Utah permit test: safe driver habits
Mirrors, safety belts, car seats and air bags, aggressive driving, fatigue and handheld wireless device rules. 24 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
- Leave 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel, and do not lean the seat back. (p. 37)
- Children 12 and younger should continue to ride in the back seat, which is the safest place for them. (p. 38)
- A safety belt fine may be waived if you complete an online, 30-minute safety belt safety course. (p. 38)
- Children aged eight and under must be secured in an approved child safety seat unless they are 57 inches tall. (p. 38)
- Smoking in a vehicle while transporting children 15 years of age or younger is an infraction. (p. 39)
- Never put an infant in the front seat when the car has a passenger-side air bag; the back seat is the safest place. (p. 39)
- An air bag deploys at up to 200 mph, so it can hurt anyone sitting too close to it. (p. 39)
- The court may suspend your license for one year on a first conviction with a road rage enhancement. (p. 66)
- Plan to stop every two hours on long trips to take a break from driving. (p. 67)
- Texting while driving is a Class C misdemeanor with a top fine of $100. (p. 69)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1.When your seat is adjusted correctly, where should the top of the steering wheel be?
- ANo higher than your shoulders
- BDown at your stomach
- CAbove the top of your head
- DLevel with your eyes
Show the answer
✓ A. No higher than your shoulders
The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than your shoulders and below chin level.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 37
2.How fast can an air bag come out of the dashboard?
- AUp to 300 mph
- BUp to 50 mph
- CUp to 200 mph
- DUp to 100 mph
Show the answer
✓ C. Up to 200 mph
An air bag deploys at up to 200 mph, so it can hurt anyone sitting too close to it.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 39
3.What is the maximum fine for a first texting violation that causes no injury?
- A$100
- B$50
- C$250
- D$1,000
Show the answer
✓ A. $100
Texting while driving is a Class C misdemeanor with a top fine of $100. It becomes a Class B misdemeanor if someone is hurt or it is a repeat offense.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 69
4.Until what age and weight must a child ride rear-facing in the back seat, at least?
- A8 years or 57 inches
- B1 year and 20 pounds
- C2 years and 30 pounds
- D4 years and 40 pounds
Show the answer
✓ C. 2 years and 30 pounds
A child must face the rear in the back seat until age 2 and 30 pounds at the least, or longer if the car seat allows it.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 38