Connecticut Permit and Driver's License FAQ

  • Applying for Your CT License
  • Preparing for the CT Permit Test
  • Taking the CT Permit Test
  • Preparing for the CT Driving Test
  • Taking the CT Driving Test
  • Renewing Your CT License
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Applying for Your CT License: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age requirements for getting started?

Teens in Connecticut are required to earn a Learner’s Permit, then a restricted license and finally their unrestricted license. Here are the specific age requirements:

  • Learner’s permit – eligible at 16 years old
  • Restricted license with driver’s training from a secondary or commercial school – eligible at 16 years old and 120 days
  • Restricted license with at-home driver’s training – eligible at 16 years old and 180 days
  • Full license – eligible at 18 years old if required adult permit period completed

What documents am I required to bring with me when applying for a license in Connecticut?

For your learner’s permit you need:

  • Two proof of identification documents
  • Social Security Number
  • Proof of Connecticut residency
  • Notarized Form 2D (Certificate of Parental Consent) – if parent or guardian not present
  • Form R-229 (Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License)

For your Connecticut Driver’s License you need:

  • Learner’s Permit
  • Form R-229 (Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License) signed by a qualified trainer
  • Form CS-1 (Driver Education Certificate)

Where do I file my CT driver’s license application?

Visit your local DMV Hub Office. Here is a list of offices in Connecticut.

How can I contact my local office?

Call (860) 263-5700 if you live within the Hartford area or are out-of-state. Call (800) 842-8222 if you live anywhere else in Connecticut. You can also visit https://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=808&q=244586.

Do I have to take a Driver’s Ed Course?

Connecticut allows teens to complete driver training by choosing one of three methods:

  • Secondary/high school driver education – teen must complete 30 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training
  • Commercial driving school – teen must complete 30 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training
  • Home training – teen must complete 22 hours of classroom-like training, 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training and the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course.

What if I am New to Connecticut?

If you are aged 16 or 17 and have an out-of-state license, you have 30 days to transfer to a Connecticut license. During that time you must complete the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course.

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Preparing for the CT Permit Test: Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects are commonly covered on the written test?

The Connecticut permit exam tests your knowledge of state road rules and road signs as well as safe driving principles. The questions are based on th content in the state Driver’s Manual. Here are two examples of content from the manual that could be tested for on the exam:

  • How to use the “three-second” following rule: Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other stationary point. Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot – say “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.” You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you finish counting. If are following too closely, drop back and then count again at another spot to check the new following distance.
  • U-turns are not legal everywhere. Before you make a U-turn, check for signs prohibiting them. Never make a U-turn on an expressway. When making a U-turn, give a left turn signal, stop, check for approaching traffic, then proceed into the outside or right hand lane traveling in the opposite direction.

How is the test formatted?

The Connecticut permit test is a multiple-choice test.

Are there a lot of “trick” questions on the written test?

No, questions are designed to test your driving knowledge not trick you into getting something wrong. If you study your Connecticut Driver’s Manual you will not be surprised by the subjects covered on the test.

How many questions are on the test and how many do I need to answer correctly to pass?

The Connecticut Written Test has 25 total questions and you must answer at least 20 of them correctly to pass.

What are the best ways to prepare for the written test?

You should study the Connecticut Driver’s Manual, which contains all the information you need to know to pass. You can also take practice tests online to assess your knowledge level and identify areas that you need to study more. Take a practice test now.

Where can I get a free Connecticut Driver’s Manual to study?

You can download a free copy of the Connecticut Driver’s Manual on this website.

How can I improve my odds for passing the first time I take the test?

Put in the time. You need to read and study your Connecticut Driver’s Manual thoroughly and the only way to do that is to put in the time. One other thing you can do improve your chances is to take practice tests so you can gauge your current knowledge and get an idea of what areas you need to focus your study efforts on. Take a practice test now.

What should I do the night before the test?

The biggest thing you can do the night before the test is be sure to get adequate rest so that you are feeling fresh and energized on test day. Most of us don’t do our best thinking when we are tired. So go to bed early. Also be sure to eat a good meal before going to the DMV to keep your energy level high.

Don’t try to cram the night before the test! This will only overload your brain, make you tired and hurt your performance.

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Taking the CT Permit Test: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to take the written test?

It is recommended that you make an appointment.

Where do I take the written test?

The test will be given at your local DMV Hub Office.

What do I need to bring when I sit for the written test?

You need:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of residency
  • Completion certificate for driver’s education

Who should accompany me to the written test?

A parent or guardian should accompany you.

Do I need to pay a fee to take the written test?

Yes, you will need to pay a learner’s permit fee of $19. You will also need to pay a $40 permit test fee.

What should I expect when I sit for the written test?

You will be presented with 25 multiple choice questions. You can skip over difficult questions and come back to them if you want. You will need to answer 20 questions correctly to pass. That means if there is a difficult question that you don’t know the answer to, you could pass the test before you answer it. To get more familiar with the test format, to take a practice test that is formatted like the real thing.

What happens after I pass the written test?

You will be issued your Learner’s Permit and can begin practicing driving depending on how you select to meet the state’s requirements – through a school program, a commercial program or at home.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again in 7 days.

Will I need to pay the permit test fee again?

Yes, each time you retake the test you will need to pay a $40 fee.

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Preparing for the CT Driving Test: Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve passed the written permit test, what are the next steps?

