Category: Connecticut

Photo: Polaron at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Connecticut suspends the license, or the right to get one, of a 16 or 17 year old convicted of breaking a teen driving restriction, using a phone, speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving or street racing. Each suspension costs a $175 restoration fee on top of court fines. This guide lists the penalties for permit holders and teen drivers, explains the 48-hour license seizure, and covers youthful offender status and the Operator Retraining Program.

Connecticut suspension periods for 16 and 17 year olds

These apply to 16 and 17 year old drivers, teens with learner’s permits, and anyone without a license. Each line also carries a $175 restoration fee and court fines (as of November 2026).

Violation	1st offense	2nd offense	3rd offense
Teen restriction (GDL) violation: passengers, curfew, public service or vanpool vehicle, more passengers than seat belts, motorcycle passenger in the first six months	30 days	6 months or until 18, whichever is longer	6 months or until 18, whichever is longer
Cell phone or texting	30 days	90 days	6 months
Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit	60 days	90 days	6 months
Reckless driving	6 months (plus possible jail up to 30 days)	1 year (possible jail up to 1 year)	1 year (possible jail up to 1 year)
Street racing	6 months (possible jail up to 1 year)	1 year (possible jail up to 1 year)	1 year (possible jail up to 1 year)

The 48-hour license seizure

A police officer will take the license of a 16 or 17 year old cited for:

• breaking any of the restrictions that apply after licensing
• driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit
• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• reckless driving
• racing on a public highway

The license counts as suspended for 48 hours, and the officer may also remove the vehicle. To get the license back, the teen and a parent or guardian go to the police department and sign a statement acknowledging its return. A conviction can then bring the suspension in the table above.

Alcohol suspensions for drivers under 21 in Connecticut

• Zero tolerance: under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more on public roads or private property means at least a 45-day suspension. You must then use an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least one year.
• Refusing a test (any age): at least a 45-day suspension, then an IID for at least one year.
• Buying or possessing alcohol under 21: possession on private property or in a public place brings a 30-day suspension. Possession on streets or highways brings 60 days. If you have no license yet, your right to get one is suspended instead.

More on the national picture: zero tolerance laws and implied consent and DUI.

Driving without a license in Connecticut

Anyone under 18 convicted of driving without a license has their driving privilege suspended for one year. You must clear the suspension before you can get a learner’s permit or license.

Youthful offender status and your Connecticut license

A driver under 18 cannot be treated as a youthful offender for:

• negligent homicide with a motor vehicle
• evading responsibility after a crash that causes death or serious injury
• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Youthful offender status does not hide these offenses from the DMV, which can still suspend the license or the right to get one:

• reckless driving
• driving while under suspension
• evading responsibility after a crash with property damage or non-serious injury
• street racing
• ignoring a police signal to stop, or speeding up to get away

Operator Retraining Program

The DMV sends a letter if you must take the program. You must complete it if you are:

• 24 or younger with two moving violations or suspension violations on your record
• 25 or older with three
• convicted of driving more than 75 mph in a highway work zone
• convicted of racing or driving for a wager

For 16 and 17 year olds, violations that count include breaking permit rules, breaking teen restrictions such as the passenger or curfew limits, and phone use.

How the program works

1. Enroll with an approved vendor (the DMV lists them). Vendors may charge up to $85. The DMV does not schedule classes or collect this fee.
2. Finish at least two weeks before your suspension date, so the vendor can report your completion and the DMV can lift the suspension.
3. If you finish on or after the suspension date, you also pay the $175 reinstatement fee.
4. After you complete the program, you need 36 consecutive months with no new moving or suspension violations. A new one means a 30-day suspension, then 60 days for a second and 90 days for a third or later.

How to get your Connecticut license back

1. Read your suspension notice and complete every requirement it lists.
2. Pay the $175 restoration fee online, by phone or by mail.
3. Do not drive until your privilege is restored. Check your status online, or wait for the restoration notice if you hold a permit. Processing takes up to 10 business days.

See also points systems and license suspensions in the US.

Common questions

Can a Connecticut learner’s permit be suspended?

Yes. The penalty table covers permit holders, and breaking permit rules can lead to a permit suspension.

What happens if a 17 year old is caught driving after 11 p.m.?

Police can seize the license for 48 hours. A conviction brings a 30-day suspension for a first offense, then 6 months or until 18 for any repeat. A $175 restoration fee applies.

Does a phone ticket really suspend a teen license?

Yes. For drivers under 18, a phone conviction means a suspension: 30 days for a first offense. It also counts toward the Operator Retraining Program.

Can I drive to school during a suspension?

No. You may not drive at all until the DMV reinstates you and you have a valid license or permit in your possession.

Do suspensions affect insurance?

The DMV manual warns of higher family insurance costs after a crash or citation. Ask your insurer how a suspension changes your premium. See car insurance for new drivers.

Where can I see all the teen rules?

See Connecticut teen driver restrictions and the full Connecticut licensing guide.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Reinstate your CT driver’s license after a suspension” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Operator Retraining Program” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving restrictions for teens” (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: Bmzuckerman, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Connecticut lets parents train their teen at home. The teen completes 22 hours of classroom-type study with a qualified trainer, the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course at a school and 40 hours behind the wheel, then holds the permit for 180 days before the road test. Whichever route you choose, one parent or legal guardian must also take a 2-hour training class. This checklist is for Connecticut parents deciding between home training and a driving school.

Home training vs driving school in Connecticut

Requirement	Commercial or high school	Home training
Classroom	30 hours at the school (includes the 8-hour course and 2-hour parent class)	22 hours of classroom-type study at home + 8-hour course at a school
2-hour parent class	Required	Required
Behind the wheel	40 hours practice driving, including at least 8 hours with the school	40 hours practice driving with a qualified trainer
Minimum permit time before the road test	120 days	180 days
Who signs off	School sends the certificate. Qualified trainer signs Form R-229	School sends the 8-hour certificate. Qualified trainer signs Form R-229

The 40 practice hours can be any mix of commercial school, high school and parent instruction. You can combine routes. To qualify for the 120-day route, though, you need the full 30 classroom hours and at least 8 hours behind the wheel with a Connecticut-licensed school.

Connecticut home training checklist

• Teen holds a valid learner’s permit (age 16 or 17).
• Trainer is a qualified trainer (see below).
• 22 hours of classroom-type study are completed. The home course must cover all the material in the Connecticut Driver’s Manual.
• The 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course is done at a commercial driving school or high school.
• The 2-hour parent training is done by one parent or guardian with the teen.
• 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice are recorded in the DMV home training log.
• 180 days have passed since the permit was issued.
• Trainer comes to the road test to sign Form R-229 under penalty of false statement.

Who can be a qualified trainer in Connecticut?

