Utah teen driving requirements
Utah operates a comprehensive Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers between ages 15 and 20, designed to limit high-risk driving situations for teen drivers while increasing parental involvement and supervision. Since the GDL program was instituted in Utah in 1999, there has been a 69% decrease in the number of teens ages 15-17 killed in motor vehicle crashes, demonstrating that the GDL laws are important because they save lives. The program requires teen drivers to first get a learner permit, followed by a provisional license before obtaining a full, unrestricted driver's license.
Contents
Overview
Utah operates a comprehensive Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers between ages 15 and 20, designed to limit high-risk driving situations for teen drivers while increasing parental involvement and supervision. Since the GDL program was instituted in Utah in 1999, there has been a 69% decrease in the number of teens ages 15-17 killed in motor vehicle crashes, demonstrating that the GDL laws are important because they save lives. The program requires teen drivers to first get a learner permit, followed by a provisional license before obtaining a full, unrestricted driver's license.
Key finding
Utah uses a graduated licensing system that requires teens to progress through structured stages before earning full driving privileges. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce crash risk among new drivers.
Licensing timeline
Teens may apply for a learner permit at age 15, which allows new drivers to practice their driving skills under supervision on public roads. At age 16, after holding the learner permit for six months, teens may apply for a provisional license. Before obtaining a provisional license, parents must certify that teens have completed 40 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night. When a teen turns 18, the passenger, nighttime, and cell phone restrictions are lifted and they receive an unrestricted license.
| Stage | Minimum Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 years old | Must pass written test and vision screening |
| Graduated/provisional license | 16 years old | GDL restrictions apply |
| Restrictions end | After 6 months | Passenger restriction ends at 16 years and 6 months. Nighttime restriction ends at age 17. All GDL restrictions lift at age 18. |
Unrestricted license obtained when teen turns 18 years old
Practice paths
Standard path with driver education course
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervised hours | 40 hours total |
| Night hours | 10 hours required |
| Driver education | Required |
| Road test | Required |
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements
For the first six months of licensure, Utah restricts passengers to immediate family members to help new drivers concentrate on developing safe driving habits without peer influence. The state also imposes a nighttime driving restriction from midnight to 5 a.m. Exceptions to nighttime restrictions apply if the teen is driving to or from work, a school-sponsored activity, a medical emergency, or if they are accompanied by a licensed adult over 21. Any use of a cell phone while driving is illegal for all drivers under age 18. The passenger limitation does not apply if the teen is accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) or a licensed driving instructor.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit holding period | 6 months for teens under 18, until 18th birthday if earlier |
| Nighttime restriction | Midnight to 5 a.m. |
| Passenger restriction | First 6 months: immediate family members only |
| Cell phone restriction | Complete prohibition of handheld and hands-free cell phone use for drivers under 18 |
| Supervisor requirement | Licensed driver age 21+ in front seat |
Nighttime restriction exceptions:
- employment
- school activities
- emergencies
- accompanied by licensed adult 21+
Passenger restriction exceptions:
- immediate family members
- when accompanied by licensed adult 21+
Important caveat
GDL restrictions vary by state and can change when new legislation is enacted. The restrictions listed above were last verified on 2026-04-03. Always confirm current requirements with the Utah official DMV website.
Minimum insurance requirements
Utah is a no-fault state requiring all drivers to carry at least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Utah increased its minimum liability requirements in 2025, now requiring $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $65,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Utah state law also requires uninsured motorist coverage with limits tied to the required bodily injury liability limits, currently $30,000 per person and $65,000 per accident.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $65,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | 3000 |
| UM/UIM coverage | UM/UIM limits tied to bodily injury liability limits |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that after an accident, each driver's own insurance policy pays for their medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. The required PIP coverage in Utah is: 3000.
Insurance considerations for teen drivers
PIP coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and lost household services up to the coverage limit (minimum $3,000), no matter who was at fault in the accident. To pursue a claim against an at-fault driver for pain and suffering, the injured party must have incurred at least $3,000 in medical expenses or suffered specific serious injuries as defined by Utah law. For teen drivers and their families, understanding this no-fault system is crucial since PIP benefits are the primary source of immediate coverage after an accident, regardless of fault determination.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit | $19 |
| Driver's license | $39 |
License fee is $39 for drivers under 21
Official resources
See also
Sources and verification
- Utah Driver License Division - Teen Driver Restrictions
- Zero Fatalities - Ready for Driver License
- Driving Laws - Utah Teen Driving Laws
- DMV.ORG - Utah Teen Drivers
- Utah Driver License Division - Learner Permit
Last verified: 2026-04-03. This page contains 5 cited sources.