Teen Driver Restrictions
If you're 15 or 16 years old and getting ready to drive in Utah, it's important to know the rules for young drivers. Here's what you need to understand:
Nighttime Driving Restrictions
Between 12 am and 5 am, you cannot drive on any public roadway unless you are:
- You have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you.
- You are traveling to and from work, school, or home.
- You are performing in agricultural operations.
- You are responding to an emergency.
Passenger Restrictions - Immediate Family Members Only
Until you've held your driver license for six months or until you turn 18, you cannot drive with non-immediate family members, except in the following cases:
- You have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you.
- You are performing agricultural operations.
- You are responding to an emergency.
These rules are part of Utah's Graduated Driver Licensing laws, or GDL laws.
They include some rules that keep you and your teen safe in a few ways:
- They make sure teens can't get a full license right away. They need to learn in safe conditions first.
- They stop teens from doing things that make crashes more likely.
- They help parents let their new driver do more things gradually, as they learn how to drive well and safely.
Since Utah started the GDL program in 1999, parents have seen a 69% decrease in how many teens ages 15–17 die in crashes (Utah Department of Transportation).
The main point is that GDL laws are important because they save lives.
Learner Permit Information By Age
Learner Permit Information for Drivers Age 15
Required Learner Permit Holding Period: 6 Months and until age 16
Required Tests to Apply for License: Written knowledge (in DLD office), Driving skills (at DLD or with driver education provider/private tester), Eye exam (in DLD office), Medical questionnaire (part of application)
Co-Signing Adult on Application Required? Yes
Driver Education Course Required? Yes
Driving Hours Required: 40 (10 after dark)
Learner Permit Information for Drivers Age 16 and 17
Driver Age: 16 and 17 (requirements are the same)
Required Learner Permit Holding Period: 6 Months
Required Tests to Apply for License: Written knowledge (in DLD office), Driving skills (at DLD or with driver education provider/private tester), Eye exam (in DLD office), Medical questionnaire (part of the application)
Co-Signing Adult on Application Required? Yes
Driver Education Course Required? Yes
Driving Hours Required: 40 (10 after dark)
Learner Permit Information for Drivers Age 18
Driver Age: 18
Required Learner Permit Holding Period: None
Required Tests to Apply for License: Written knowledge (in DLD office), Driving skills (at DLD or with driver education provider/private tester), Eye exam (in DLD office), Medical questionnaire (part of the application)
Co-Signing Adult on Application Required? No
Driver Education Course Required? Yes
Driving Hours Required: 40 (10 after dark)
Learner Permit Information for Drivers Age 19 and Up
Driver Age: 19
Required Learner Permit Holding Period: None
Required Tests to Apply for License: Written knowledge (in DLD office), Driving skills (at DLD or with driver education provider/private tester), Eye exam (in DLD office), Medical questionnaire (part of the application)
Co-Signing Adult on Application Required? No
Driver Education Course Required? Yes**
Driving Hours Required: 40 (10 after dark)
**If you are 19 years old or older, you can skip the driver education course as long as you can prove you drove 40 hours (10 after dark) and have had a learner permit for at least 3 months.