Utah permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 4 questions.
You are 17 and driving. When does Utah law allow you to use a handheld wireless device?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
You are 17 and driving. When does Utah law allow you to use a handheld wireless device?
- A Only for a medical emergency, safety hazard, crime report, or to talk with a parent
- B Any time, as long as you use hands-free voice commands
- C Whenever you are driving below 25 mph on a residential street
- D Only for GPS navigation and music while the car is moving
Show answer
A. Only for a medical emergency, safety hazard, crime report, or to talk with a parent
Drivers under 18 may use a handheld wireless device only during a medical emergency, to report a safety hazard or criminal activity, or to talk with a parent or legal guardian. The stricter rule reflects the higher crash risk of new drivers.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial), page 69
A driver is convicted of texting while driving in Utah, causing no injury and with no earlier violation. What is the offense?
- A A class B misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000
- B An infraction with a maximum fine of $50
- C A third-degree felony with a jail sentence
- D A class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100
Show answer
D. A class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100
A first texting conviction is a class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100. It becomes a class B misdemeanor if the driver injures someone or has a previous texting violation, and officers may stop a driver they see texting.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial), page 69
You are 25. Under Utah law, how may you make a phone call while driving?
- A Talk on the phone if you connect the call with voice commands
- B Dial the number by hand as long as one hand stays on the wheel
- C Only call 911; no other calls are allowed
- D Hold the phone to your ear and dial while driving slowly
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A. Talk on the phone if you connect the call with voice commands
Drivers over 18 may talk on a wireless device while driving if they use voice commands to connect the call. Typing, dialing, reading texts or browsing by hand is not allowed while the vehicle is moving.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial), page 69
Under Utah's definition, which of these makes a driver guilty of careless driving?
- A A moving violation committed while grooming or searching for an item in the car
- B A single parking ticket received on the same day
- C Driving 5 mph under the speed limit on a city street
- D Using hands-free voice commands to start a call
Show answer
A. A moving violation committed while grooming or searching for an item in the car
Utah defines careless driving as two or more moving violations in one continuous drive, or a moving violation committed while distracted by something unrelated to driving, such as searching for an item or grooming. Handle these tasks before you drive.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial), page 11