UT Permit Practice Test 17

All 20 questions in test 17

Every question below comes from the Utah question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. A Utah driver wants to park for a few minutes on a wide sidewalk in front of a shop. Is that allowed?

   1. Yes, if the vehicle stays there under ten minutes
   2. Yes, when no pedestrians are nearby at the moment
   3. No, parking on a sidewalk is prohibited in Utah
   4. Yes, if two wheels remain on the roadway
   Show answer

   No, parking on a sidewalk is prohibited in Utah. Sidewalks belong to people on foot, and Utah lists them among the places where parking is not allowed. A short stop, an empty stretch of pavement, and a two wheels down compromise each leave a vehicle blocking the walking path and forcing pedestrians toward the street. Marked parking areas and legal curb spaces exist for quick errands instead. Before stopping, check that the space is a real parking place rather than a walkway, and move on when the only opening sits on the sidewalk.

2. 2. On a vertical Utah traffic light, how are the colors arranged from top to bottom?

   1. Green at the top, yellow in the middle, red at the bottom
   2. Yellow at the top, red in the middle, green at the bottom
   3. Red at the top, green in the middle, yellow at the bottom
   4. Red at the top, yellow in the middle, green at the bottom
   Show answer

   Red at the top, yellow in the middle, green at the bottom. On a standard vertical signal the lamps always stack in the same order, with red at the top, yellow in the middle, and green at the bottom. The reversed stack that puts green on top describes no Utah signal, and swapping green above yellow breaks the pattern every driver learns to read at a glance. That fixed order is a backup language of its own: when sun glare or rain washes out the color of the lit lamp, its height still tells you whether to stop or go. Top lamp lit means stop, bottom lamp lit means proceed with caution.

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic Signals and Arrows

3. 3. When does a Utah texting violation rise to a Class B misdemeanor?

   1. When the text exceeds twenty words sent
   2. If the driver inflicts bodily injury or has a previous violation for this offense, rather than the Class C first level
   3. When the texting occurs on a freeway while the driver is traveling above the posted speed limit
   4. After another driver reports the texting to police
   Show answer

   If the driver inflicts bodily injury or has a previous violation for this offense, rather than the Class C first level. A Utah texting violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100, but it rises to a Class B misdemeanor if the driver inflicts bodily injury or has a previous violation for the same offense. Message length, freeway location, and a report from another driver do not set the grade. The injury and repeat conditions show the law escalating with harm and habit, the same pattern that lets an officer stop a driver simply upon observing texting.

   Study this in the handbook: Renewal, Phone Laws and the Point System

4. 4. Which hands-free device uses does Utah law allow while driving?

   1. Typing an address into a phone browser while the vehicle is moving
   2. Recording a video on a phone mounted to the dashboard while driving
   3. Reading a text message on a handheld phone while driving
   4. Using GPS and reporting safety hazards, criminal activity, or medical emergencies
   Show answer

   Using GPS and reporting safety hazards, criminal activity, or medical emergencies. Utah allows the listed hands-free uses of GPS functions and reporting safety hazards, criminal activity, and medical emergencies. Typing an address, recording video, and reading a text message on a handheld phone are manual phone interactions that the law forbids while driving. A phone mount does not turn every handheld use into an allowed use, and reading a message is still a prohibited distraction. The permitted uses are narrow and tied to navigation or reporting an urgent safety, crime, or medical situation.

   Study this in the handbook: Renewal, Phone Laws and the Point System

5. 5. Before entering an intersection after stopping in Utah, in what order should you look?

   1. Left, right, and then left again before entering the intersection
   2. Right, then left, then right again
   3. Straight ahead only until fully inside it
   4. Over your right shoulder first, then straight ahead
   Show answer

   Left, right, and then left again before entering the intersection. Utah intersection routine says that before moving after a stop, the driver checks for traffic and bicyclists by looking left, right, and then left again before entering the intersection. Right first ordering, straight ahead focus, and a shoulder glance all skip the final left check that catches the nearest lane traffic twice. When a light turns green, the same habit confirms the path is clear and no cross traffic is still running the stale yellow.

