Utah Driving Theory Test FAQ

By Nick Fu and the usdriving.net editorial teamLast verified How we verify

The questions learners ask most before and around test day — process and logistics, not rules. Have a more general question that isn't specific to Utah? Check the general FAQ instead.

Looking for the rules likely to be on the actual test?Read the Utah cheat sheet →

How many questions are on the Utah written knowledge test, and what score do I need to pass?

First-time applicants take a closed-book, 50-question test and need 80% or better to pass; previously-licensed applicants get a shorter, open-book 25-question version instead.

How old do I have to be to get a Utah learner permit?

The entry-level learner permit can be issued starting at age 15, and it's valid for 18 months from the date it's issued.

How long do I have to hold my Utah permit before I can get a license?

It depends on age: 6 months at 16-17, no minimum hold at 18 if you complete driver education, and 90 days at 19+ (unless you complete driver education, which waives the hold).

Do I need driver's education to get a Utah license?

If you're 15-18, yes -- 27 hours of classroom instruction (or equivalent), plus 6 hours behind the wheel and 6 hours of observation.

How many times can I retake the Utah written knowledge test?

One fee covers three attempts within a 12-month period; after three failures, you'll need to pay another fee for three more attempts.

What is Utah's Traffic Safety and Trends Exam?

A separate, online-only test every first-time applicant must pass with a perfect 100% score -- about half its questions cover the state's leading causes of traffic deaths, and it can be retaken as often as needed.

How much does a Utah driver license cost?

A learner permit is $19, a provisional Class D license (under 21) is $39, and a regular Class D license (21+) is $52; drivers 65 and older pay a discounted $27 renewal fee.

Is Utah's legal BAC limit really lower than other states?

Yes -- Utah's per se BAC limit is 0.05% for drivers 21 and older (0.04% for CDL holders), the lowest standard-license threshold of any state, compared to the 0.08% used almost everywhere else.

What restrictions apply to a newly licensed 16-year-old in Utah?

A 16-year-old license holder can't drive midnight-5 a.m. without a licensed driver 21+ along (with a few exceptions), and can only carry immediate family passengers for six months.

How long is a Utah driver license valid?

A regular Class D license (21+) expires on your birthday eight years after issuance; a provisional license (under 21) expires after only five years.

What documents do I need to apply for a Utah permit?

Proof of identity, your Social Security number, two proofs of Utah residency dated within 90 days, proof of driver education if under 19, and the fee.

Can I take the Utah permit test online?

The written knowledge test and eye test are taken at a Driver License Division office. Only the separate Traffic Safety and Trends Exam is online.

Sources

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Rules, fees, and requirements change — always confirm current details withUtah DLD before your exam. FAQ v1.0, last checked 2026-10-02.