A qualified trainer must be 20 or older and have held a driver’s license for at least four years with no suspension during those four years. They must also be one of these:

1. the spouse of a married applicant under 18
2. a parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian
3. if none of the above is qualified and available: a stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage

During practice, the trainer sits in the front passenger seat, alert and ready to take control. The law makes both the trainer and the learner responsible for driving safely.

The 2-hour parent training class

• Who: one parent or legal guardian of a permit holder aged 16 or 17, attending with the teen.
• Where: a Connecticut-licensed commercial driving school (the manual adds that a secondary school may offer it). It is included in the 8-hour program.
• What: the laws for drivers under 18 and the dangers of teen driving.
• If no parent can attend: the teen cannot get a Connecticut license until age 18.

Cost is set by each school, so ask the school for its price.

How to run the 40 practice hours

The DMV gives parents a home training log to record each session. Use it from the first drive. The manual’s road test section shows what to cover before test day:

• holding a proper speed, and smooth starts and stops
• lane choice for turns, and right-of-way
• yellow-light decisions
• backing in a straight line and into spaces
• parking in any style of space, curb parking in front of, behind and between cars, and hill parking
• hand signals and turn signals

Remember the permit rules while practicing: no passengers other than a parent, guardian or qualified trainer, and no phone use by the teen. See Connecticut teen driver restrictions. For how Connecticut’s 40 hours compare with other states, see supervised driving hours by state.

Teen-Parent Driver Agreement

The DMV’s Teen-Parent Driver Agreement is optional. It is a written set of house rules on passengers, night driving, phones, alcohol, and how costs such as insurance and gas are shared. The DMV suggests signing it when the permit is issued and reviewing it at licensing.

Common questions

Do parents in Connecticut have to take a class?

Yes. One parent or legal guardian of a 16 or 17 year old must complete the 2-hour parent training before the teen can get a license.

Is home training cheaper than driving school?

You still pay a school for the 8-hour course and the parent class, but you skip the full school program. The trade-off is waiting 180 days instead of 120.

Can my older brother train me?

Only if no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent or guardian is qualified and available. He must also be 20 or older and have been licensed for 4+ years with no suspension.

Do I need to send the log to the DMV?

The DMV pages say parents keep the log to track progress. At the road test, the qualified trainer signs Form R-229 confirming all requirements are met. Keep the log in case you are asked for it.

Does the manual say 30 hours or 22 hours for home study?

Both, counted differently. The 2023 manual says 30 hours of course study including the 8-hour class. The DMV’s current page lists 22 hours plus the 8-hour class. The total is the same.

Where do I start?

Get the permit first: see the Connecticut knowledge test and permit. Then book the 8-hour course. The full Connecticut guide has every step.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving school requirements for teenagers in CT” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: Alexbarbershop, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Connecticut’s 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course is a classroom course that every new driver must finish before the road test, whatever their age. It is taught at Connecticut-licensed commercial driving schools and high school driver education programs. The school reports your completion to the DMV electronically. This guide explains who must take it, what it covers, and how it fits into the teen and adult routes.

Key facts (Connecticut DMV, checked November 2026)

• Required for anyone who has not held a Connecticut license before and does not hold a valid license from another state.
• Must be finished before the road test. You can take it at any time before that.
• Taught only by Connecticut-licensed commercial driving schools or secondary (high) school programs.
• At least 4 of the 8 hours cover alcohol, drugs and driving.
• For 16 and 17 year olds, the 2-hour parent training is part of the program.
• Proof: the driver education certificate (EDEC, shown as CS-1 in the 2023 manual), sent electronically to the DMV.

Who must take the 8-hour course in Connecticut?

Applicant	8-hour course required?
Teen 16 or 17, any training route	Yes. It is part of the 30-hour school program, or taken at a school alongside home training
Adult 18 or older, never licensed	Yes, before the road test
16 or 17 year old moving to Connecticut with an out-of-state license	Yes, including the 2-hour parent training, before converting the license
Holder of a valid license from another US state	No. You transfer the license instead
Former Connecticut license holder whose license expired 2 or more years ago	No, says the DMV adult permit page, though you must retest

What the Safe Driving Practices course covers

The Connecticut manual says the approved 8-hour course includes at least 4 hours on:

• the nature, and the medical, biological and physiological effects, of alcohol and drugs on a driver
• the dangers of driving after drinking or drug use
• alcohol and drug abuse problems, and the penalties for alcohol and drug-related driving offenses

For teens, it also includes the mandatory 2-hour parent training class. A parent or guardian attends that class with the teen. It covers the laws for drivers under 18 and the dangers of teen driving.

Background on the alcohol rules taught: zero tolerance for drivers under 21 and drugged driving and cannabis.

How the 8-hour course fits each Connecticut route

Commercial driving school or high school (120-day route)

The 8-hour course is already inside the 30 hours of classroom training. You also need at least 8 hours behind the wheel with the school and 40 hours of practice driving in total. You can test after 120 days on the permit.

Home training (180-day route)

You do 22 hours of classroom-type study at home with a qualified trainer. Then you attend a commercial or high school for the 8-hour course and the 2-hour parent class. You also need 40 hours of practice driving, and you test after 180 days. See Connecticut home training and the parent class.

Adults 18 and older (90-day route)

The 8-hour course is the only classroom requirement. Take it any time before the road test. You must also hold your adult learner’s permit for 90 days, unless you are exempt.

How to sign up and get your certificate

1. Choose a Connecticut-licensed commercial driving school (the DMV lists driving school locations), or ask whether your high school runs driver education.
2. Book the 8-hour course. Teens should book the 2-hour parent class at the same time.
3. Complete the course. The school issues the driver education certificate and sends it to the DMV electronically.
4. Book your road test once your permit time is up. See the Connecticut road test checklist.

How much does the 8-hour course cost in Connecticut?

The DMV does not set or publish a price. Each licensed driving school sets its own fee, so compare schools and ask what is included. The DMV’s own fees are separate. As of November 2026 they are a $40 testing fee, $19 for the permit and $84 for the license.

Common questions

Can I take the Connecticut 8-hour course online?

The DMV pages say the course is taken through a Connecticut-licensed driving school or secondary school. They do not say whether online delivery is allowed. Ask the school how it runs the course, and make sure the school is DMV-licensed.

Do I need the 8-hour course if I am 18?

Yes, if you have never been licensed. You must finish it before the road test.

Can I take the course before I get my permit?

The adult permit page says you can take it at any time, as long as it is done before the road test. Teens should check with their school, because the course is part of the teen training program.

Is the 8-hour course the same as the Work Zone Safety Course?

No. The Work Zone Safety Course is a separate, free online course that is required before the permit test (since January 1, 2026). The 8-hour course is required before the road test.

I have a license from another country. Do I need it?

A license from Canada, Germany or France can be transferred like an out-of-state license. Holders of other foreign licenses must get an adult learner’s permit. The DMV’s manual says anyone without a Connecticut or other-state license takes the 8-hour course, so ask the DMV how it applies to you.

