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Connecticut

Are you ready for your Connecticut driver’s license? No? You’ll need practice tests like the Connecticut teen permit test and the Connecticut road signs test. These tests will prepare you for the exam that is administered by the Connecticut DMV.

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Connecticut DMV Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying For Your Connecticut License
  • Preparing For Your CT Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your CT Permit Test
  • Renewing Your CT License
  • Taking Your CT Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your CT Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Connecticut or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Some insurance providers may allow you to list your teen on your insurance policy at no charge until they obtain their driver's license. Other providers may require you to start paying premiums for your teen as soon as they receive their permit. Because the answer varies depending on your provider, you should contact your insurance company about their policy before your teen earns their learner's permit.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

Yes. The following restrictions apply to 16- and 17-year old license and permit holders:

  • Passenger restrictions
    • During the first six months after they receive their license, these drivers may not have passengers in their vehicle, except for
      • a licensed driving instructor;
      • their parents or legal guardians, if at least on of them holds a valid driver's license; or
      • one person at least 20 years of age who has held a driver's license for at least four consecutive years and has not had their license suspended in the four years prior to the time of transport.
    • During the second six months, the driver's immediate family members are the only additional passengers allowed in the vehicle.
  • Curfew
    • These drivers may not be on the road between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless they
      • are traveling for employment, school, religious activities, or medical necessity; or
      • are an assigned driver in the Safe Ride Program
  • Other restrictions

In addition to the rules above, these drivers may not do any of the following:

  • Transport more passengers than the number of seatbelts in the vehicle.
    • Operate a vehicle that requires a public passenger transportation permit or vanpool vehicle.
    • Use a cell phone or mobile electronic device while driving, even if it is hands-free.
    • Transport any passenger on a motorcycle within six months after receiving a motorcycle endorsement.

What happens after I pass my CT road test?

The DMV will give you a temporary paper card and mail your license to you within 20 days of passing the road test.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

If you are under 18, your 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice driving may be completed with a licensed driving instructor and others accompanying that instructor or with a person who is at least 20 years old and has held a driver's license for at least four consecutive years without any suspensions in the last four years. No other passengers are permitted.

If you are 18 or older, you must be accompanied by a person who is at least 20 years old and has held a driver's license for at least four consecutive years without any suspensions in the last four years.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No. You are only allowed to have your photo taken at the DMV office.

Once I get my CT permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

Once you have your learner's permit, you may begin driving with a qualified instructor. A qualified instructor is anyone 20 years of age or older who has held a license for at least 4 years without receiving any suspensions. You may not carry additional passengers, except for a parent or legal guardian, and only while accompanied by a qualified instructor.

Teen Learners Permit

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Drivers License Renewal

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New to State Drivers

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unlimited
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Motorcycle Permit

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Commercial License

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How To Get A Connecticut Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all new drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving without restrictions.

The following steps are required for anyone applying for a driver’s license in Connecticut who has never held a driver’s license before, and for anyone whose driver’s license has been expired for 2 or more years:

  1. Apply for a Learner’s Permit.
  2. Complete driver training.
  3. Pass an on-the-road skills test.

The specifics of each step vary depending on your age, whether or not you have ever had a license in the past, and your citizenship status.

CT Learner’s Permit/Driver License Requirements for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Obtaining a Learner’s Permit

If you are under 18, you’re required to obtain a Learner’s Permit before you may apply for a driver’s license. You must be at least 16 years old to get your permit. To apply, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Schedule an appointment to take a knowledge and vision test at the DMV.
  2. Gather documents required as acceptable form of identification.
  3. Complete an Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (form R-229).
  4. Bring your parent/legal guardian with you to the appointment, or bring a completed Certificate of Parental Consent (form 2D).
  5. Take the vision and knowledge tests. You should bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to pass the vision test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the knowledge test. If you fail either test, you will be required to schedule another appointment.
  6. Pay the $40 testing fee and, if you pass the tests, the $19 learner’s permit fee. If you fail your vision or knowledge tests, you will have to pay these fees again when you reschedule your appointment.

Completing Driver Training

Once you have a learner’s permit, you’ll need to complete the following driver training:

  • An 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course, which includes 2 hours of parent training, at a commercial driving school or high school (secondary) driver education program.
  • 22 hours of classroom training at a commercial driving school or secondary driver education program, or through home training.
  • 40 hours of practice driving with a commercial or secondary instructor, or parent/legal guardian.

Taking the Road Test

After you have completed all required driver training and held your permit for at least 120 days (if you completed driver training at a commercial or secondary school) or 180 days (if you completed driver training at home), you may schedule your road test. You should bring the following to your road test appointment at the DMV:

  1. Your road test appointment confirmation email
  2. A completed R-229 application form
  3. Your learner’s permit
  4. A registered and insured vehicle to use for the road test, with a valid Vehicle Registration Certificate and an insurance card
  5. Your CS-1 Driver Education certificate
  6. The $84 license fee
  7. Your qualified trainer

Some commercial driving schools and secondary schools offer road tests at their facilities. If you opt to take your road test at your driving school, you will be asked to present items 2, 3, and 5 from the list above.

