Getting Your Connecticut Driver’s License: A Complete Guide

Getting your Connecticut driver’s license involves several steps, and new drivers often aren’t sure what’s required. In this guide, we’ll break down the process for both teens and adults over 18, so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Learner’s Permit

Eligibility

The learner’s permit is the first step toward getting your adult driver’s license. In Connecticut, you’re able to get your permit as early as 16 years of age.

Requirements

• Pass the knowledge exam. It tests you on important traffic rules and legislation, including road signs and Connecticut-specific rules. The knowledge exam consists of 25 questions, of which you need to answer at least 20 correctly. Use Zutobi to get dozens of practice tests, and make sure there’s no way you’ll fail.
• Pass a vision test to ensure your visual acuity is at least 20/40.
• Pay the necessary application fee and testing fee.

Permit Restrictions

• Cannot travel from 11pm to 5am unless traveling for school, work, or religious activities.
• Cannot drive with another passenger besides a licensed instructor or parent during the first 6 months.
• Can drive with only immediate family members in the second 6 months.
• Cannot use a cellphone or other electronic devices while operating.

If you would like to know more about this part of the licensing process, we recommend that you read our in-depth Connecticut learner’s permit guide.

Step 2: Connecticut Teen Driver’s License

As its name suggests, the teen Connecticut driver’s license is for teenagers 16 years or older looking to get their license. While you have a learner’s permit, there are a few things you must do before applying for your teen license.

Teen Drivers License Requirements

Complete Driver Training

You have two options for completing driver training:

1. High School or Commercial Driving School is a popular option for many teens.

1. High School or Commercial Driving School is a popular option for many teens. This will include 30 hours of classroom training as well as an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course, with two hours of parent/guardian instruction.
2. Home Training involves 22 hours of classroom training in addition to an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices Course and 2 hours with a parent/guardian.

Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training

Regardless of the training method, you must complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice driving. You will also need to hold your permit for different durations depending on which option you choose for driver training.

• 120 days: If you completed training at a commercial or secondary driving school.
• 180 days: If you completed home training.

How to get a Teen Driver’s License in Connecticut

You will need to schedule and take a road test. The road test will examine your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in the state of Connecticut.

You will be tested on your ability to perform core driving maneuvers such as three-point turns, maintaining a safe following distance, turns, and more. Your test administrator will ultimately test you on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as well as your control and observance of road conditions.

What You’ll Need

• Learner’s Permit
• Proof of completion of the driving course, driver training, and parental training.
• A vehicle for the road test with valid insurance and registration
• $84 fee for your license (at the time of writing), payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card

Teen License Restrictions

You will face the following restrictions:

• During the first 6 months, you can only drive with a licensed driving instructor, a parent, legal guardian, or another adult over the age of 20.
• For the second 6 months, you can drive with members of your immediate family.
• You can’t drive between 11pm and 5am, except if going to school, work, or religious activity.
• Use of any mobile device while driving is prohibited.

Step 3: Adult Connecticut Driver’s License

If You’ve Had a Permit and Teen License

Once you turn 18, your license will automatically upgrade to a full, unrestricted adult driver’s license. You won’t need to undergo a separate application process for this transition.

How to Get a CT Driver’s License If You’re a New Driver Over 18

Step 1: Get the Adult Learner’s Permit

Apply for the Adult Learner’s Permit and hold it for at least 90 days. To obtain the permit, pass a vision and knowledge test, and complete an eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course.

Practice for the written knowledge test here.

Step 2: Schedule and Pass the Road Test

After holding your permit for at least 90 days and fufilling the other requirements, you can schedule your road test.

You’ll need to bring your permit, proof of completing the 8-hour safe driving course, and a properly registered and insured vehicle, along with the personal documents we mentioned above.

Step 3: Pay the Fee and Receive Your License

Upon passing the road test, you will receive a temporary card. Your permanent driver’s license will be mailed to you within 20 days.