SALT LAKE CITY, UT — In a significant development for young drivers in Utah, a new legislative proposal aims to allow teenagers to begin the process of obtaining learner permits and driver licenses six months earlier than current state regulations permit. House Bill 464, introduced by Rep. Nicholeen Peck on February 3, 2026, seeks to amend the existing laws governing teen driving, potentially reshaping the landscape of driver education and teen driving rights in the state. Under the current law, teenagers must wait until they are 15 years old to apply for a learner permit and 16 years old to obtain a full driver’s license. However, if HB 464 is passed, teens would be eligible to apply for a learner permit at 14 years and six months and a driver’s license at 15 years and six months. This proposed change is anticipated to provide younger teenagers with increased opportunities for independence and mobility, as well as ease the burden on parents who may be managing multiple schedules. The bill has already made strides within the legislative process, having received its first reading in the House and subsequently being sent to House Rules for further consideration. As it progresses, stakeholders are closely monitoring its implications for driver safety and readiness among young drivers. Current guidelines from the Utah Driver License Division specify that teens aged 15 to 17 must hold a learner permit for a minimum of six months before they can apply for a full driver’s license. This waiting period is designed to ensure that young drivers gain sufficient practical experience behind the wheel before being granted full driving privileges. However, HB 464 proposes a notable adjustment to these requirements by increasing the number of supervised driving hours that teens must complete before they can obtain a Class D license. The new legislation would raise the minimum certification from 40 hours of supervised driving — with 10 of those hours occurring after dark — to 60 hours total, including 15 hours of nighttime driving. This change aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of teen drivers by ensuring they have experience navigating various driving conditions. In addition to the adjustments to driving hours, HB 464 introduces a parent-led option for driver education that expands on existing programs. Under this provision, local education agencies would be required to provide classroom materials at no cost to parents, allowing them to oversee their child’s driver education. Through this parent-taught approach, parents would be responsible for fulfilling both the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction requirements. To ensure the efficacy of this approach, the bill outlines several additional conditions. Parents would be required to accompany their teens in the passenger seat during all supervised driving hours. Moreover, both the parent and the teen must attend a “Zero Fatalities Parent-Teen Night” organized by the Department of Public Safety, designed to address critical safety topics and promote safe driving practices among young drivers. As HB 464 moves through the legislative process, it is likely to face scrutiny from various stakeholders, particularly concerning the implications for teen driver safety. Advocates for stricter driving regulations may raise concerns about the readiness of younger drivers to handle the responsibilities of operating a vehicle, especially with the reduced waiting period for obtaining a learner permit. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding how schools and state licensing offices will implement the expanded parent-taught option alongside traditional driver education programs. The proposed changes come at a time when discussions surrounding driver safety, particularly among teenagers, are increasingly pertinent. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teenagers in the United States. As such, the potential impacts of HB 464 on driver education and safety protocols will likely be a focal point of debate as the bill continues to advance. In conclusion, House Bill 464 represents a bold step towards reforming Utah’s teen driving laws, seeking to provide adolescents with greater freedom while also enhancing the requirements for supervised driving. As the legislative body evaluates the bill, the broader implications for safety, education, and the responsibilities of both parents and young drivers will play a significant role in shaping the final outcomes. The coming weeks will be critical as stakeholders await further developments regarding this important piece of legislation.