During the road test, the inspector will evaluate your ability to properly adjust the seat, mirror, and seat belts; your response to road markings, traffic control signals and signs, and other motorists; your basic driving skills, such as backing, parking, and turning; and your execution of any other driving maneuvers at their request.

If you fail the road test, you are still required to pay the License Exam Fee. You may schedule another road test after 14 days.

If you pass the road test, you should wait 48 hours before going to the DMV Office and presenting your Road Test Evaluation Report.

Restrictions on 16- and 17-Year-Olds with a Permit or Driver’s License

While you have your learner’s permit or license, you must observe specific rules for 16- and 17-year-old drivers:

  • During the first six months, you may not have passengers in the vehicle except for a licensed driving instructor, your parents or legal guardians (at least one of whom must have a valid driver’s license), or one person at least 20 years old who has held a license for at least 4 years.
  • During  the second six months, the only additional passengers you may transport are immediate family members.
  • You may not drive with more passengers than there are seatbelts in the vehicle.
  • You may not operate a vanpool vehicle, or any vehicle that requires a public passenger transportation permit.
  • You may not use a cell phone or any other electronic device, even if it is hands-free.

CT Learner’s Permit/Driver License Requirements for New Adult Drivers

Obtaining an Adult Learner’s Permit

If you are 18 years of age or older and have never held a driver’s license or a Connecticut Learner’s Permit, you must obtain an Adult Learner’s Permit before you may apply for a driver’s license. Complete the following steps to apply for an Adult Learner’s Permit:

  1. Schedule an appointment to take a knowledge and vision test at the DMV.
  2. Gather documents required as acceptable form of identification. If you have a Connecticut non-driver ID, you may use it as your only form of identification.
  3. Bring a copy of your appointment verification email.
  4. Pass the vision and knowledge tests.
  5. Pay the $40 testing fee and, if you pass the tests, the $19 learner’s permit fee.

Completing Driver Training and Taking the Road Test

Once you have a learner’s permit, you must complete the following steps before taking the road test:

  • Hold your permit for at least 90 days.
  • Take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices Course.

During this time, you must be accompanied by a qualified trainer in order to drive. A qualified trainer is a person who is at least 20 years old who has held a license for at least four consecutive years without suspensions.

After you have completed the Safe Driving Practices Course and held your permit for at least 90 days, you may schedule your road test. You should bring the following to your road test appointment at the DMV:

  1. Your road test appointment confirmation email
  2. A completed R-229 application form
  3. Your learner’s permit
  4. A registered and insured vehicle to use for the road test, with a valid Vehicle Registration Certificate and an insurance card
  5. Your CS-1 Driver Education certificate
  6. The $84 license fee

During the road test, the inspector will evaluate your ability to properly adjust the seat, mirror, and seat belts; your response to road markings, traffic control signals and signs, and other motorists; your basic driving skills, such as backing, parking, and turning; and your execution of any other driving maneuvers at their request.

If you fail the road test, you are still required to pay the License Exam Fee. You may schedule another road test after 14 days.

Driver’s License Requirements for New CT Residents

If you already have a license from another U.S. state, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany, or France, you may follow the steps below within 30 days of establishing residency in Connecticut to exchange your out-of-state license for a Connecticut driver’s license:

  1. Schedule an appointment at the DMV.
  2. Gather documents required as acceptable form of identification.
  3. Complete an Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (form R-229).
  4. Take a vision test. You should bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to pass the vision test.
  5. Pay the $40 application fee and $84 license fee.

If you are under 18 and hold an out-of-state license, you must complete additional requirements:

  1. Complete an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices class at a Connecticut commercial driving school or secondary school.
  2. Present a CS-1 Driver Education certificate.
  3. Pass a road test.

Special Situations

If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than two years, you must get a learner’s permit, take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course, and pass a road test.

If your out-of-state driver’s license is lost OR if your out-of-state license is from American Samoa, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must obtain a certified copy of your driver history dated within 60 days.

Military personnel and dependents stationed in Connecticut are not required to obtain a Connecticut license.

Driver’s License Requirements for Undocumented CT Residents

Connecticut’s Drive Only program is for undocumented individuals over 16 who cannot establish their legal presence in the U.S. or do not have a Social Security number. To apply for a Drive Only License, complete the following steps:

  1. Gather documents required as laid out in the Drive Only Document Checklist (Spanish).
  2. Schedule an appointment to take the vision and knowledge tests.
  3. Pay the $40 testing fee and, if you pass the tests, the $19 learner’s permit fee. These fees will be collected when you make your appointment.
  4. Sign an affidavit, when you make your appointment, stating that you have filed or will file an application to legalize your immigration status.
  5. Take the vision and knowledge tests. You should bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to pass the vision test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the knowledge test. If you fail either test, you will be required to schedule another appointment.
  6. Complete all driver training requirements with your learner’s permit.
  7. Schedule an appointment to take your road test.
  8. Pay the $40 testing fee and, if you pass the test, the $72 Drive Only license fee.

