How to Get Your Connecticut Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Connecticut license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Connecticut learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Connecticut residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Connecticut residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Connecticut permit knowledge test
The Connecticut knowledge test has 25 questions; you must answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Connecticut-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Connecticut knowledge test, you must wait at least 7 days to retest and pay another $40 examination fee. After 3 failed attempts you must reapply and pay the full $40 application fee again.
The best prep path is to read the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free CT practice test and the full 25-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Connecticut learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $40).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Connecticut's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Connecticut license
Schedule your Connecticut road test through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $84 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Connecticut steps in order
As listed by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Turn 16 and gather your birth certificate, Social Security card, two proofs of CT residency, and parent/guardian consent.
- Study the Connecticut Driver's Manual from portal.ct.gov/dmv.
- Complete the free CT Work Zone Safety Course (required as of January 1, 2026).
- If under 18, complete a state-approved driver education program (30 hours classroom or home training plus 40 hours behind-the-wheel).
- Schedule your knowledge test online and bring documents to a CT DMV office.
- Pay the $40 exam fee and $19 permit fee, then pass the 25-question test and a vision screening.
- Hold your permit for at least 120 days (under 18) and log all required supervised hours.
- Complete the 2-hour Safe Driving Practices course (under 18).
- Schedule and pass the road skills test.
- Pay the $84 license fee and receive your Connecticut driver's license.
FAQ: Getting Your Connecticut License
How old do I need to be to get a Connecticut learner permit?
You must be at least 16 to apply for a Connecticut learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Connecticut permit test?
The Connecticut permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Connecticut permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Connecticut residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Connecticut?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles driver manual lists Connecticut's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Connecticut driver license?
Yes — Connecticut issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free CT practice tests mirror the real Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Connecticut-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.