What is the D.A.S.P.?

The DMV’s “Get a driver’s license” page mentions an eight-hour Drug and Alcohol Safety Program. It does not explain how this relates to the Safe Driving Practices course. Ask your driving school which course it offers. See the full Connecticut licensing guide for every step.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving school requirements for teenagers in CT” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get an adult learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a driver’s license” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Take the knowledge and vision tests” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Fees” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: Arnabacharjee, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Connecticut, 16 and 17 year old drivers cannot drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. or use any phone while driving, not even hands-free, until they turn 18. Passengers are limited for the first 12 months of the license. This guide sets out each rule by stage, the exceptions, and what happens if a teen breaks them.

Connecticut teen driving restrictions at a glance

Rule	Learner’s permit (16 or 17)	License: months 1 to 6	License: months 7 to 12	Until 18th birthday
Passengers	Parent, legal guardian or qualified trainer only	Driving instructor; parents or guardians (one licensed); one person 20+ licensed 4+ years with no suspension	The same people, plus immediate family (for example, brothers and sisters)	The passenger limits in the law cover the first 12 months
Curfew	None, but a qualified trainer must be in the car	No driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.	No driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.	Applies until 18
Phones and devices	None, even hands-free	None, even hands-free	None, even hands-free	Applies until 18
Seat belts	Everyone belted. No more passengers than belts	Same	Same	Same
Commercial, public service, vanpool vehicles	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed

Connecticut passenger rules for new teen drivers

On a learner’s permit

For the whole time you hold the permit, the only passengers allowed are a parent, a legal guardian or a qualified trainer. With a licensed driving instructor, parents or guardians may ride along. The passenger rule does not apply while you are getting instruction from a commercial driving school or driver education program instructor.

First six months with a license

No passengers except:

• a licensed driving instructor
• your parents or legal guardians, at least one of whom holds a valid license
• one person aged at least 20 who has held a license for four or more consecutive years with no suspension in that time

Second six months

The same people as above, plus members of your immediate family.

Example: in month 3, you cannot drive your younger brother to school alone. In month 8, you can. In either month, you cannot drive a friend home from practice.

What is the Connecticut teen curfew?

Until your 18th birthday, you may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless the trip is for:

• employment
• school
• religious activities
• medical necessity

Prom, away games and school events

The DMV reads the school and religious exception broadly, to cover school-sponsored or sanctioned activities on or off school grounds. You may drive after 11 p.m. to or from an event such as a prom or an away game, as long as you do not drive anywhere else. The passenger limits still apply. If the prom or after-party is in another town, the DMV suggests the school give police the itinerary in advance, or that you carry the official schedule in the car.

Who is exempt from the passenger and curfew rules?

The passenger and curfew rules do not apply to active members of a volunteer fire department, volunteer ambulance service or emergency medical service organization who are responding to or returning from an emergency, or carrying out their duties. They also do not apply to an assigned driver in a Safe Ride program.

Phone rules for Connecticut drivers under 18

• No cell phone or mobile electronic device while driving, even hands-free. This includes handheld computers and any device with a video display.
• Exception for drivers of any age: calls to emergency services, a hospital, a doctor’s office, a health clinic, an ambulance company, or the fire or police department in an emergency.
• From 18, hands-free use is legal, but hand-held use stays banned for all drivers. That includes when you are stopped in traffic or at a light. You may use a phone if you are parked safely off the road.

Compare other states: hands-free and texting laws for US drivers.

What happens if a Connecticut teen breaks these rules?

• 48-hour license seizure: police take the license of a 16 or 17 year old cited for breaking a restriction, driving 20 mph or more over the limit, DUI, reckless driving or street racing. Police may also remove the vehicle. A parent or guardian must go with the teen to the police department to get the license back.
• Suspension: a first offense for breaking a passenger, curfew or other restriction means a 30-day suspension. A second or later offense means 6 months or until 18, whichever is longer. A $175 restoration fee applies, plus court fines.
• Phone use: a 30-day suspension for a first offense, 90 days for a second, 6 months for a third.
• Retraining: these violations count toward the Operator Retraining Program.

Full penalty table: Connecticut license suspensions for teen drivers.

Common questions

Can a 16 year old drive friends in Connecticut?

Not during the first year of the license. Friends do not fit any allowed passenger group unless one of them is 20 or older and has been licensed for 4+ years with no suspension.

Can I drive home from work after 11 p.m.?

Yes. Employment is an exception. Go straight between work and home.

Can I use Apple CarPlay or a phone mount for GPS at 17?

The rule bans any cell phone or mobile electronic device while driving, even hands-free, until 18. Set your route before you start the car.

Do the rules apply to out-of-state teens visiting Connecticut?

Out-of-state permit holders aged 16 or older must follow Connecticut’s permit restrictions as well as their own. Teens who move here and convert an out-of-state license are covered by the same restrictions for newly licensed 16 and 17 year olds.

Are there motorcycle rules too?

Yes. A 16 or 17 year old cannot carry passengers on a motorcycle for the first six months after getting the endorsement. Riders 18 and older cannot carry passengers for the first three months.

How does Connecticut compare with other states?

See GDL laws by state and the full Connecticut licensing guide.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving restrictions for teens” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Reinstate your CT driver’s license after a suspension” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: Mr. Matté, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For the Connecticut road test, you need your learner’s permit, a completed Form R-229, your appointment confirmation, and a registered, insured, mechanically safe vehicle. Your driving school sends your training certificate to the DMV electronically. Under 18s must also have their qualified trainer at the office to sign. This checklist covers what to bring, what the DMV agent checks, the vehicle faults that cancel a test, and what happens if you fail.

Key facts (Connecticut DMV, checked November 2026)

• Eligible after 120 days on the permit (driving school or high school route), 180 days (home training) or 90 days (18 and older), with training complete.
• Training proof: the driver education certificate (EDEC, called CS-1 in the 2023 manual), sent electronically by a Connecticut-licensed driving school.
• Fees as of November 2026: road test covered by the $40 testing fee, $84 license fee, $40 for each retest.
• Fail: rebook online within 72 hours, for a date at least 2 weeks after the failed test.
• Arrive 15 minutes early. An unlicensed driver may not drive to the test alone.

Connecticut road test checklist: what to bring

• The Road Test Appointment Confirmation Page (emailed when you book; you can also get it online with your PIN).
• A fully completed Form R-229 (Application for Non-Commercial Driver’s License).
• Your learner’s permit. Without it you will not be tested. If you cannot get a duplicate in time, you lose the appointment and pay a new exam fee.
• A properly registered and insured vehicle that suits the license class.
• The valid registration certificate. Bring it into the office.
• A Connecticut insurance card in the same name as the registration (leased vehicles can show the lessee). Out-of-state registered cars need the insurance declaration page showing Connecticut minimum coverage.
• Your driver education certificate (EDEC). The school sends it electronically after you finish the course.
• Under 18: your qualified trainer, present at the DMV office, to sign that all driver education and practice driving requirements are met.
• A DMV Medical Review clearance letter, only if one was required for you.
• Out-of-country license holders: a translation by a DMV-approved translator if the license is not in English.