   Study this in the handbook: Freeway Driving and Work Zone Speeds

6. 6. When may Utah bicyclists ride two abreast on a roadway?

   1. At any time on roads with two lanes
   2. Only on roads posted below 25 mph
   3. Only if they would not impede traffic
   4. Only during organized weekend group rides
   Show answer

   Only if they would not impede traffic. Utah allows bicyclists to ride no more than two abreast, and only when doing so would not impede traffic. A two lane road, a low speed posting, and a weekend group ride do not lift that condition. When cars stack up behind a pair, the riders should single up and let traffic pass, and drivers should wait for a safe gap rather than squeezing between the riders and oncoming traffic at a crest or curve.

7. 7. While stopped waiting to turn in Utah traffic, how should the front wheels be aimed?

   1. Turned toward the intended direction early
   2. Straight ahead
   3. Turned opposite the intended direction first
   4. It makes no difference while waiting there
   Show answer

   Straight ahead. Utah turn guidance for a driver who must stop before turning is to come to a smooth complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or stop sign, and keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead while waiting. Wheels pre-turned toward the turn mean a rear end tap shoves the car into oncoming or crossing traffic instead of forward. The same stop should leave the rear tires of the vehicle ahead visible as a safe gap cue.

   Study this in the handbook: Emergency Vehicles, Move Over and School Buses

8. 8. An official Utah sign prohibits stopping along a curb. May you park there briefly to drop off a passenger?

   1. Yes, for five minutes with the hazard lights on
   2. Yes, if you remain seated inside the vehicle
   3. No, parking there is prohibited by the sign
   4. Yes, outside weekday enforcement hours only
   Show answer

   No, parking there is prohibited by the sign. Utah lists any place where official signs prohibit stopping among the places where parking is not allowed, and a brief drop off still leaves the vehicle standing at that curb. Hazard lights do not create an exception, and staying behind the wheel does not change the position of the car. Enforcement hours are not part of the rule as written. Keep moving to a legal curb space or lot entrance where a passenger can step out without your vehicle blocking a signed restriction.

9. 9. A tractor-trailer ahead signals right but swings wide to the left first. What should you do?

   1. Pass quickly on the right before it turns
   2. Honk and turn beside it on the left side
   3. Wait and avoid turning until the vehicle has finished its turn
   4. Follow its left swing into the next lane over
   Show answer

   Wait and avoid turning until the vehicle has finished its turn. Large Utah vehicles sometimes swing wide to the left to clear a curb on a right turn, because rear wheels follow a shorter path than front wheels. Passing on the right drives into the space the trailer will sweep, turning beside it invites a squeeze, and following the swing puts you in oncoming space. Read the signal, hold back, and let the rig finish before you turn, and keep behind stop lines that are set back to give big vehicles this room.

10. 10. Your light turns steady yellow as you near the intersection. What is that color warning you about?

    1. The light is about to change to red, so prepare to stop
    2. The light is about to change to green, so speed up to enter
    3. You may continue slowly with caution and no need to prepare to stop
    4. You must stop instantly, even if you are already inside the intersection
    Show answer

    The light is about to change to red, so prepare to stop. A steady yellow warns that red will follow right away, so a driver who can still stop safely should slow and halt before entering. Rolling through slowly with only caution copies the flashing yellow instruction and misses the coming change. Speeding up to beat the change also cuts the time left to scan for walkers and cross traffic. Ease off the gas early, glance at the mirrors for close followers, and brake in a smooth line toward the stop line or crosswalk edge.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic Signals and Arrows

11. 11. How does Utah define aggressive driving?

