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
- Do questions 1 to 25 in one sitting, without the manual. Score 20 or more and you are at pass level.
- Check every miss against the chapter named in the explanation.
- 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)