Is your car allowed for the Connecticut road test?

The vehicle must be mechanically safe. If it is not, the test will not go ahead and you must reschedule. Common reasons a car is turned away:

• Cracked or damaged windows or windshield
• A brake light or turn signal that does not work, including the high-mount third brake light
• Dashboard warning lights on (for example, SRS or ABS)
• Worn or damaged tires, or missing lug nuts
• Defective seat belts, speedometer or brakes
• After-market window tint without a CT DMV tint compliance sticker on the inspection report
• An ignition interlock device fitted when you are not required by law to use one

You cannot use a rental car if you do not hold a valid license. A long-term leased car is fine if it is properly insured.

What does the Connecticut road test check?

Before you drive, the DMV agent checks that you understand common driving phrases and commands, and checks the vehicle’s condition. During the test you are assessed on:

Area	What the agent looks for
Preparing to drive	Adjusting the seat, mirrors, steering wheel and seat belt
Vehicle controls	Wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights and high beams, horn. Recognizing dashboard warning lights
Traffic controls	Responding to signs, signals and road markings, and signaling correctly
Other road users	Yielding right-of-way, responding to emergency vehicles
Basic skills	Turns, backing up and parking
Directed maneuvers	Anything else the agent or inspector asks for

Skills to practice first (from the Connecticut manual)

• Speed: choose a proper speed and hold it. Reach driving speed in a reasonable time.
• Turning: know which lane to turn from and which lane to turn into.
• Right-of-way: know when to yield, and recognize when another driver is yielding to you.
• Yellow lights: know when you must stop and when it is safe to keep going.
• Backing: keep full control in reverse.
• Parking: enter and leave any style of space, park at a curb in front of, behind or between cars, and park on a hill.
• Hand signals: be ready to show left turn, right turn and slow or stop.

During the test

• Before getting in, look around for parked cars, people or objects.
• Make sure the windows and mirrors are clean and clear.
• Press the brake before shifting out of park.
• Keep a space cushion, stop smoothly and signal every time.
• Adjust your speed for turns, and watch for pedestrians as you turn.

See also common reasons people fail the US driving test and road tests by state.

Connecticut road test fees and rescheduling

Item	Amount or rule (as of November 2026)
Testing fee	$40, paid when you booked the permit tests. It also covers the road test
License fee	$84
Retest after a fail	$40
Rescheduling	At least 3 days before the appointment, or you lose the prepaid fee
Bad weather	If testing is cancelled, you get an email with rebooking steps. If testing goes ahead and you do not show, you lose the fee

If you fail the Connecticut road test

1. Go online within 72 hours of the failed test to rebook.
2. Pick a date at least 2 weeks (14 days) after the first test.
3. Pay another $40 testing fee.

After you pass

You get a temporary paper card at the office, and the permanent license comes by mail. If you took the road test at a driving school that offers testing, the DMV says to wait 48 hours before taking your passed Road Test Evaluation Report to a DMV office. Under 18s then drive under the Connecticut teen driver restrictions.

Common questions

Do I need the CS-1 form for the Connecticut road test?

You need proof of training. The DMV now calls it the EDEC driver education certificate, and the 2023 manual calls it the CS-1. The Connecticut-licensed driving school sends it to the DMV electronically once you finish the course.

Can my driving instructor’s car be used?

Yes, if it is registered, insured, safe and appropriate for the license class.

Does my parent have to come to the road test?

If you are under 18, your qualified trainer must be at the DMV office to sign that your training is complete. That is usually the parent who trained you.

Is parallel parking on the Connecticut road test?

The DMV lists backing and parking as assessed skills. The manual tells you to practice curb parking in front of, behind and between cars, and parking on a hill. Practice all of them.

How long do I wait after failing?

At least 14 days, and you must rebook within 72 hours of the failed test.

What if I have not done the 8-hour course?

You cannot take the road test. See the Connecticut 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course and the full Connecticut licensing guide.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Taking the road test” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Take the knowledge and vision tests” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get an adult learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Fees” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: Artsistra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Connecticut permit test has 25 questions, and you need at least 20 correct to pass, so you can miss 5. You take it at a DMV office by appointment, right after a vision test, and you must finish the free Work Zone Safety Course first. This guide covers what to bring, the fees, what happens if you fail, and the rules once you hold a Connecticut learner’s permit.

Key facts (Connecticut DMV, checked November 2026)

• Minimum age: 16. Applicants 18 and older get an adult learner’s permit.
• Knowledge test: 25 questions, 20 correct to pass, based on the Connecticut Driver’s Manual.
• Vision: 20/40 or better, with or without glasses, plus 140 degrees of binocular peripheral vision. If you are blind in one eye, the other eye must be 20/40 with a field of at least 100 degrees.
• Fees as of November 2026: $40 testing fee (covers vision, knowledge and road tests) + $19 permit.
• Failed knowledge test: wait 7 days and pay $40 again.
• The permit is valid until you get your license or for 2 years, whichever comes first.

How many questions are on the Connecticut permit test?

25 multiple-choice questions. You need 20 right (80%). The questions come from the State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual: licensing rules, seat belt and phone laws, safe driving, alcohol and the law, rules of the road, emergencies, and signs, signals and pavement markings.

Languages: the test is offered in Albanian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. You can ask for a paper test in more than 20 other languages, and the DMV can give you a headset for an audio version.

Step 1: Complete the Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course

Effective January 1, 2026, anyone applying for a learner’s permit must complete the free online Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course. It takes less than an hour.

1. Create an account using your legal name.
2. Complete the course and print your completion certificate.
3. Hand the printed certificate to the DMV with your other documents before the knowledge test.

Step 2: Book, pay and gather your documents

Testing is by appointment only. You cannot walk in. Book and prepay online. For teens, permit testing is listed at these DMV offices: Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Enfield, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Waterbury, Wethersfield and Willimantic.

What to bring to the Connecticut permit test

• Original identity documents from the DMV document checklist (no photocopies or faxes): two forms of ID, with at least one from the primary list (for example, a US passport or US birth certificate).
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card, or a W-2 or 1099 from the past five years).
• Two different proofs of Connecticut residency from two sources, generally dated within 90 days. For under 18s, a parent can use mail addressed to them at the same address.
• Completed Form R-229 (Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License). You can print it after booking.
• Under 18: a parent or legal guardian present, or a completed Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2-D).
• Your Work Zone Safety Course certificate.
• A Connecticut non-driver ID card, if you have one. It is surrendered when the permit is issued.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if you need them to see.

Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, and hospital-issued birth records are not accepted. Non-US citizens applying for a first permit must go to a DMV hub office. If you plan a REAL ID, see REAL ID and your first US driver’s license.

