Teen Driver Insurance in Utah

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Utah operates a comprehensive Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers between ages 15 and 20, designed to limit high-risk driving situations for teen drivers while increasing parental involvement and supervision. Since the GDL program was instituted in Utah in 1999, there has been a 69% decrease in the number of teens ages 15-17 killed in motor vehicle crashes, demonstrating that the GDL laws are important because they save lives. The program requires teen drivers to first get a learner permit, followed by a provisional license before obtaining a full, unrestricted driver's license.

Licensing Timeline

Teens may apply for a learner permit at age 15, which allows new drivers to practice their driving skills under supervision on public roads. At age 16, after holding the learner permit for six months, teens may apply for a provisional license. Before obtaining a provisional license, parents must certify that teens have completed 40 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night. When a teen turns 18, the passenger, nighttime, and cell phone restrictions are lifted and they receive an unrestricted license.

GDL Restrictions

For the first six months of licensure, Utah restricts passengers to immediate family members to help new drivers concentrate on developing safe driving habits without peer influence. The state also imposes a nighttime driving restriction from midnight to 5 a.m. Exceptions to nighttime restrictions apply if the teen is driving to or from work, a school-sponsored activity, a medical emergency, or if they are accompanied by a licensed adult over 21. Any use of a cell phone while driving is illegal for all drivers under age 18. The passenger limitation does not apply if the teen is accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) or a licensed driving instructor.

Permit holding period: 6 months for teens under 18, until 18th birthday if earlier. Nighttime restriction: Midnight to 5 a.m.. Passenger restriction: First 6 months: immediate family members only. Cell phone restriction: Complete prohibition of handheld and hands-free cell phone use for drivers under 18. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver age 21+ in front seat. Nighttime exceptions include: employment, school activities, emergencies, accompanied by licensed adult 21+. Passenger exceptions include: immediate family members, when accompanied by licensed adult 21+.

Insurance Requirements

Utah is a no-fault state requiring all drivers to carry at least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Utah increased its minimum liability requirements in 2025, now requiring $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $65,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Utah state law also requires uninsured motorist coverage with limits tied to the required bodily injury liability limits, currently $30,000 per person and $65,000 per accident.

Minimum liability limits: $30,000 bodily injury per person / $65,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Insurance system: no-fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required at $3,000. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. UM/UIM limits tied to bodily injury liability limits.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

PIP coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and lost household services up to the coverage limit (minimum $3,000), no matter who was at fault in the accident. To pursue a claim against an at-fault driver for pain and suffering, the injured party must have incurred at least $3,000 in medical expenses or suffered specific serious injuries as defined by Utah law. For teen drivers and their families, understanding this no-fault system is crucial since PIP benefits are the primary source of immediate coverage after an accident, regardless of fault determination.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Standard path with driver education course. 40 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; driver education required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $19. License fee: $39. License fee is $39 for drivers under 21.