    1. Traveling at the posted speed limit without endangering people or property
    2. Committing moving traffic offenses that endanger people or property
    3. Sounding the horn once at another driver without threatening anyone
    4. Passing several cars legally in one move without endangering anyone
    Show answer

    Committing moving traffic offenses that endanger people or property. Utah defines aggressive driving as committing moving traffic offenses in a way that endangers other people or property. The handbook also includes an assault with a motor vehicle or another dangerous weapon by an operator or passenger against someone in another vehicle. Traveling at the limit without endangering anyone, one horn sound, and a legal pass do not meet that definition. The key is the combination of moving traffic offenses and danger, rather than speed or rudeness alone.

    Study this in the handbook: Distractions, Fatigue, Animals and Mountain Roads

12. 12. What use of a Utah freeway emergency lane is illegal?

    1. Passing, or stopping to pick up passengers
    2. Waiting there while someone in the vehicle has a medical emergency
    3. Stopping there with a vehicle breakdown
    4. Pulling there after a tire failure occurs
    Show answer

    Passing, or stopping to pick up passengers. The Utah freeway emergency lane, the area outside the solid white line, is for emergency use only, and passing another vehicle or stopping to pick up passengers in it is illegal. Breakdowns, medical distress, and tire failures are the emergencies the space exists for. Treating it as a bonus lane turns a refuge into a collision trap, since stopped drivers open doors and walk there expecting protection. Keep it clear until a genuine emergency puts you in it.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement Markings and Special Lanes

13. 13. How closely should you follow a motorcycle in Utah, and when should that gap grow?

    1. One second back, with a larger gap used only in city traffic
    2. Half a second back, so other cars cannot cut in ahead of you
    3. Three seconds back, but only when riding on freeway ramps
    4. At least two seconds back, increasing the distance when the roadway is wet
    Show answer

    At least two seconds back, increasing the distance when the roadway is wet. Utah sets the motorcycle following gap at at least two seconds back, increasing that distance when the roadway is wet, because riders may suddenly change speed or lane position for potholes, gravel, slick spots, pavement seams, and grooved paving. One second, a half second, and a ramp only rule all leave the rider no escape room. Extra space also protects you, since a motorcycle can stop or swerve around debris your car would simply straddle.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, Bicycles and Motorcycles

14. 14. With no sign posted, how fast may you drive while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours or when flashing lights are operating?

    1. Up to 25 mph in the school area
    2. Up to 20 mph in the school area
    3. Up to 30 mph in the school area
    4. Up to 35 mph in the school area
    Show answer

    Up to 20 mph in the school area. At arrival and dismissal times, and whenever school lights flash, Utah sets the passing speed at 20 miles per hour. The 25 mile figure belongs to business or residential areas, so using it beside a school at those busy times leaves too little room for a child who steps from a curb, a parked car, or a bus. Slow before reaching the school frontage, watch both curbs and crosswalks, and stay ready to stop without a hard brake.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement Markings and Special Lanes

15. 15. How are Utah safety belt citations counted when several passengers are unrestrained?

    1. One citation covers the whole vehicle load
    2. Only the driver can ever receive a citation
    3. Citations issue only after a crash happens first
    4. You can be issued a citation for each unrestrained passenger
    Show answer

    You can be issued a citation for each unrestrained passenger. Utah warns that if you or anyone in your vehicle is not properly restrained, you can be issued a citation for each unrestrained passenger, so a carload of unbelted riders multiplies the penalty. A single vehicle wide citation, driver only exposure, and crash first timing all soften the rule; officers may stop and cite when anyone under 16 is unrestrained, and older occupants can be cited when stopped for another reason. Count heads and belts before rolling.

    Study this in the handbook: Seat Belts, Car Seats and Air Bags

16. 16. How should a Utah driver set the inside rearview mirror and a day/night mirror?

