Free Utah DLD Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Driver License Division (DLD) written knowledge exam, which has 50 questions; to pass you need 40 of 50 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DLD tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
What does a green light on a traffic signal that is shaped like an arrow mean?
What's on the Utah Practice Test 1
The real Utah knowledge test has 50 questions, and to pass you need 40 of 50 correct (80%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 15
- Right of way 4
- Safe driving 4
- Speed limits 3
- Emergencies 2
- Parking 2
- Vehicle equipment 1
- Alcohol & drugs 1
52 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Utah. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. The highest posted speed limit in Utah is:
- A. 80 mph (correct)
- B. 70 mph
- C. 75 mph
- D. 65 mph
Why: Utah posts speed limits up to 80 mph on some rural interstates. Always obey the posted limit, which is often lower.
Source: official Utah driver handbook, PDF p.54, Speed limits
2. Your car runs into a lake and is still floating. According to the Utah handbook, what should you do first?
- A. Call 911 and wait for help
- B. Wait for the car to fill with water
- C. Remove your safety belt (correct)
- D. Turn on your hazard lights
Why: A car may float for only 30 to 60 seconds, so try to get out right away. First unbuckle your safety belt, then lower the window and climb out onto the roof.
Source: official Utah driver handbook, p.62 (PDF p.72), N. Vehicle Submerged Underwater
3. What does a green light on a traffic signal that is shaped like an arrow mean?
- A. A protected move in the arrow's direction (correct)
- B. Go that way, but yield to oncoming traffic
- C. The turn is allowed only after stopping
- D. The signal is about to turn red
Why: A green arrow gives a protected movement: you may go in the direction of the arrow while conflicting traffic is stopped by a red signal. You must still yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk and to vehicles still lawfully in the intersection.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 4A.03 Paragraph 01 A.2
4. When are you required to use headlights?
- A. Only at night on roads without streetlights
- B. At night and when visibility is reduced (correct)
- C. Only when it is fully dark, not in bad weather
- D. Only on highways at night, not on city streets
Why: Every state requires headlights at night and when visibility is reduced. The exact period varies: some states say sunset to sunrise, many say 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Many states also require headlights whenever your wipers are on or you cannot see a set distance (often 500 or 1,000 feet) ahead.
Source: official Utah driver handbook
5. How do most state handbooks tell you to measure a safe following distance?
- A. Count car lengths - one car length is enough at any speed
- B. Count the seconds between it and you passing a fixed point (correct)
- C. Stay close enough to read the license plate of the car ahead
- D. Follow at a distance in feet equal to your speed in mph
Why: Handbooks teach a time-based gap: pick a fixed object and count the seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. The minimum differs by state (2, 3 or 4 seconds), with most recommending 3 to 4 seconds in good conditions; add time in rain, at night or behind large vehicles. Check your state handbook for its exact number.
Source: official Utah driver handbook
6. What does this warning sign mean?
- A. Your lane ends; merge left
- B. Two roads join; both must merge
- C. A lane is added; no merge needed (correct)
- D. A divided highway begins
Why: The added-lane sign shows that the road gains a lane where another road joins. Traffic entering has its own lane and does not have to merge.
Source: p.63 (PDF p.66), Warning signs
More Utah facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Utah permit practice test page.
Utah DLD Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 50
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 40 of 50 correct (80%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Driver License Division
More Utah Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Utah Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DLD exam.