Utah written test scoring: 40 of 50, two attempts a day

The Utah Driver License Division runs a closed book test of 50 questions for first time applicants, needing 40 correct, and a shorter open book version of 25 questions for anyone who already held a license in another state or country, needing 20. The Utah Driver Handbook sets a single standard for both: you must pass with 80 percent or better. The shorter paper is therefore not the easier one, because it allows five misses against the long test's ten. Both counts come from the division's own written knowledge test page, and which version you sit is decided by your licensing history rather than by your age.

Utah lets you take two written knowledge tests in one day. The test fee covers up to three attempts within 12 months, and after three failed attempts you pay another fee to get three more, so the cost of failing is bounded in blocks rather than charged per sitting. The exam is taken at a Driver License Division office using an appointment booked through the division website, and the division publishes a 30 question sample test online so applicants can see the format before they go. The entry level learner permit is available from 15, and applicants aged 15 to 18 must complete 40 hours of practice driving, 10 of them after sunset, certified by a parent or legal guardian.