Step 3: The vision test, then the knowledge test

You take the vision test first. If you fail it, you cannot sit the knowledge test that day, but you can reschedule straight away. If you fail the knowledge test, wait 7 days, then rebook and pay the $40 fee again.

If you pass, you get a paper permit for temporary use, and the permanent permit arrives by mail.

Medical conditions: you must meet the same health standards as license holders. If a condition could affect your driving, the DMV reviews it before issuing the permit, so contact Driver Services well ahead of your test. The DMV can also issue a limited license, for example daylight only, no limited-access highways, automatic transmission only, or with mirrors on both sides.

How to study for the Connecticut knowledge test

• Read the written manual. The DMV notes that the audio version was recorded from the November 2014 edition and is not up to date. Use the written manual for current laws.
• Use the official practice material. The DMV publishes three practice tests (English and Spanish), and its mobile app has sample questions. Each manual chapter also ends with study questions, and the answers are at the back.
• Memorize the Connecticut numbers. These are the 25-question test itself, 20/40 vision, the 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. teen curfew, 0.02% BAC under 21, the $75 seat belt fine, and parking limits of 25 feet from a stop sign and 10 feet from a hydrant.
• Know signs by shape and color. See US road signs by shape and color and US pavement markings.

To compare with other states, see permit test questions by state.

Connecticut learner’s permit rules

Rule	Age 16 or 17	Age 18 or older
Who must supervise	A qualified trainer or licensed driving instructor	A driving school instructor, secondary school instructor or qualified trainer
Passengers	Only a parent, legal guardian or qualified trainer (parents may ride along with an instructor)	No passenger rule stated
Phone use	None, not even hands-free	Hands-free only, as for all adult drivers
Curfew	None, but a qualified trainer must be with you	None
Seat belts	Everyone belted, no more passengers than belts	Everyone belted

A qualified trainer is 20 or older and has held a license for at least four years with no suspension in that period. They must sit in the front passenger seat, ready to take control. The order of who can serve as a home trainer is set out in the Connecticut home training guide.

Breaking permit rules can lead to a permit suspension. See Connecticut teen driver restrictions.

Common questions

How many questions can you miss on the Connecticut permit test?

5. You need 20 of 25 correct.

Can I walk in to take the Connecticut permit test?

No. Permit tests are by appointment only, booked and prepaid online.

How long is a Connecticut learner’s permit valid?

Until you get your license or 2 years from issue, whichever comes first.

Does the $40 fee cover the road test too?

Yes. The $40 testing fee covers the vision, knowledge and road tests. Each retake costs another $40.

What if my parent cannot come to the test?

Bring a completed Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2-D). For youths in DCF care, a DCF manager authorized to sign must sign it.

I lost my permit. What now?

Request a duplicate. As of November 2026 the fee is $19. You need your permit for the road test, so replace it before then.

When can I book my road test?

Once you pass the knowledge test you can book it, but you can only take it after the required permit time and training. See the Connecticut road test checklist and the full Connecticut guide.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Take the knowledge and vision tests” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get an adult learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a driver’s license” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving restrictions for teens” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Fees” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

To get a driver’s license in Connecticut, you complete the free Work Zone Safety Course, pass a vision test and a 25-question knowledge test for a learner’s permit at 16 or older, finish the required training, hold the permit for 120, 180 or 90 days depending on your route, then pass a road test. This guide is for Connecticut teens, their parents and first-time adult drivers. It sets out each step in order and links to a detailed guide for each stage.

Key facts (Connecticut DMV, checked November 2026)

• Minimum age for a learner’s permit and a license: 16.
• Knowledge test: 25 questions, at least 20 correct to pass.
• Permit holding time: 120 days (driving school or high school route), 180 days (home training), 90 days (adults 18 and older).
• Everyone new to driving takes an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course before the road test.
• Fees as of November 2026: $40 testing fee, $19 learner’s permit, $84 license.
• Drivers under 18: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, no phone use at all (not even hands-free), and passenger limits in the first year.

How to get a driver’s license in Connecticut, step by step

1. Complete the Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course. Since January 1, 2026, every learner’s permit applicant must finish this free online course first. It takes under an hour. Print the certificate and bring it to your test appointment.
2. Book and pay for your permit tests online. Vision and knowledge tests are by appointment only, at select DMV offices, in the same appointment.
3. Pass the vision test, then the knowledge test. You need 20/40 vision or better (glasses allowed), then 20 of 25 questions correct. See the Connecticut knowledge test and learner’s permit guide.
4. Complete your driver training. Teens choose a commercial driving school, high school driver education or home training. Everyone takes the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course. For teens, one parent also takes a 2-hour class.
5. Hold the permit for the required time and log your practice: 40 hours behind the wheel for 16 and 17 year olds.
6. Pass the road test in a registered, insured, safe vehicle. See the Connecticut road test checklist.
7. Pay $84 for your license. You get a temporary paper card and the permanent card comes by mail.

Teen route vs adult route in Connecticut

Requirement	Age 16 or 17	Age 18 or older
Permit tests	Vision + 25-question knowledge test	Vision + 25-question knowledge test
Parental consent	Parent present at the test, or a signed Form 2-D	Not needed
Training	Driving school, high school or home training, plus 40 hours practice driving	8-hour Safe Driving Practices course
Parent class	2 hours, one parent or guardian	Not needed
Minimum permit time	120 days (school) or 180 days (home)	90 days (some exemptions)
Supervisor	Qualified trainer: 20 or older, licensed 4+ years, no suspension in that time	Same
After licensing	Passenger limits, curfew and phone ban until 18	Adult rules

The adult 90-day wait does not apply if you previously held a Connecticut permit or license the DMV can verify, held a license in another state or country, or are active-duty military stationed out of state. You still need an adult learner’s permit.

Driver training options for Connecticut teens

• Commercial driving school or high school driver education: 30 hours of classroom training, which includes the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course and the 2-hour parent class. With at least 8 hours behind the wheel at the school, you can test after 120 days on the permit.
• Home training: 22 hours of classroom-type study with a qualified trainer, plus the 8-hour course at a school and the 2-hour parent class. You test after 180 days on the permit.

Either way, you need 40 hours of practice driving. Those hours can be any mix of school and parent instruction. Full detail: Connecticut home training and the 2-hour parent class and the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course.

Connecticut rules for new teen drivers

• On a permit (16 or 17): no passengers except a parent, legal guardian or qualified trainer. There is no curfew, but a qualified trainer must always be with you.
• First 6 months licensed: passengers limited to a driving instructor, parents or guardians (one licensed), or one person aged 20 or older who has been licensed 4+ years with no suspension.
• Months 7 to 12: the same people, plus immediate family.
• Until 18: no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. except for work, school, religious activities, medical necessity or as a Safe Ride driver. No cell phone or mobile device use at all.

