We've compiled some tips, driving statistics, recent legislative changes, and other links of interest concerning Utah driver licenses. More news is available on the Utah Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division home page.

Top Save Time, Leave Happy

Nothing is more frustrating than going down to your local driver license field office and standing in line, only to find you won't be able to complete your transaction. Here are some tips to help ensure you get what you need the first time.

• 1. Arrive at least one hour before closing to handle most business, including taking a written test. Road tests take longer and are best handled by appointment.

• 2. Road tests will not be given when the roads or test vehicle are unsafe, so don't bother venturing out in a white-out blizzard, in an unregistered car, or in a car that's unsafe (bad brakes, broken windshield, or frayed seat belts, for example).

• 3. You may pay any fees by check, credit card, or cash, but please, no payroll or two-party checks. Checks must be made payable to the Department of Public Safety for the correct amount and are subject to a $20 service charge if they are returned by your bank unpaid.

• 4. All driver license applicants who wish to take a driving skills test must be accompanied by a licensed driver.

• 5. Bring all the paperwork, forms of identification, and proof of residency required for your transaction. Refer to other sections of this Web site for details on what to bring. The forms you need will be available at the driver license office.

Top Give the Gift of Life

You may opt to indicate on your driver license that you would like to donate your organs in the event of your death. See our Donor Information page for details.

TOP FIVE CAUSES OF CRASHES ON UTAH HIGHWAYS

• Improper lookout (24.3%)
• Failure to yield right-of-way (14.3%)
• Following too closely (12.3%)
• Speeding too fast (10.9%)
• Other improper driving (8.6%)
• Based on
  2002 statistics from the Utah Department of Public
  Safety's Highway Safety Office

Top "I Think Someone is Posing as Me"

Learn what to do if you think you've been the victim of identity theft on the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Investigation's identity theft page.

TOP 5 CAUSES OF DEATH ON UTAH HIGHWAYS

• Speeding too fast (22.4%)
• Other improper driving (13.6%)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (11.6%)
• Improper lookout (9.3%)
• Driving left of center (8.1%)
• Based on
  2002 statistics from the Utah Department of Public
  Safety's Highway Safety Office

Top New Alcohol Restricted Driver (ARD) laws

On July 1, 2005, it became illegal for someone with an Alcohol Restricted Driver (ARD) license to drive a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in his blood when his license has been suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving related to alcohol or drugs, per-se arrest, or refusal to submit to a chemical test.

Drivers will receive an ARD license for the following lengths of time:

• Per-se arrest (UCA 53-3-223): two years

• Refusal to submit to a chemical test (UCA 41-6a-520): five years for the first offense

• Felony DUI (UCA 41-6a-502): lifetime ARD status

• Automobile homicide (UCA 76-5-207): lifetime ARD status

For more information about how driving under the influence can affect your driver license status, check out the DLD's information page or our DUI page on this site.

Top Salt Lake City CDL Office has Closed

Truck drivers now need to take a detour to take care of their commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in Salt Lake City. The SLC Commercial License office located at 3495 S. 300 W. has recently closed, so commercial drivers will now be served by the West Valley office.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!