The Constitution State Driver: Your Complete Guide to Getting a Connecticut License

Earning a driver's license in the State of Connecticut is a significant milestone, opening up a world of new freedoms and responsibilities. The journey from passenger to licensed driver involves several key steps managed by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down the process for both teens and adults. We'll cover the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, training requirements, testing, and everything else you need to navigate the DMV with confidence.

For Teen Drivers (Ages 16 & 17): The Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program

To ensure young drivers gain experience in a safe and controlled manner, Connecticut has a strict Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program. [1] This system has two main phases before full driving privileges are granted.

Step 1: The Learner's Permit

This is the first official step, allowing a new driver to practice on the road with a qualified supervising driver.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 16 years old. [1, 2]

How to get your Learner's Permit:

1. Schedule a DMV Appointment: All permit tests are done by appointment only. You must schedule your Learner's Permit Test appointment online through the CT DMV website.
2. Gather Your Documents: This is a critical step. You will need to provide original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Connecticut residency. You'll also need a completed Application for a Non-Commercial Driver's License (Form R-229) and a parental consent form (Form 2-D). [4]
3. Visit the DMV for Your Appointment: At your scheduled time, you will:
   • Present all your required documents.
   • Pay the permit and testing fees.
   • Pass a vision test to ensure your eyesight meets state standards. [1]
   • Pass a 25-question computerized knowledge test. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers Connecticut traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the official Driver's Manual. [1]
4. Receive Your Permit: Once you pass, you will be issued your learner's permit.

Rules of the Road with a Learner's Permit:

• You can only drive with a licensed driving instructor, a parent/legal guardian, or another qualified licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held their license for at least four consecutive years with a clean record. [1, 5]

Step 2: Driver Training Requirements

Before you can even take your road test, you must complete mandatory driver training. Teens have two options:

1. Driving School (Commercial/Secondary): This involves 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional instructor.
2. Home Training: This requires 22 hours of classroom-equivalent instruction and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a qualified supervising driver. [5]

All teen permit holders must also complete an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course, which includes a 2-hour session that a parent or guardian must attend. [2, 5]

Step 3: The Driver's License and Road Test

After holding your permit for a minimum period and completing your training, you can take the road test.

Who is eligible?

• You must have held your learner's permit for at least 120 days if you completed training at a commercial driving school. [1]
• You must have held your learner's permit for at least 180 days if you completed home training. [1]

How to get your License:

The final step is passing the behind-the-wheel road test. You must schedule this test in advance. Many teens take the test through their driving school, which can be more convenient than scheduling with the DMV. Once you pass, you will be issued your driver's license.

GDL Restrictions on a Teen License:

For the first year of being licensed, teen drivers have strict rules:

• Passenger Restrictions: Rules on who can be in the car with you, which change after the first six months. [1]
• Nighttime Curfew: You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it's for work, school, a religious activity, or a medical necessity. [1]
• No Cell Phones: An absolute ban on using any mobile electronic device, even hands-free. [1]

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are 18 or older and applying for your first license, the process is more direct.

1. Get a Learner's Permit: You'll follow the same process as a teen: schedule an appointment, bring your documents, and pass the vision and knowledge tests to get your permit. [1]
2. Hold the Permit: Adults must hold their learner's permit for a minimum of 90 days before taking the road test. [1] The 8-hour safe driving course is still required. [5]
3. Pass the Road Test: After the 90-day period, you can schedule and pass your road test.
4. Get Your License: Once you pass, you'll be issued a full, unrestricted driver's license. The GDL curfews and passenger rules do not apply to drivers 18 and older.

New to Connecticut? Transferring Your License

If you move to Connecticut and hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must transfer it to a CT license within 30 days of establishing residency. In most cases, if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired, the knowledge test and road test are waived. [7] You will need to make an appointment, surrender your old license, provide full documentation (for a Verified ID), and pass a vision screening.

By understanding these steps and preparing for each one, your journey to becoming a licensed driver in Connecticut will be a smooth and successful one.