD offers a free 30-question online practice test. It’s shorter than the real thing and runs on a 30-minute timer, but the question style is close enough to help you gauge whether you’re ready.⁸

How Your Age Changes What Comes Next

The permit itself is open to anyone 15 or older, but Utah’s graduated licensing system means the path from permit to full license depends on how old you are.⁹

Ages 15 to 17: Hold the permit at least six months before applying for a provisional license. Complete an approved driver education course. Log 40 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours after sunset.¹⁰
Age 18: Driver education is still required, but there’s no mandatory holding period once the course is done.⁹
Ages 19 and up: You can skip driver education if you hold the permit at least three months and certify you’ve completed 40 hours of practice, 10 at night.¹

Time you spent holding a learner permit in another state counts toward Utah’s six-month holding period.⁹

Applicants 18 or younger can get the permit before finishing driver ed, and most start the course and their supervised practice at the same time. You just can’t move up to a provisional license until the course is finished. Your driver education provider will give you a log for tracking practice hours, and you’ll need that documentation when you apply for the provisional license.¹¹

Who Has to Ride With You

A learner permit never lets you drive alone. A qualified supervising driver has to be in the front passenger seat every time you’re behind the wheel, and you have to carry your permit with you. Other passengers are allowed as long as the correct supervisor is beside you.¹

Under 18: The supervisor must be a licensed parent, legal guardian, approved driving instructor, or the adult who co-signed your application. If your parent or guardian isn’t licensed, they can authorize another licensed driver who is at least 21, and that person must carry written proof of the authorization.⁹
18 and older: Any licensed driver who is at least 21 can supervise you.¹

If Your Permit Expires or Gets Canceled

Both the permit and your knowledge test score are good for 18 months. If it expires before you’re ready for the road test, you’ll schedule a new appointment, pay $19 again, and retake the written test.⁹

For minors, the co-signature rule matters here too. If your parent or guardian withdraws their signature, the DLD cancels the permit immediately, and you can’t reapply until you turn 18. At that point you’d pay a new fee and take the knowledge test again.³

1
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-210.5 – Learner Permit
2
Utah Driver License Division. Required Documents to Obtain a Utah License or Identification Card
3
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-211 – Application of Minors, Liability of Person Signing Application
4
Utah Driver License Division. Category I – Visual Disorders
5
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-105 – Fees for Licenses, Renewals, Extensions, Reinstatements, Rescheduling, and Identification Cards
6
Utah Driver License Division. Utah Driver Handbook 2025-2026
7
Utah Driver License Division. Written Knowledge Test
8
Utah Driver License Division. Written Knowledge Practice Test
9
Utah Driver License Division. Learner Permit
10
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 53-3-204 – Persons Who May Not Be Licensed
11
Driver License Division. Driver Education 15-18