Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial): study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

2. Licensing Requirements

• Visitors with a valid out-of-state or out-of-country license may drive in Utah for up to six months.

3. Driver Education/Permits

• The entry-level learner permit lets you drive with a qualified supervisor once you have reached a minimum age of 15.
• The entry-level learner permit is valid for 18 months, and its written test score is valid for 18 months.
• Ages 16 and 17 must hold the learner permit 6 months; age 18 has no holding period but must complete driver education; 19+ holds it 90 days unless they take driver ed.

4. Driver License Types, ID Card, Required Documentation

• You must be at least 16 for an original regular Class D license; under 19 you must have completed driver education or have a license from another state or country.
• Drivers with an out-of-state learner permit may not drive in Utah.
• Provisional licenses expire on the birthday five years after issue; licenses issued over 21 expire on the birthday eight years after issue.

5. Vision and Health

• The guidelines require 20/40 vision in at least one eye and a visual field of at least 90 degrees for a Class D license.
• Give yourself time to cool off—take a walk or talk to a friend—and stay off the road until you have cooled down.

6. Examinations

• The written knowledge test is not timed, usually takes 30-45 minutes, and requires 80% or better.
• The fee allows up to three attempts to pass the written knowledge test within 12 months; after that you pay again for three more.
• First-time Class D applicants must pass the online Traffic Safety and Trends Exam with a 100% score; it may be taken as often as needed.

7. Preparing Your Vehicle

• Leave 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel and don't lean the seat back.
• Your chances of being killed are 23 times greater if you are thrown from a car.
• 70% of crashes occur at speeds under 40 mph, so wear a belt at any speed.

8. Basic Driving

• Check mirrors, signal for at least two seconds in the direction you'll move, then head check and merge when safe.
• You may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• You may not park within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal.

9. Rules of the Road

• Maintain at least two seconds following distance on the freeway, increasing it under adverse conditions.
• Utah permits 20 mph when passing a school during recess or while children are going to or leaving school, or when flashing lights are operating.
• When no sign is posted and no special hazards exist, 25 mph is permitted in business or residential areas.

10. Alcohol/Drugs & Driving

• In Utah, if you are over 0.05 BAC (0.04 for CDL), you violate the law.
• The limit is 0.05 for regular drivers and 0.04 for CDL.
• A first DUI conviction for a driver 21+ brings a 120-day suspension; a second or subsequent offense brings two years.

11. Distractions and Driving Challenges

• Drivers under 18 may use the device only in a medical emergency, to report a safety hazard or criminal activity, or to communicate with a parent or legal guardian.
• A texting violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum $100 fine, or a Class B misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury or is a repeat offense.
• Utah law defines road rage as a criminal offense committed in response to a road incident to endanger or intimidate; the court may suspend the license for one year on the first conviction.

12. Crashes and Insurance

• It is a third-degree felony to fail to stop at the scene of an injury crash.
• If the crash results in injuries, death or at least $2,500 in total property damage, notify law enforcement (911) immediately.
• Leaving the scene can bring license suspension or revocation up to one year, a jail sentence up to one year, a fine up to $2,500, or both.

13. Suspensions and Your Record

• The record shows moving violations and suspensions from the past three years, but alcohol/drug-related violations, suspensions and revocations stay for 10 years.
• Reckless driving is 80 points; failure to yield, tailgating and wrong side of road are 60; red light, stop sign and texting are 50.
• Following too closely is 60 points.

14. Sharing the Road

• Utah law requires a minimum of three feet of distance from any bicyclist or vulnerable user of the highway you are passing.
• Dim your headlights within 500 feet when approaching or overtaking bicyclists at night.
• You may not pass a bicycle or moped when approaching within 100 feet of or crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, unless indicated otherwise.

15. Vehicle Equipment

• Headlights must be white and shine 350 feet on high beam and 100 feet on low beam.
• Every motor vehicle must have a functioning horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet.
• Loads extending four feet or more beyond the bed must display two flags (daytime, at least 12 inches square) or lights (nighttime, visible 500 feet).

16. Towing

• The drawbar or connection between vehicles may not exceed 15 feet; a chain, rope or cable must carry a red flag at least 12 inches square.
• A red flag or other signal no smaller than 12 inches square must be attached to the connecting chain, rope or cable.
• Do not attach any flare or fuse to your vehicle; it is hazardous and illegal.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to Utah, which are where most people lose points.