What You Should Know About the Utah Graduated Driver’s License Program
Utah has a three-stage system for all teens who hope to earn unrestricted driving privileges. This system includes having to complete a certified driver’s education program if you are under the age of 18. The aim of the GDL program is to reduce fatal traffic accident involving young drivers by allowing them more time to develop the defensive driving skills they need to be safe on the road.
The first stage begins at age 15 when you apply for the learner’s permit by passing the knowledge, mental, and physical fitness tests. If you are under the age of 17, you have this permit for at least six months, during which time you will have to accumulate at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience, with ten of these hours being driven at night. You are also required to complete six or more hours of driving with a certified driving instructor.
Anytime you are behind the wheel, you must have a parent, driving instructor, or other licensed driver over the age of 21 with you.
The second phase starts when you turn 16 and have completed the permit requirements. During this phase, you will have passenger and nighttime driving restrictions. These include –
- Not transporting any non-family member who is younger than 21 unless your supervisor is with you
- Not driving on any highway after midnight or before 5:00 a.m. unless your supervisor is with you, or you are traveling directly to or from work or school, or a school event
The final phase is reached when you turn 17 and are eligible for full driving privileges and an unrestricted license.