Details and exemptions: Connecticut teen driver restrictions. Breaking these rules leads to license seizure and suspensions: see Connecticut license suspensions for teen drivers.

What the Connecticut Driver’s Manual covers

The knowledge test is based on the State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual (revised March 2023). Its chapters, and the Connecticut rules most worth memorizing from each:

Chapter	Connecticut-specific points
Obtaining a license	Permit at 16, 25-question test, 120/180/90-day waits, teen restrictions
Before you get behind the wheel	Driver and every passenger must be belted, $75 fine each. Children under 16 in proper restraints: under 2 or under 30 lb rear-facing with a 5-point harness; 2 to 5 or under 40 lb a 5-point harness seat; 5 to 8 or 40 to 60 lb a harness or booster; 8 and 60 lb or more a booster or belt. If age and weight point to different seats, use the stricter one. Rear-facing seats never in front of an active airbag. No hand-held phones for any driver, even when stopped in traffic
Driving behaviors	Work zone violations: fines up to $1,000, and doubled distracted-driving fines. Space cushion, truck no-zones, passing, backing
Drinking and driving	Under 21: zero tolerance at 0.02% BAC. A failed or refused test means at least a 45-day suspension plus an ignition interlock device
Road safety	Right-of-way, roundabouts, parking limits, lights, horn, signals
Vehicle emergencies	Brake failure, blowouts, skids, ABS, what to do after a crash
Know the road	Pavement markings, signals, sign shapes and colors, message boards

Road safety rules that often appear on the Connecticut test

• Do not park within 25 feet of a stop sign, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, or more than one foot from the curb.
• If your wipers are on, your headlights must be on. It is the law.
• When an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction, pull to the right edge and stop until it passes. If you are in an intersection, clear it first.
• Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights in either direction. The exception is a divided road with a median or barrier, when the bus is on the other side.
• At a four-way stop, the first to arrive goes first. If you arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
• Entering a roundabout or rotary, yield to traffic already circulating.
• Minimum liability insurance (effective January 1, 2018): $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Cover must be continuous: if it lapses, the insurer tells the DMV, and the registration can be suspended.
• Where your direction has fewer than three lanes, keep to the right lane except when passing.
• Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle, and do not pass a cyclist just before turning right.
• Move Over law: for any vehicle stopped on the roadside, slow below the posted limit and move over one lane when it is safe.
• An ice cream truck with flashing lights and its stop arm out: stop at least 10 feet from its front or back, then pass at no more than 5 mph and yield to anyone crossing. This does not apply if a safety island or barrier separates your lane.
• A traffic light that is not working means you stop as if it were a stop sign. Do not enter an intersection unless there is room to clear it.
• Never sound your horn or make a loud noise when approaching or passing a horse being ridden or led.
• Never make a U-turn on an expressway, and check for signs banning U-turns elsewhere.
• Studded tires are allowed only from November 15 to April 30.
• The Vulnerable User law brings higher penalties for a driver who fails to take reasonable care and seriously injures or kills a pedestrian, cyclist or other vulnerable road user.

For how these rules work across the US, see school bus stopping laws, how to drive a roundabout, US parking rules and zero tolerance laws.

Vehicle emergencies: the manual’s key steps

• Brakes fail: pump the pedal, then apply the parking brake slowly, then shift to lower gears.
• Tire blowout: grip the wheel, keep straight, ease off the gas and brake lightly.
• Gas pedal sticks: shift to neutral, pull off when safe, then turn off the engine.
• Crash: you must stop. If anyone is hurt or killed, police must be notified. Leaving before police have your information is a crime.

More: what to do after a car crash.

The Connecticut Teen-Parent Driver Agreement

The manual includes a Teen-Parent Driver Agreement. The DMV suggests signing it when the teen gets a learner’s permit and reviewing it again at licensing. It sets household rules on passengers, night driving, phones and alcohol. It also sets the consequences for breaking them and how insurance, gas and maintenance costs are split. It is not a legal requirement, but it gives you a written plan for the high-risk first year.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to drive in Connecticut?

16 for both a learner’s permit and a driver’s license. The DMV has confirmed that the minimum age has not changed.

Is it 120 or 180 days before the Connecticut road test?

120 days if you trained through a commercial driving school or high school program (30 classroom hours and at least 8 hours behind the wheel at the school). 180 days if you were home trained. 90 days if you are 18 or older.

Do I need a learner’s permit if I am already 18?

Yes. All new drivers in Connecticut need a permit first. Adults get an adult learner’s permit, valid for two years.

How much does it cost to get a Connecticut driver’s license?

As of November 2026: $40 testing fee (covers the vision, knowledge and road tests), $19 for the permit and $84 for the license. Each retake costs another $40. Driving school and course fees are extra and set by each school.

Can I transfer an out-of-state learner’s permit to Connecticut?

No. Out-of-state permits are not transferable. A full license from another US state or territory, Canada, Germany or France can be transferred. See moving to a new state.

Can I drive in another state with my Connecticut permit?

It may be recognized, but the other state’s rules decide. Check with that state first. See driving with a permit in another state.

How do other states compare?

See how to get a driver’s license in the US and GDL laws by state.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Take the knowledge and vision tests” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving school requirements for teenagers in CT” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving restrictions for teens” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get an adult learner’s permit” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Taking the road test” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Get a driver’s license” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Fees” (portal.ct.gov)

Photo: jglazer75, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Connecticut DMV knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. This page gives you 40 original practice questions: one full 25-question mock test plus a 15-question extra round on the Connecticut rules people most often get wrong. They are unofficial, written from the State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual and DMV pages, and are not the DMV’s own questions.

The real Connecticut knowledge test

• 25 questions; 20 right to pass, so you can miss 5.
• Taken at a DMV office by appointment, straight after a vision test (20/40 or better, glasses allowed).
• Since January 1, 2026, you must finish the free online Work Zone Safety Course before testing.
• Fail it and you wait 7 days and pay the $40 testing fee again (fee as of November 2026).

Booking, documents and fees are in the Connecticut knowledge test and learner’s permit guide.

How to use this practice test

1. Do questions 1 to 25 in one sitting, without the manual. Score 20 or more and you are at pass level.
2. Check every miss against the chapter named in the explanation.
3. Then do the extra round (26 to 40). These are the Connecticut numbers and teen rules that cost people marks.

Mock test: questions 1 to 25

1. What shape is a YIELD sign?

• A. Octagon
• B. Pentagon
• C. Downward-pointing triangle
• D. Diamond

Answer: C. The yield sign is the only downward-pointing triangle. Slow down and give way to traffic and pedestrians, stopping if needed. Manual topic: know the road, sign shapes.

2. A five-sided (pentagon) sign warns you about:

• A. A no-passing zone
• B. A hospital
• C. A railroad crossing
• D. A school zone or school crossing

Answer: D. The manual says the pentagon marks school zones and school crossings. Manual topic: sign shapes.

