Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Utah. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Utah who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Utah Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must accompany you to the driver license office and sign the application.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity and Utah residency, as specified by the Department of Public Safety. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The learner's permit fee of $15.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for one year.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. If you are under age of 18, an approved driving instructor or a licensed parent, guardian or a designated adult must sit beside you in the vehicle.

THE ORIGINAL LICENSE

If you are at least 16 years of age you are eligible for an original Class D license provided you meet the following requirements:

1. You have held a learner's permit for at least six months. (The six month time frame is not applicable if you are 18 years of age or older).
2. You provide a certificate verifying that you have completed an approved driver education course.
3. You have completed a minimum of 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience ten of which was at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver).
4. You pass the skills test.

Restrictions for minors:

1. If under 18, you are not permitted to carry more than one unrelated passenger under age of 18 during the first six months.
2. Until you turn 17, you are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older or during emergencies or traveling to and from work or school activities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Utah, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.