How to Get Your Connecticut Learner’s Permit: A Complete Guide

Getting your Connecticut learner’s permit is the first step toward earning your driver’s license. With a permit, you can practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult, gaining the experience needed to become a safe and responsible driver.

This guide will walk you through the application process, permit restrictions, and the steps required to advance to the next license.

Connecticut Driver’s Permit Requirements

In Connecticut, you are able to apply for a learner’s permit at the age of 16. You’ll need to hold the permit for a certain amount of time before you may sit the road test and progress to a full driver’s license. How long you must hold the permit depends on your age and training.

• 120 days if you are under 18 and you are trained at a commercial or secondary driving school.
• 180 days if you are under 18 and home-trained.
• 90 days if you are 18 or older, regardless of training.

How to Get Your Connecticut Learner’s Permit

To receive your learner’s permit, you need to complete a number of tests, present the proper documentation, and pay the necessary fees. Here is a run-down on what to do:

1. You will need to schedule an appointment with the Connecticut DMV in order to apply and take the necessary exams.
2. On the time and date of your appointment, you will be asked to complete a permit application (Form R-229). If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign this form.
3. The DMV will require you to present documentation upon arrival:

• Proof of birthdate
• Proof of identity
• Social security number
• Proof of citizenship and/or legal presence
• Proof of Connecticut address

4. You will be tested on your vision to ensure it’s safe and suitable for operating a motor vehicle. The minimum vision requirement is 20/40 with or without corrective lenses.
5. You will need to pass the knowledge exam, which consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
6. You will be charged a fee for your learner’s permit application. An additional fee will also be charged to cover your vision, knowledge, and road test.

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Connecticut Learner’s Permit Restrictions

If you’re 18 or older:

• You must hold the permit for at least 90 days before taking the road test, unless you qualify for an exemption.
• You are required to complete an eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course before taking the road test.
• When driving, you must be accompanied by a qualified trainer who is at least 20 years old, has held a driver’s license for at least four consecutive years with no suspensions during that period.

If you’re under 18 – you will be faced with the following restrictions:

• During the first six months, you may only drive with a licensed driving instructor, or one parent/legal guardian who holds a valid driver’s license.
• During the second six months, in addition to the above, you may drive with immediate family members.
• You are prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling for school, work, or religious activities.
• You are prohibited from using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, even if it is hands-free.

How to Progress to a Driver’s License

To be eligible to progress, you’ll need to satisfy the following requirements:

• You have held your learner’s permit for the required time (90, 120, or 180 days depending on your age and training).

If you are under 18:

• You have completed at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
• You have completed the required driver training, which can be either home training or training through a high school or commercial driving school.

Once these requirements are met, you can schedule the road test. The road test will assess your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and your adherence to road regulations. Upon passing the road test, you will receive your driver’s license.

Read more about the Teen License or the Adult License in our in-depth driver’s license article.

That’s It!

That’s all there is to getting a learner’s permit in Connecticut. The process can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be as long as you know what you will be getting yourself into.

If you are studying for your upcoming knowledge exam, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with a summarized handbook, Connecticut practice tests, and a gamified learning experience on web and mobile.