3. A pennant-shaped yellow sign on the left side of the road means:

• A. Road narrows
• B. No passing zone
• C. Merge left
• D. Lane ends

Answer: B. The sideways pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone. See US road signs by shape and color. Manual topic: sign shapes.

4. Brown signs with white lettering point you to:

• A. Speed limits
• B. Hospitals and police stations
• C. Road work
• D. Parks, recreation and cultural sites

Answer: D. Brown guide signs show recreational and cultural destinations. Blue signs show services such as gas and food. Manual topic: sign colors.

5. A steady yellow traffic light means:

• A. The signal is broken
• B. Yield to cross traffic, then go
• C. The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
• D. Speed up to clear the intersection

Answer: C. Steady yellow warns that red is coming. Stop unless you are too close to stop safely. Manual topic: traffic signals.

6. A green arrow pointing left means:

• A. Left turns are banned
• B. You must yield to oncoming traffic before turning
• C. You may turn left; oncoming traffic should be stopped
• D. Only buses may turn left

Answer: C. A green arrow gives a protected turn in the direction shown. Still watch for late pedestrians. See traffic signals in the US. Manual topic: traffic signals.

7. A double solid yellow center line means:

• A. Only traffic on the right may pass
• B. Passing is allowed with care
• C. The road is one way
• D. Neither direction may pass

Answer: D. Double solid yellow lines bar passing from both sides. Manual topic: pavement markings.

8. White lines on the road separate:

• A. Bus lanes from car lanes only
• B. Traffic moving in opposite directions
• C. Parking spaces from bike lanes only
• D. Lanes of traffic moving in the same direction

Answer: D. White lines divide same-direction lanes and mark the right edge. Yellow lines separate opposite directions. See US pavement markings. Manual topic: pavement markings.

9. Two cars arrive at a four-way stop at the same time. Which goes first?

• A. The car going straight, always
• B. The larger vehicle
• C. The car on the left
• D. The car on the right

Answer: D. The first to arrive goes first. If you arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first. See four-way stops explained. Manual topic: road safety, right of way.

10. You are entering a roundabout or rotary. You must:

• A. Stop inside the circle to let cars in
• B. Yield to traffic already circulating
• C. Enter to the left of the center island
• D. Expect circulating traffic to yield to you

Answer: B. Traffic already in the circle has the right of way. See how to drive a roundabout. Manual topic: road safety.

11. Where is the crosswalk at an intersection with no painted lines?

• A. There is still a crosswalk; imagine the sidewalk extending across the road
• B. Only at the stop line
• C. There is none, so pedestrians must wait for you
• D. Only where a sign is posted

Answer: A. The manual says there is a crosswalk at every intersection, even if it is not marked. Yield to pedestrians crossing there. Manual topic: driving behaviors, pedestrians.

12. An ambulance with flashing lights and siren is coming toward you from any direction. What must you do?

• A. Stop exactly where you are, even in an intersection
• B. Keep going at the limit so you are not in the way
• C. Speed up and pull into the left lane
• D. Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes, clearing an intersection first

Answer: D. Pull over to the right and stay stopped until it has passed, unless police or firefighters direct otherwise. If you are in an intersection, clear it first. Manual topic: driving behaviors.

13. Under Connecticut’s Move Over law, when any vehicle is pulled over on the road you must:

• A. Flash your high beams as you pass
• B. Slow down below the posted limit and move over a lane when it is safe
• C. Stop behind it
• D. Keep your speed and lane

Answer: B. The manual says slow down and move over one lane whenever it is safe to do so. See move over laws in the US. Manual topic: driving behaviors.

14. A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on an ordinary two-way road. Who must stop?

• A. Only traffic behind the bus
• B. No one, if no children are visible
• C. Only traffic facing the bus
• D. Traffic in both directions

Answer: D. Stop in either direction. The exception in the manual is a divided road with a median or barrier, when the bus is on the other side. See school bus stopping laws. Manual topic: road safety.

15. What following distance does the Connecticut manual tell you to keep behind a car in normal conditions?

• A. At least three seconds
• B. One second
• C. One car length per 20 mph
• D. Close enough to read its plate

Answer: A. Use the three-second rule: count from when the car ahead passes a fixed point. Add time in bad weather. See following distance and the space cushion. Manual topic: driving behaviors.

16. Following a large truck, the manual says you should never follow at less than:

• A. One second
• B. 10 feet
• C. Three seconds
• D. Half a car length

Answer: C. Trucks hide the road ahead and you vanish from the driver’s mirrors if you sit too close. Manual topic: sharing the road with trucks.

17. You may turn right on a red light in Connecticut:

• A. After a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign prohibits it
• B. Never
• C. Without stopping if the road is clear
• D. Only with a green arrow

Answer: A. Stop completely, yield, then turn when safe. Obey any NO TURN ON RED sign. See right on red in the US. Manual topic: road safety.

18. Your windshield wipers are on because it is raining. Your headlights must be:

• A. On parking lights only
• B. Off in daylight
• C. On
• D. On high beam

Answer: C. Connecticut law requires headlights whenever your wipers are on. Manual topic: road safety, lights.

19. When should you dim your high beams for an oncoming vehicle?

• A. Only once it has passed
• B. Never at night
• C. Only on highways
• D. When you come within about a block of it

Answer: D. The manual says dim within about a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle, and when following another car. See night driving and high beams. Manual topic: road safety, lights.

20. Your brakes suddenly fail. The manual’s first step is to:

• A. Turn off the engine
• B. Pump the brake pedal
• C. Steer into a ditch
• D. Shift into reverse

Answer: B. Pump the pedal, then apply the parking brake slowly, then shift to a lower gear. See vehicle emergencies. Manual topic: vehicle emergencies.

21. A front tire blows out. You should:

• A. Swerve to the shoulder at once
• B. Grip the wheel, keep straight, ease off the gas and brake lightly
• C. Brake hard immediately
• D. Speed up to keep control

Answer: B. Hard braking or sharp steering can spin the car. Slow gradually, then pull off. Manual topic: vehicle emergencies.

22. Your gas pedal sticks while driving. What should you do?

• A. Shift to neutral, pull off when safe, then turn off the engine
• B. Pump the gas pedal
• C. Keep driving until it frees itself
• D. Turn the engine off at speed and steer hard

Answer: A. Neutral cuts power to the wheels while you keep steering. Manual topic: vehicle emergencies.

23. What is the lowest blood alcohol content (BAC) that breaks Connecticut’s zero tolerance law for a driver under 21?

• A. 0.00%
• B. 0.02%
• C. 0.05%
• D. 0.08%

Answer: B. Under 21, a test of .02% or more on public roads or private property means at least a 45-day suspension and an ignition interlock for at least a year. See zero tolerance laws. Manual topic: drinking and driving.

