1.2 Obtaining a Driver License USBE

Watch and read everything on this page, then take the quiz.

STANDARD 1.2 Students will identify and understand the steps in obtaining an original Utah driver license.

OBTAINING A DRIVER LICENSE

It is always unfortunate when people spend time and gas to come to one of our offices only to find out that they cannot be helped for some reason. Here are some hints to avoid having that happen to you:

• Double check that you have all the correct documentation before visiting a driver license office.
• All documents must be an original or a copy certified by the issuing agency. Faxed or photo copied documents will NOT be accepted.
• All documents are subject to department review and approval. Additional information may be required.
• Any name variation from your identity document must be accompanied by legal authorizing documentation identifying the updated information (marriage, divorce or court order.)
• In some cases, document approval may not occur in the same day and may require an additional visit.
• All documents provided to the Division will be imaged and stored in a secure database and will be returned to the applicant.
• Arrive early enough to be able to complete processing, including taking a knowledge test. More time may be required if you need to take a skills test. We cannot guarantee completion of required processing after closing time.
• Skills tests (including motorcycle skills tests) are given by appointment only. Skills tests will not be given when conditions exists that could create unsafe driving. Those conditions include bad weather and vehicles that are not registered or are unsafe. E.g. broken windshields or no seat belts.
• Although you may pay for your license by check, credit card, or cash, there are a few things you should know. Checks must be made payable to the Department of Public Safety and must be in the correct amount. We cannot cash payroll or two-party checks. If your check is returned by the bank, you will be required to pay a $20 service charge, if you wish to keep your driving privilege.
• All learners who wish to take a driving test must be accompanied by a licensed driver.

DRIVER LICENSES (CERTIFICATES)

Obtaining a Driver License certificate involves these simple steps:

• Completion certificate of driver training and completion of other “additional driving requirements” (see below), or have a “clear” license status from another state or country;
• Assumption of financial liability;
• Furnish acceptable proof of identity and legal/lawful presence in the United States;
• Furnish two acceptable forms as evidence of your Utah residence address;
• Furnish acceptable proof of your social security number, or proof of ineligibility to obtain a social security number as a result of their legal/lawful presence status;
• Payment of applicable fees;
• Completion of medical questionnaire and vision test;
• Completion of required knowledge/skills tests; and
• A photo. 

REQUIRED LICENSE TESTS

When you are ready to take the driver license examination, go to any full time Driver License Division office. See back page for office locations and their business hours or visit our website at dld.utah.gov

NOTE: Once an application is started at a Driver License Office all elements of that application must be completed at that office.

Knowledge Test  

The knowledge test will include:

• Road Signs – you may be shown several common road signs and asked to identify what they mean.
• Written Questions – you will be asked to answer a number of written questions based upon information in this handbook including:
  • Questions specific to the class of license you are applying for,
  • Questions on safe driving practices,
  • Questions regarding driving and traffic laws, and
  • License sanctions.
• You are allowed to take two knowledge tests per day, providing the Division can facilitate the testing.

Traffic Safety and Trends Exam

All first-time license applicants will be required to pass an additional test and receive 100% to receive their first time Class D license. This test is offered on-line and may be taken as many times as necessary prior to licensing. Fifty percent (50%) of the questions will relate to major causes of traffic related deaths as identified in statistics published by the Highway Safety Office. secure.utah.gov/dlexams/

Driving Skills (Road) Test

You will be required to demonstrate your driving ability. You are required to provide the vehicle for the test. It must be properly registered and comply with vehicle safety laws, including functioning safety belts. The vehicle may be rejected if its condition could cause harm to the examiner’s person or clothes. The license applicant and the examiner are the only occupants allowed in the vehicle during the skills test. In addition to road rules and regulations, you will be evaluated on:

• The use of proper driving techniques;
• General behavior and attitude;
• Driving posture and proper use of lanes;
• Left and right turns;
• Starting and stopping;
• Parking on hills and between cars;
• Observance of traffic signs and signals, backing, U-turns and steering coordination;
• Attention at intersections; and
• Overall ability to operate the vehicle safely and appropriately.

During the skills test, you will not be asked to do anything that is against the law.

You must receive a 80% or higher to receive credit for this assignment.

If you score below 80%, you must redo the assignment.