Getting a driver's license is an exciting time for teens in Utah, marking a significant milestone toward independence. However, the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has set certain requirements for teenagers to ensure they are well-prepared for the responsibilities of driving.
In this guide, we will be covering the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in the state of Utah. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com. DriversEd is the #1 online driver's education provider in UT. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. DriversEd.com has excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that DriversEd is there to be your helping hand.
Utah Driver's Education
As the first step in the journey to becoming a safe and responsible driver, teens under the age of 18 must complete an approved driver's education course. These classes, available through DriversEd.com, the leading provider for online driver's education in Utah, offer 30 hours of comprehensive classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
DriversEd.com
The team over at DriversEd has been educating teens successfully for decades. They're one of the only reliable online course providers in Utah that is officially state approved. DriversEd.com boasts decades of experience and has helped over 13 million drivers learn the ropes. With 3D animated driving scenarios and case studies, it offers an immersive learning experience. Try DriversEd.com, one of the most trusted names in the space.
Aceable
***Aceable is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Utah*** While this is my favorite company in the space, they're still not available in Utah. Aceable offers an interactive, mobile-friendly course that allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The course includes engaging, multimedia content to make learning fun and easy. Get an Aceable discount today!
I Drive Safely
***IDriveSafely is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Utah*** My first job in the Drivers Education space, I Drive Safely is time-tested and has been around since 1998. The company is basically as old as the internet itself. I Drive Safely prides itself on delivering top-quality, easy-to-understand courses. Their engaging, interactive content is designed to help you retain information and pass your exams on the first try. Try I Drive Safely today.
Learner's Permit in Utah
Upon completing driver's education, teens at least 15 years old may apply for a learner's permit. This involves passing a vision test and a written exam. With a learner's permit, teenagers are allowed to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Driving Test in Utah
After a minimum of 6 months of driving practice, teenagers can take the driving test. The test evaluates a variety of driving skills, ensuring that young drivers are ready for the road.
Utah Provisional License
Passing the driving test leads to a provisional license. This license comes with restrictions such as a curfew and a passenger limit, helping new drivers transition into independent driving.
Unrestricted License in UT
After maintaining a clean driving record for 12 months with a provisional license, teenagers can apply for an unrestricted driver's license, which grants full driving privileges.
The Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program in Utah
The Utah DMV follows a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, designed to reduce teen driving accidents. The three phases of the GDL program—Learner's Permit, Provisional License, and Unrestricted License—ensure a gradual increase in driving privileges. Compliance with the GDL program rules is critical to keeping young drivers and their communities safe.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) prior to September 2021, Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) programs like the one in Utah have been successful in reducing teen accidents. The CDC noted that when properly implemented, GDL programs can reduce teen crashes by up to 40%.
Additionally, research from the IIHS found that the greatest reductions in fatal crashes and insurance claim rates for teens occurred in states with the strongest licensing laws, which include having a learner's permit phase, an intermediate phase with a limit on night driving and passenger restrictions, and a minimum age of 17 for obtaining an unrestricted license.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers in Utah
As a teen driver in Utah, including populous cities such as Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, West Jordan, and Orem, it's essential to remember these safety tips:
– Always wear your seatbelt.
– Follow all traffic laws.
– Refrain from drinking and driving.
– Avoid distractions, like texting, while driving.
– Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
– Adopt a defensive driving approach.
These steps, combined with adherence to the rules and guidelines of the GDL program, help ensure a safer road experience for all Utah drivers.
DriversEd.com FAQs
