How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Utah
Getting a learners permit in Utah is the first mandatory step for motorists younger than 18 years of age to obtain a full driving license. The purpose of this learning credential is to gradually prepare first-time drivers for the responsibilities of holding an unrestricted license. Note that, while adult applicants can also apply for a drivers permit with the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), they can avoid obtaining this credential if they complete a driver education course.
When applying for a DMV learners permit in UT, applicants will have to meet certain requirements, such as submitting the necessary paperwork and passing the mandated licensing exams. Furthermore, after obtaining this learning license, drivers will have to abide by certain restrictions when operating their vehicles, which will vary depending on their age. Continue reading the following sections to learn more about the Utah learners permit and its application process.
Utah Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines
The state DMV will issue a Utah drivers learners permit only to applicants who meet the full set of requirements. The criteria to obtain a learning permit may vary to a certain degree depending on the applicant’s age. For example, drivers who are younger than 18 years of age need a parent’s permission to apply for a driving credential. Other standard drivers permit requirements include:
- You are a state resident who is at least 15 years of age.
- You can provide the necessary documents to prove your identity.
- You are mentally and physically fit to operate a motor vehicle.
- You have the theoretical knowledge needed to safely drive.
Once you ensure that you meet the UT learners permit requirements, you can begin gathering the necessary paperwork. In general, you will need proofs of identity, state residency and Social Security Number (SSN).
As evidence of your identity and legal U.S. status, you can submit documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate or permanent resident card. To prove your address in Utah, you can submit mortgage documents, bank statements or utility bills. Furthermore, as evidence of your SSN, you can submit a Social Security card, tax form or letter of ineligibility.
When submitting a learners permit application, you will be required to select from a different list of acceptable documents depending on whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. In any case, it is important to note that the state DMV does not accept faxed or photocopied documents.
How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Utah
In order to successfully apply for learner permit in Utah, first-time drivers will be required to submit their request in person through a nearby driver license office. When getting learners permit credentials, applicants can also schedule their visit through the official UT DMV portal. Overall, the standard steps to obtain this learning license include:
- Obtain and fill out the UT License/ID Application (Form DLD6a).
- Submit the required proofs, as outlined in the previous section.
- Pass the vision screening and the written knowledge exam.
- Have your photo taken.
- Complete a safety assessment.
- Have your parent sign your application form, if you are younger than 18 years of age.
- Pay the licensing fee.
As soon as the division processes your learners permit request, it will manufacture your photo credential and deliver it to you. Depending on your age, you will be required to hold your permit for a certain amount of time before applying for a fully unrestricted driver’s license.
If you are older than 18 years of age, you can also complete a driver education class to avoid holding a UT drivers permit. However, be mindful that graduating from a driver education course is not a requirement toward obtaining a learners permit.
The Utah Drivers Permit Test
The state Division of Motor Vehicles will issue a learning license in Utah only after it verifies that the applicant has the theoretical knowledge needed to safely operate a car. For that purpose, the DMV administers a drivers permit test during the application procedure. This written knowledge test contains 50 questions covering topics such as road rules and regulations, safe driving practices and traffic signals.
The best way to prepare for the learners permit test in UT is to study a driver handbook, which includes detailed sections on all the topics covered by the exam. Furthermore, you can also supplement your study time with a drivers permit practice test. Generally, these practice exams provide examples of the official exam administered at DMV offices.
Note: You can take the written drivers permit exam up to two times on the same day. After three failed attempts, you will have to repay the application fee.
Utah Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions
Permit holders will have to abide by certain driving permit rules in Utah when operating a motor vehicle. Generally, these learners permit rules will vary depending on a motorist’s age. For instance, if you are younger than 18 years of age, you will not be allowed to drive alone.
You must be accompanied by a driving instructor or a licensed parent or legal guardian. In such circumstances, you can have other passengers in the motor vehicle as well. On the other hand, if you are at least 18 years of age, you can be accompanied by any other licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older.
Note: Learner permit holders must have the credential in their possession at all times while operating a motor vehicle.
Utah Learner Permit Fees
The final step in the Utah learners permit application process is paying the applicable licensing fee. The learner permit fee is currently set at $19. However, it is subject to change without notice. Note that this is a single cost that includes the testing fee as well. If you fail the written exam three consecutive times, you will be required to repay the UT drivers permit fee.
Utah Drivers Permit Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Licensing/Permits/ID Cards from Utah.gov
- Learner Permit from Utah.gov