24. In Connecticut, who must wear a seat belt?

• A. Only passengers under 16
• B. The driver and every passenger
• C. Only the driver
• D. Only front-seat riders

Answer: B. The driver and every passenger must be belted, and the manual sets a $75 fine for each person. Children under 16 must be in proper restraints. Manual topic: before you get behind the wheel.

25. A 17-year-old Connecticut driver wants to make a hands-free call. Is it legal?

• A. No. Drivers under 18 may not use any phone or mobile device, even hands-free
• B. Yes, on the highway only
• C. Yes, if the phone is mounted
• D. Yes, at red lights

Answer: A. Under 18 there is a total ban, apart from emergency calls. From 18, hands-free only. See Connecticut teen driver restrictions. Manual topic: before you get behind the wheel.

Score the mock test

Correct (out of 25)	What it means
23 to 25	Ready. Book your test.
20 to 22	A pass on the DMV standard. Fix your misses first.
Under 20	A fail. Reread the manual chapters you missed and try again in a few days.

Extra round: Connecticut numbers and teen rules (questions 26 to 40)

26. How many questions are on the Connecticut DMV knowledge test, and how many must you get right?

• A. 20 questions, 16 to pass
• B. 25 questions, 20 to pass
• C. 30 questions, 24 to pass
• D. 50 questions, 40 to pass

Answer: B. 25 questions, with 20 correct needed. That means you can miss 5.

27. What must every Connecticut learner’s permit applicant complete before the knowledge test, as of 2026?

• A. 10 hours of driving with a parent
• B. A 30-hour classroom course
• C. The free online Work Zone Safety Course
• D. A road sign quiz at a driving school

Answer: C. Since January 1, 2026, the DMV requires the Work Zone Safety Course certificate. It takes under an hour. See the Connecticut learner driver guide.

28. How close to a fire hydrant may you park in Connecticut?

• A. No closer than 15 feet
• B. No closer than 10 feet
• C. No closer than 5 feet
• D. No closer than 25 feet

Answer: B. The manual says do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Manual topic: road safety, parking.

29. How far from a stop sign must you park?

• A. At least 10 feet
• B. At least 15 feet
• C. At least 25 feet
• D. At least 20 feet

Answer: C. The manual sets 25 feet from a stop sign. See US parking rules. Manual topic: road safety, parking.

30. When parallel parked, your wheels may be no more than how far from the curb?

• A. 1 foot
• B. 18 inches
• C. 2 feet
• D. 3 feet

Answer: A. The manual says no more than one foot from the curb. Manual topic: road safety, parking.

31. Until 18, a Connecticut driver may not drive between:

• A. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• B. 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• C. 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
• D. 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Answer: B. The curfew is 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with exceptions for employment, school, religious activities, medical necessity and Safe Ride drivers. Manual topic: obtaining a license, teen restrictions.

32. A 16-year-old has held a Connecticut license for 3 months. Which passenger is allowed without anyone else in the car?

• A. A 16-year-old friend
• B. A licensed parent
• C. Two classmates
• D. A 15-year-old brother

Answer: B. In the first 6 months, only a driving instructor, parents or guardians, or one person 20 or older licensed for 4+ years with no suspension. Brothers and sisters are allowed only from month 7. Manual topic: teen restrictions.

33. In months 7 to 12 of a Connecticut teen license, which group is added to the allowed passengers?

• A. Any friend under 18
• B. Immediate family members
• C. Anyone with a learner’s permit
• D. Up to three classmates

Answer: B. From month 7, immediate family, such as brothers and sisters, may ride as well. Friends still may not.

34. Who may ride with a 16 or 17 year old Connecticut learner’s permit holder?

• A. Any licensed adult and up to two friends
• B. Anyone 18 or older
• C. Only a parent, legal guardian or qualified trainer
• D. Any passenger wearing a seat belt

Answer: C. Permit holders under 18 may carry only these passengers. With a licensed driving instructor, parents or guardians may ride along. See permit rules.

35. To be a qualified trainer for a Connecticut permit holder, a person must be at least what age, with a license held 4 years and no suspension in that time?

• A. 18
• B. 20
• C. 21
• D. 25

Answer: B. A qualified trainer is 20 or older and has held a license for at least four years with no suspension in that period.

36. Police stop a 17-year-old for breaking the teen curfew. What can happen on the spot?

• A. Only a verbal warning is allowed
• B. The license is seized for 48 hours
• C. Nothing until a court hearing
• D. The car is impounded for 30 days

Answer: B. Police take the license of a 16 or 17 year old cited for breaking a restriction. A parent must go with the teen to get it back. A conviction brings a 30-day suspension and a $175 restoration fee. See Connecticut suspensions for teen drivers.

37. Any Connecticut driver who refuses a chemical test after a DUI arrest faces a license suspension of at least:

• A. 7 days
• B. 45 days
• C. 90 days
• D. 2 years

Answer: B. Refusal at any age means at least 45 days, then an ignition interlock for at least a year. See implied consent and DUI. Manual topic: drinking and driving.

38. Hand-held phone use is banned for every Connecticut driver. Does that include when you are stopped at a red light?

• A. Only for texting, not calls
• B. Only on highways
• C. No, stopped means not driving
• D. Yes; use a phone only when parked safely off the road

Answer: D. The ban covers being stopped in traffic or at a light. See hands-free and texting laws.

39. What do drivers in a Connecticut highway work zone face if they break the rules?

• A. Fines of up to $1,000, and doubled distracted-driving fines
• B. A fine only if a worker is hurt
• C. A warning only
• D. No extra penalty

Answer: A. The manual flags work zone fines up to $1,000. Driving over 75 mph in a highway work zone also triggers the Operator Retraining Program. See work zone driving rules.

40. Before the Connecticut road test, every new driver must complete which course?

• A. A first aid course
• B. A 4-hour online quiz
• C. A motorcycle safety class
• D. The 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course

Answer: D. The 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course applies to every new driver. Teens’ parents also take a 2-hour class. See the 8-hour course.

Common questions

Are these the real Connecticut DMV test questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions that test the same topics. The DMV publishes its own practice tests (English and Spanish), and each manual chapter ends with study questions.

How many questions can I miss on the Connecticut permit test?

5. You need 20 of 25 correct.

Which languages is the Connecticut test offered in?

Albanian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese, with paper tests in more than 20 other languages on request and an audio version by headset. See permit tests in other languages.

Should I use the audio manual?

The DMV notes the audio version was recorded from the November 2014 edition and is not up to date. Study the written manual.

What happens after I pass?

You get a temporary paper permit, and the permanent one arrives by mail. Then do your training and 40 practice hours. See the Connecticut home training guide and the Connecticut road test checklist.

Where are practice tests for other states?

See US permit practice tests by state.

Sources

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Take the knowledge and vision tests” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving restrictions for teens” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Teen driver’s license information” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Fees” (portal.ct.gov)
• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Operator Retraining Program” (portal.ct.gov)