Utah Drivers License
Just like in any other state, if you want to operate a vehicle on Utah public roads, you have to get a drivers license first. Application for Utah driver's license is quite simple and hassle free and you should get through it with no trouble at all.
Types of Drivers Licenses
Although most of us only drive the regular passenger cars, there are also other vehicles out there and operating them may require additional skills that are not necessary for the regular person. This is why there are many different types of driver licenses, each one of them specifying what type of vehicles you are allowed to operate. At the moment, there are the following types of driver licenses offered in Utah:
- Class D. Regular drivers license. More than enough for most of us.
- Driving Privilege Card. Issued to those applicants who do not have a Social Security number.
- Motorcycle license. Comes as an endorsement if if you already have a Class D license.
- Classes A, B and C. Commercial driver licenses, CDLs.
If you are reading this right now, chances are that you are looking to obtain your regular class D drivers license. If you are the first-time applicant, this is the only license you can go for, apart from the motorcycle license. You can always upgrade to another license class once you gain some driving experience.
Graduated Drivers License
The graduated drivers license system exists I virtually every state and it regulates how teenage drivers apply for their driver licenses. Usually the GDL rules apply only to license applicants who are under 18 years of age, however, some parts of the GDL program may also apply to older drivers as well. Utah is an example of this exception, with all license applicants having to go through a drivers education program, no matter the age. Although some find this requirement unnecessary, it is really not true. Drivers ed classes have been shown to reduce the number of accidents and if that's what it takes to make the roads safer, than be it.
Drivers Permit
The first step of applying for the driver's license would be getting yourself a Utah learners permit and here comes your first obstacle - the permit test. The exam covers Utah driving rules and road signs and if you want to be among those who pass the exam the first time, you should study for it and study hard.
Since the exam is based largely on the information contained in the Utah drivers manual, so the book should be your primary source of information when studying for the test. Practice tests won't hurt either, as they will allow you to see where you currently stand and whether you need to pay more attention to specific topics.
Once ready for the knowledge test, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles, provide the required documentation, pay the application fee and take a vision and knowledge exams. Once you pass the exams, you will be issued with your Utah drivers permit.
Upgrading to Drivers License
In order for you to upgrade to a drivers license, you will need to take a road skills exam. In most cases, you would take the drivers license exam at your drivers ed school at the end of your drivers education class. If, for some reason, you do not take the driving test at school, you will need to arrange it with the DMV.
The DMV does not offer vehicles for drivers license testing, so it is up to you to provide a car for the exam. The car must be properly insured and titled, it must also be in a good technical condition.
When you pass the exam, the exterminator will issue you with a temporary license. Your real Utah drivers license will arrive in the mail within 2-3 weeks of taking the exam.