    1. Aim the inside mirror at the rear seat headrests instead of the rear window
    2. Tilt the inside mirror toward the passenger window instead of the rear window behind you
    3. Set both mirrors once and never adjust them again for other drivers
    4. Frame the rear window in the inside mirror, and set a day/night mirror for the time of day
    Show answer

    Frame the rear window in the inside mirror, and set a day/night mirror for the time of day. Utah mirror guidance says to adjust the inside mirror so it frames the rear window, and if the vehicle has a day/night mirror, set it for the time of day you drive so glare control matches conditions. Aiming at headrests or the passenger window wastes the mirror, and a set once habit fails whenever another driver moves it. Outside mirrors should then sit so you can barely see the sides of your own vehicle, widening the lane view.

    Study this in the handbook: Seat Belts, Car Seats and Air Bags

17. 17. A person steers a motorboat on a Utah lake after drinking alcohol. Which set of impaired operation laws governs that trip?

    1. Boating follows looser rules than road driving
    2. Only a warning applies on the water
    3. The same laws that govern driving a motor vehicle on the road
    4. Laws set by the marina owner for that lake
    Show answer

    The same laws that govern driving a motor vehicle on the road. Utah treats impaired boating the same as impaired driving on the road, so the alcohol rules follow the operator onto the water. Looser treatment on a lake is a common guess, yet waves, sun, and wind can deepen impairment during a long afternoon. A warning only outcome understates the exposure, and a marina owner cannot rewrite state law for a private dock. Pick a sober operator before leaving shore, and keep that plan even if the return trip looks short and calm.

    Study this in the handbook: DUI Penalties, Refusal and Ignition Interlock

18. 18. A Utah railroad crossing requires you to stop. How far from the nearest rail should you stop?

    1. More than 15 but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail
    2. Within 10 feet of the nearest rail, close to the crossing point
    3. Between 50 and 75 feet from the nearest rail, farther back
    4. With the front bumper on the nearest rail at the crossing
    Show answer

    More than 15 but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail. When Utah requires a stop at a railroad crossing, the vehicle must be more than 15 feet but not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Stopping within 10 feet puts the vehicle too close to the track, while 50 to 75 feet is farther back than the stated stopping range. Placing the bumper on the rail is plainly inside the crossing and leaves no clearance for the train. Use the nearest rail as the reference point and remain stopped until it is safe to continue.

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings

19. 19. Which vehicle offers protection during a lightning storm in Utah, and how should you sit in it?

    1. A hard-topped car with doors closed and windows up, without touching metal surfaces
    2. A convertible with the top down, windows up, and hands resting on the metal door frame
    3. A hard-topped vehicle with windows down so you can hear the storm approaching outside
    4. Any open vehicle, as long as you stay low and keep your hands in your lap
    Show answer

    A hard-topped car with doors closed and windows up, without touching metal surfaces. A hard roof turns a vehicle into shelter during lightning, provided the doors are shut, the windows are rolled up, and hands stay off metal parts inside. A convertible with the top down leaves the cabin open to the strike path, open windows break the shell that protects you, and an open vehicle offers no roof at all. Park clear of trees and power lines, wait out the worst of the cell, and keep radios tied to an outside antenna switched off.

    Study this in the handbook: Night Driving, Weather, Floods and Skids

20. 20. You steer around a sudden hazard on a Utah road. What completes the swerve safely?

    1. Keep the wheel turned until the vehicle slows itself and stops
    2. After missing the hazard, straighten the vehicle and slow down
    3. Brake hard while the wheel is still fully turned
    4. Steer sharply back toward the original lane line
    Show answer

    After missing the hazard, straighten the vehicle and slow down. Utah's swerve procedure continues after the vehicle misses the hazard: straighten the vehicle and slow down. Holding the wheel turned can carry the vehicle toward another hazard or the shoulder. Braking hard while the wheels are turned can reduce control, and a sharp return toward the original lane can upset the vehicle. The sequence is steer around the object, then straighten and reduce speed. That second step helps the tires regain a stable direction before the driver resumes normal travel.

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Emergencies