Once you have your permit, you can begin practicing driving. You will need to complete 40 hours of practice driving. You can complete the hours in a home-based program, in a school program or in a commercial program.

Besides professional trainers, qualified driver trainers can be a parent, foster parent, legal guardian, grandparent or spouse. The trainer must be at least 20 years old and must have held a Connecticut license for at least four consecutive years without suspension.

The trainer will provide a signed statement saying the 40 hours have been completed.

How long after getting my Learner’s Permit can I apply for a license?

You must hold your Learner’s Permit for either 120 days or 180 days depending your driver’s education method.

Can I drive anywhere in Connecticut with my Learner’s Permit?

Yes, when accompanied by a qualified driver trainer, you can drive on any public road or street in Connecticut.

Should I practice driving solely during the day?

Experts recommend that a portion of your driving practice be done at night to get used to the different conditions that night driving offers.

Does anyone have to be in the car with me when I’m driving with my Learner’s Permit?

Yes, you must be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver trainer who must be at least 20 years old.

What should I do if I have a lost Connecticut Learner’s Permit?

You can obtain a replacement by going to your local DMV Hub Office. Be sure to bring proper identification like when you first applied for the permit.

How can I be sure I’m prepared to ace the driving test?

Learn the rules of the road and be sure to follow them when driving. To make good driving a habit, get as much practice as possible. Also, when driving always be sure to be focused and attentive. Inattentive driving leads to mistakes and mistakes lead to accidents.

Are there particular driving maneuvers I should practice?

Some of the more commonly tested driving maneuvers include stopping, accelerating, changing lanes, driving defensively, parking and making turns.

How can I simulate the driving test?

Practice commonly tested for maneuvers like parking, changing lanes, defensive driving, stopping, etc. Attempt to do the maneuvers as perfectly as possible. For instance, when parking don’t hit the lines – hitting a line or cone could be what pushes you over to a failing score.

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Taking the CT Driving Test: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule my driving test?

Contact your local DMV Hub Office.

Where do I take the driving test?

You will take the test at the closed DMV Hub Office that administers it.

What should I bring to the driving test?

Bring all of the following:

  • A vehicle along with the registration and proof of insurance
  • Your Learner’s Permit
  • Proof of completed behind-the-wheel driving practice

Who should bring me to the driving test?

A parent or legal guardian should bring you if you are under 18 years of age.

What will I be asked to do on the driving test?

The driving test will consist of a course that includes a variety of different maneuvers such as driving in traffic, parking, making turns, stopping and accelerating.

What are the most common reasons new drivers fail the driving test?

One of the most common reasons is overlooking the small details. Be sure to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder when changing lanes. Use your signal when making turns. Not doing the small things correctly can add up to a failing score.

What are five mistakes I should be sure to avoid when taking the driving test?

  • Not checking your mirrors
  • Not coming to a complete stop
  • Not signaling for a turn
  • Driving over the speed limit
  • Driving with your hands in the wrong position on the steering wheel

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test in 14 days.

Is there a fee if you retake your driving test?

Yes, you will have to pay the $40 fee each time you retake the test.

I’ve passed the road test, now what?

You will receive your official Connecticut driver’s license.

What restrictions come with a Connecticut license?

If you are under 18 years of age, your license will have the following restrictions:

  • First six months – you can drive with only a parent or guardian, a driving instructor or a qualified driving trainer who is at least 20 years old with four years of driving experience
  • Second six months – you can drive with those mentioned above and immediate family members
  • Until 18 years old – no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless traveling to/from school or church, or there is an emergency. All passengers must wear seatbelts. No cell phone operation while driving. No driving a public service or vanpool vehicle.

What are the insurance requirements for drivers in CT?

Connecticut state law requires drivers to carry car insurance. Minimum requirements are: $20,000 bodily injury per person per accident; $40,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident; $10,000 property damage liability; and $20,000/$40,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Failure to comply with the state’s insurance requirements can result in severe penalties that may include monetary fines and jail time.

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Renewing Your CT License: Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to renew my license or replace a lost/stolen license?

You can renew your license as early as 120 days before it expires. To replace a lost, damaged or stolen license, you must visit your local DMV Hub Office in person.

Where can I renew my Connecticut driver’s license?

You have two options to renew your license – in person at the local DMV Hub Office or by mail.

Will I be required to take a vision test when renewing my license?

No, you are not required to take a vision test at renewal. Connecticut does require that you take a vision test before you get your license, however.

The test evaluates acuity (which is how clearly you see) and peripheral vision (which is how far you can see to either side while looking straight ahead).

Minimum vision requirements for all classes of license are at least 20/40 with or without glasses or contact lenses.

The Connecticut DMV Test — What You Need to Know

Before you can experience the independence and freedom that comes with being a licensed driver, you will need to pass the Connecticut DMV written knowledge test.  Administered by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the test is designed to determine if you have the required knowledge of safe driving practices.  The test contains a series of multiple-choice questions on the rules of the road, Connecticut traffic laws, and various road signs.

Study Now With CT DMV Practice Permit Tests

Did you know that statistics reveal that nearly 70% of people fail the test the first time?  With those kinds of numbers do you really want to head to the DMV office unprepared?  Why take that chance when you can take advantage of the study material on this site.

Here you’ll find our Connecticut practice permit test as well as a copy of the official Connecticut Drivers Handbook.  Used together, they make an awesome set of study tools to help you begin preparing for the exam.

Connecticut Driver's License Guide