A Drive Only license allows you to drive a vehicle, but is not valid for federal identification purposes and cannot be used to vote.

Connecticut DMV Motorcycle Permit & License Info

In Connecticut, a motorcycle endorsement allows you to drive a 2- or 3-wheel motorcycle on public highways. The motorcycle endorsement is designated by the letter “M” on your driver’s license. An “M” designation with a “3” restriction only allows you to operate 3-wheel motorcycles. You can obtain a motorcycle endorsement by completing the following steps:

  1. Possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license. If you do not have a driver’s license already, follow the steps above to obtain one.
  2. If you are under 18, present a notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (form 2-D).
  3. Complete an Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (form R-229).
  4. Schedule an appointment to take the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests. You should bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to pass the vision test.
  5. Obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit (optional). Once you pass the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests, you have the option to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit, which allows you to gain experience on the road and operate a motorcycle without an endorsement for up to 60 days. See the motorcycle permit section below.
  6. Pay the $40 testing fee and $16 permit fee (if obtaining a permit).
  7. Complete a motorcycle safety course. The novice motorcycle safety course must be approved by the Connecticut DMV, and include both classroom and on the road skills training.
  8. Bring your course completion certificate to the DMV. When you have successfully completed your motorcycle safety course, you must go to the DMV to have the “M” designation added to your driver’s license. The “3” restriction will be added to your license unless you passed the motorcycle safety course on a 2-wheel motorcycle.

Once you get your motorcycle endorsement, you must observe the following restrictions:

  • If you are under 18, you may not carry a passenger on a motorcycle for six months after you receive your endorsement. You must also follow all of Connecticut’s specific laws for 16- and 17-year old drivers.
  • If you are 18 or older, you may not carry a passenger on a motorcycle for 90 days after you receive your endorsement.

CT Motorcycle Permit Requirements

While you are in the process of earning your motorcycle endorsement, you have the option of obtaining a motorcycle learner’s permit. A motorcycle learner’s permit allows you to drive a motorcycle on the road without an endorsement for up to 60 days. You can obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit by completing the following steps:

  1. Possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license. If you do not have a driver’s license already, follow the steps above to obtain one.
  2. If you are under 18, present a notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (form 2-D).
  3. Complete an Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (form R-229).
  4. Schedule an appointment to take the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests. You should bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to pass the vision test.
  5. Pay the $40 testing fee and $16 permit fee.

Once you pass the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests, you may choose to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit. While you are driving with a learner’s permit, you must observe the following restrictions:

  • You may not drive a motorcycle outside of Connecticut.
  • You may only drive during daylight hours.
  • You may not transport passengers.
  • You may not drive on limited access highways.
  • You must use a vision protecting device, such as goggles, glasses, face shields, windshields, or wind screens.
  • You must wear protective headgear that meets the minimum specifications of the law.

Connecticut CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Connecticut, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.  You must complete the following steps to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL):

  1. Hold a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
  2. Self-certify via the DMV website.
  3. Gather documents required as laid out in the Real ID Document Checklist. You will also need several other documents:
  1. Take knowledge tests. You will take the 50-question general knowledge test, plus any endorsement tests if you are seeking any of these endorsements: Hazardous Materials, Air Brakes, or Combination Vehicle, School Bus, Passenger, Tanker, and Doubles and Triples. If you fail one of the tests, you must schedule another appointment to retake that test, and pay the test fee again.
  2. Pay test fees. The skills test fee must be paid at the time of knowledge test. School Bus Operators are eligible for certain fee waivers if a letter is presented from your employer. The current CDL test fees are as follows:
    • General Knowledge—$16
    • Air Brakes—$5
    • Combination—$5
    • All other endorsements—$5 each
    • Skills test—$30
  1. Pay the $10 Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) fee. If you pass the general knowledge test, you will be issued a CLP.
  2. Schedule your skills test. You will be evaluated on your pre-trip inspection, static course, and on-the-road skills. You should bring the following items to your skills test:
  1. Pick up your new CDL. If you pass your skills test, you may pick up your new CDL from the same office where you took your knowledge test after two days. If you fail any section of your skills test, you must fill out a new Application for Commercial Driver’s License (form R-229a), pay the $30 testing fee again, and schedule another skills test at least 7 days after the date of your failed test.

Connecticut DMV Handbooks

Connecticut CDL Handbook

Connecticut CDL Handbook

Connecticut CDL Handbook
Connecticut Driver's License Handbook

Connecticut Driver's License Handbook

Connecticut Driver's License Handbook
Connecticut Motorcycle Handbook

Connecticut Motorcycle Handbook

Connecticut Motorcycle Handbook