Washington UtahOnline Driver Education and Washington UtahLicensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Washington UtahLearner’s Permit or first Washington Utahdriver’s license. Washington Utahhas a Graduated Driver License Program for Washington Utahteen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Washington Utahdriver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Washington UtahLearner Permit or Washington UtahInstruction Permit
When you turn 15, you can finally apply for a Washington UtahLearner Permit, otherwise known as a Washington UtahInstruction Permit. In order to apply, you’ll need:
- Valid identification documents
- Social Security card or SSN proof (W-2 form, for example)
- Washington UtahResidency Verification
- Proof of Driving Experience
- Nonrefundable fee of $15
Once you’re ready, head on down to your local Washington UtahDriver License Office with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a medical and eye exam, as well as a written exam. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Washington UtahLearner Permit. Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21. Of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Washington UtahLearner Permit with you at all times.
Once you’ve held your Washington UtahLearner Permit for 6 months have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Washington UtahGraduated License Program, the Washington UtahMinor License.
The Washington UtahMinor License or Washington UtahIntermediate License
You can apply for your Washington UtahMinor License once you’ve held your Washington UtahLearner Permit for 6 months and are at least 16 years of age. However, you’ll also need to make sure you meet these requirements:
- Hold a Washington UtahLearner Permit for 6 months
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Complete a Washington Utahapproved driving education course
- Practice driving for 40 hours with a parent/guardian, or supervising driver
- At least 10 hours must be at night (and must be signed!)
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Washington UtahDriver License Office. Be sure to bring the valid identification documents, including your Washington UtahLearner Permit. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Washington Utahroad test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Washington UtahMinor License, otherwise known as the Washington UtahProvisional License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Washington UtahTeen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind now that you have your Washington UtahMinor License:
- All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
- If you’re 16, no passengers under 21 for 6 months or until you reach 18 years of age
- The exception is if your passengers are family members
- No driving between midnight and 5AM unless you’re going to/from your job, a school sanctioned activity, for a medical emergency, or on assignment for a farmer or rancher
Once you turn 18, these restrictions will no longer be valid. Freedom!
Washington UtahAuto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Washington UtahProvisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Washington Utahdrivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Washington Utahmandatory liability insurance, your Washington UtahLearner Permit or Washington UtahProvisional license could be suspended.
Washington UtahDrunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Washington Utahteen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Washington Utahdrunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Washington Utahhas a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Washington UtahDUI, your Washington UtahLearner Permit or Washington UtahProvisional License will be suspended for 90 days to 120 days (or until you are 21), whichever is longer. Upon your second conviction, your Washington Utahlicense will be revoked for 1-2 years. For a complete list of convictions and penalties, go to the Washington UtahPublic Safety webpage.
In general, upon your first conviction of a Washington UtahDUI, you’ll also face the following penalties:
- Jail 48 hours minimum or
- Work Service Program 48 hours minimum
- Home confinement
- $700 fine
- License Suspension of 120 days
- Also, possible alcohol/drug screening, assessment, education and treatment
And of course, further Washington UtahDWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Washington Utahlicense suspension or even Washington Utahlicense revocation.
Currently, Washington Utahteen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
Washington UtahOnline Driver Education
Washington Utahteen drivers can find more information about approved Washington Utahonline driver education on the Washington UtahDepartment of Public Safety website.