How to Get a Connecticut Driver's License
Getting a driver's license in Connecticut involves passing a 25-question written knowledge test (80% to pass), holding a learner's permit for 6 months (with driver education) / 4 months (without, age 18+), completing 40 hours total of supervised driving, and passing a road test. Below is the complete process — eligibility, required documents, fees, and Connecticut-specific rules.
Connecticut License — Quick Facts
- Permit Age
- 16
- License Age
- 16 years 4 months (with training) / 18 (without)
- Full Privileges
- 18
- Permit Fee
- $19
- License Fee
- $84
- Written Test
- 25 Q · 80%
- Issuing Agency
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ↗
Age: Learner's permit at 16; full driver's license at 16 years 4 months (with training) / 18 (without); full unrestricted privileges at 18 Residency: Must be a Connecticut resident with documentation Permit holding period: 6 months (with driver education) / 4 months (without, age 18+) before becoming eligible to take the road test Supervised driving: 40 hours total of practice with a licensed adult before the road test
Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted at most CT DMV offices.
Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage) Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization Parental/guardian consent form (signed in person or notarized) — required for under-18 applicants Proof of school enrollment or graduation (in many states, required for under-18)
Always verify current document requirements with the CT DMV ↗ before your visit.
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1
Verify your eligibility
Confirm you're at least 16 (the minimum age for a Connecticut learner's permit) and have all required documents.
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2
Apply for your learner's permit
Visit a CT DMV office (or apply online if available), submit your documents, pay the $19 fee, and pass a vision test.
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3
Pass the written knowledge test
25 questions, 80% required (20 correct out of 25). Format: Multiple choice. Try our free Connecticut sample test →
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4
Complete supervised driving practice
Drive with a licensed adult (typically 21+ with 3+ years of driving experience). Log 40 hours total as documented practice. Hold the permit for at least 6 months (with driver education) / 4 months (without, age 18+).
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5
Pass the road test
A CT DMV examiner rides with you for 15–25 minutes, scoring your driving on standard maneuvers. Pass to qualify for licensing.
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6
Receive your driver's license
Pay the license fee ($84), have your photo taken, and receive your Connecticut driver's license. A temporary paper license is usually issued the same day; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks.
Standard road test components in Connecticut (and most US states):
Pre-drive vehicle inspection (lights, signals, horn, mirrors) Starting and proper signaling before moving Lane changes and merging into traffic Stop sign and traffic signal compliance Right and left turns at intersections Parallel parking Three-point turn (if road permits) Backing in a straight line Maintaining safe following distance Speed control (not too fast, not too slow) Mirror and blind-spot checks Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling stops — slowing without coming to a complete stop Failing to check blind spots before lane changes Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by 1–2 mph Not signaling far enough in advance of turns Improper or unsafe lane changes Failing to yield right-of-way at intersections Hitting curbs while parking Driving too slowly (perceived as unsafe in traffic)
GDL: first 6 months — only family members allowed as passengers. Stricter than most states.
💡 Pro tip: Roundabout (rotary) right-of-way rules are commonly tested — Connecticut has dozens of new roundabouts.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, you can apply for a learner's permit at age 16. A full driver's license is available at age 16 years 4 months (with training) / 18 (without), with full unrestricted privileges by age 18.
How much does it cost to get a Connecticut driver's license?
Connecticut's permit fee is $19, and the license fee is $84. Total cost varies depending on the length of license you choose. Always verify current fees with the CT DMV.
How many questions are on the Connecticut written test?
The Connecticut written knowledge test has 25 questions. You need to answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. Format: Multiple choice.
How long do I have to hold my permit in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires holding your learner's permit for 6 months (with driver education) / 4 months (without, age 18+) before applying for a full license. During this time, you must complete 40 hours total of supervised driving practice.
What's a Connecticut-specific rule I should know?
GDL: first 6 months — only family members allowed as passengers. Stricter than most states.
Ready to pass the Connecticut written test?
Practice with our free Connecticut sample test or download the full app for hundreds of practice questions.