The Connecticut road test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can book, reschedule and prepare for the Connecticut road test.
• You can list the documents and the vehicle you must bring.
• You can describe the skills the examiner assesses.
• You can explain the retest rules if you do not pass.

What you need to know and understand

• Teens must have held a permit for 120 or 180 days, and adults for 90 days, before testing.
• Bring your appointment confirmation, permit, Form R-229 and a registered, insured vehicle.
• Your driving school sends your EDEC driver education certificate to the DMV electronically.
• If you are under 18, your qualified trainer must come to the DMV and sign to confirm your training.
• Reschedule at least three days ahead to keep your prepaid fee.
• If you fail, the retest must be at least 14 days later and costs $40.
• Arrive 15 minutes early.

Booking and the day before

1. Book online through the DMV road test scheduling system once your waiting period and training are complete.
2. Check the car: lights, brakes, tires, seat belts, horn, wipers, windows and speedometer must all work, with no warning lights showing.
3. Put the registration certificate and Connecticut insurance card in the car. They must be in the same name, though a leased car may be under the lessee.
4. Gather your permit, Form R-229 and appointment confirmation. Without your permit you will not be tested.
5. If the weather is bad, watch your email. The DMV will tell you if testing is cancelled.

Vehicle rules that catch people out

• Cracked windows, worn tires, missing lug nuts, faulty brakes or dashboard warning lights mean no test.
• Aftermarket window tint needs a Connecticut DMV tint compliance sticker.
• No ignition interlock device, unless you are legally required to have one.
• You cannot test in a rental car if you do not hold a valid license.
• You may not drive yourself to the test on a permit without a licensed driver beside you.

What the examiner watches

Before moving, you adjust your seat, mirrors and seat belt, and you may be asked to show controls such as wipers, defroster, parking brake, lights and horn, and to explain dashboard warning lights. On the road, the examiner checks how you respond to signs, signals, markings and other road users, including right of way and emergency vehicles.

Expect turns, backing up and parking, plus other maneuvers the examiner directs. Listen carefully to instructions and ask if you are unsure.

If it does not go your way

Rebook online soon after, within 72 hours of the failed test according to the DMV. The new date must be at least two weeks after the first test, and you pay the $40 retest fee. Use the gap to practice the exact skills the examiner noted.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through stop signs. Stop fully behind the line every time.
• Forgetting to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or pulling away.
• Bringing a car with a warning light on. The test will not go ahead.
• Turning up without the qualified trainer if you are under 18.

Test yourself: The Connecticut road test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Connecticut Road Test Checklist
• Connecticut 8 Hour Safe Driving Practices Course
• CT Permit Test