Starting the engine — Utah Permit Test

Before starting the engine a driver should be sure the vehicle is in park, or that the clutch is engaged on a vehicle with manual gears.

A car left in gear jumps forward the moment it fires. Checking takes a second and a garage door does not.

Be sure the vehicle is in “P” (park) or the clutch is engaged if operating a vehicle with manual gears.

To start the engine a driver applies the brake, turns the ignition on, and checks the lights and gauges.

The warning lights only speak at startup. Driving off without reading them is ignoring the one report the car gives you.

To start the engine, apply the brake, turn/push button on and check the lights and gauges (fuel level, ABS, air bags, etc.)

Before moving forward a driver applies the brake, puts the vehicle in gear, performs a traffic check and a head check, signals if needed, and accelerates smoothly.

Pulling out is where a parked car becomes traffic. The order of those steps is what keeps it from becoming somebody else’s problem.

Perform a traffic check and head check.

What should a Utah driver check before starting the engine?

That the vehicle is in park. A car left in gear jumps forward the moment it fires. Checking takes a second and a garage door does not. Utah Driver Handbook 2026-2027, p.30: “Be sure the vehicle is in “P” (park) or the clutch is engaged if operating a vehicle with manual gears.”