Utah Driving School: How to Choose a Driver Education Course
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Any family with a teen looking forward to getting their license knows that safety is the most important consideration. The best way to equip new drivers with the skills and confidence they need to stay safe on the road is with the right driver education program.
Take a look at everything you need to know when it comes to choosing a driving school in Utah. We’ll detail the different types of courses available and how much they’re likely to cost, and explain how completing driver education is an important part of the Utah driver’s license process. We’ll also take a look at a sometimes unpleasant surprise for many families — the impact a new teen driver can have on car insurance premiums.
How To Choose a Utah Driving School That Fits Your Needs
There are a number of important considerations to make when choosing a driving school in Utah that’s the best fit for your teen and your family. Location is an obvious consideration. You’ll want a school that’s close to home or where your teen attends school.
The driving school you choose should have positive reviews and a good reputation. Most importantly, make sure the driver education course you’re considering is approved by the Utah Driver License Division. Only Utah State Certified programs count toward the state’s licensing requirements.
Comparing Online and In-Person Driver Education Courses
Is driving school required in Utah? Yes, for anyone under 19 who has never had a driver’s license. If you’re 19 or older or have a license from another state, you’re not typically required to complete a driver education course.
An online or home study course is a good choice for families that need flexibility. Your teen can complete the classroom work for their online course at their own pace, on weekends or after part-time jobs or other extracurricular activities. Online courses can also be more affordable than in-person instruction.
Online courses do require a certain amount of discipline and independence, so you’ll want to make the decision based on your child’s personality. Lastly, always make sure an online course is DLD-approved, as only approved courses count toward the education requirements.
An online driving school in Utah might not be the best option for everyone. Some students benefit from direct access to instructors, so a more traditional classroom environment combined with behind-the-wheel training could be the right choice for your child.
While private driver education is available, it can sometimes be costly. Some high schools offer driver education programs, which can make them more convenient and affordable. However, these classes generally have less flexibility and may not be the best choice for busy teens.
How Driver Education Affects Teen Licensing Eligibility in Utah
Completing an approved driver education course is only one part of getting your driver’s license in Utah. Here’s a look at the other requirements:
- Get a Learner’s Permit: Your teen can apply for a learner’s permit at any time after their 15th birthday. It’s important to note that they must have this permit for at least six months before taking the test for a provisional license, so plan accordingly.
- Driver Education: All teens in Utah need to complete Utah State Certified driver’s education training, including classroom hours, behind-the-wheel training, and instructor observation hours.
- Driving Practice: Teens also need to complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or legal guardian. Ten of those hours must be at night.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 in the state of Utah to apply for your provisional driver’s license.
- Road Skills Test: Everyone’s familiar with this part. After meeting all of the above requirements, your teen must pass a road skills test (also known as a driving or road test) at the Utah DLD or an approved third-party testing facility.
The Impact of Adding a Teen Driver on Your Car Insurance Premiums
Adding a new, inexperienced teen driver to your family’s Utah car insurance policy can cause a jump in your monthly premium — sometimes by as much as 50% or more. Because they’re inexperienced, young drivers are statistically more likely to have accidents requiring an insurance claim.
Demographics also play an important part. Younger teens are typically more expensive to insure, as are kids who regularly drive high-end or high-performance cars. Teens in urban areas will face higher insurance premiums, and any accidents or traffic tickets will make a young driver’s rates climb dramatically.
Thankfully, there are some factors that can help you find cheap car insurance for teens. Your insurance provider may recommend approved driver education courses, and completing a defensive driving school in Utah may result in a discount.
Some of the best car insurance for teen drivers will offer good student discounts, as well as telemetric usage-based discounts. Qualifying for a usage-based program typically involves using an app to monitor driving habits like speed, braking, and distance traveled.
The usual advice for finding cheap car insurance in Utah also applies here. Safer, older, and more affordable vehicles will be less costly to insure. Lower deductibles also mean lower monthly premiums, but always be sure you have the coverage you need to handle any unforeseen events comfortably.
Ask your provider about any available discounts, such as good student programs, military discounts, or discounts for bundling home and auto insurance.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes for New Drivers
If you’ve got a teen ready to hit the road, you know firsthand the excitement and trepidation this can cause. New responsibilities come with new lessons, and one of the best ways to protect your child is to prepare them with appropriate education.
While no one likes the thought of paying higher car insurance premiums, affordable rates are out there. Insurance premiums can vary a lot by ZIP code and driver profile, so the best way to get the best value in insurance is to compare your options and shop often.
Getting a custom quote comparison is always free with EverQuote. It only takes a few minutes to start comparing car insurance quotes for new drivers and find the coverage that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.