Booking Your Connecticut Road Test: A Step-by-Step Scheduling Guide

You've passed your 25-question knowledge test, completed the 8-hour safe driving course, and held your permit for the required amount of time. The final step to earning your Connecticut driver's license is scheduling and passing your behind-the-wheel road test.

In Connecticut, you cannot simply show up at the DMV to take your test; an appointment is always required. This guide will walk you through the process for scheduling your test, so you know exactly what to do.

Before You Book: Are You Eligible?

Make sure you meet all the state's requirements before you attempt to schedule your test.

For applicants under 18: You must have held your learner's permit for a minimum of 120 days (if you used a commercial driving school) or 180 days (if you did home training). [1] You must also have your training completion certificate (Form CS-1).
For applicants 18 and older: You must have held your learner's permit for a minimum of 90 days. [1]

Option 1: Scheduling a Test with the CT DMV (Online)

The primary way to book a road test directly with the state is through the DMV's online scheduling system.

How to Schedule Online with the DMV:

Navigate to the CT DMV Website: Go to the official Connecticut DMV website. Look for the section on scheduling an appointment.
Select "Road Test": The online system will ask you to choose the type of service you need. Select the option for a "Non-Commercial Road Test" or similar wording.
Enter Your Information: You will need to provide your personal information to locate your record. Be sure to have your Learner's Permit Number ready, as this is required to book the test.
Choose a Location: The system will show you a list of DMV Hub Offices and branches that conduct road tests. Select the location that is most convenient for you.
Find an Available Date and Time: The portal will display a calendar showing available appointment slots.
- Be Prepared to Wait: DMV road test appointments are in very high demand and are often booked up for weeks or even months in advance. This is the biggest challenge of scheduling through the DMV.
Confirm Your Appointment: Once you find a date and time, select it and confirm. You will receive a confirmation email. Print this out or save it on your phone, as you will need it on your test day.

Option 2: Testing Through a Commercial Driving School

A very popular and often more convenient option in Connecticut is to take your road test directly through a state-licensed commercial driving school.

How it Works:

Many driving schools are authorized by the DMV to administer the official road test to their students.

Enroll in a School: You must be a student of the driving school to test with them.
Complete Your Training: You will complete your required classroom and behind-the-wheel hours with their instructors.
Schedule with the School: Once you are eligible, you will schedule your road test directly with the driving school's staff.

Pros and Cons of Testing at a Driving School:

Pro: Incredible Convenience and Availability. This is the number one benefit. Driving schools have their own schedules and can often get you a test date much, much faster than the DMV.
Pro: Use Their Vehicle. You will almost always take the test in the same training car you learned in. This reduces stress, as you are familiar with the vehicle, and it is guaranteed to meet all of the DMV's safety requirements.
Pro: Familiar Environment. Testing with an instructor you know at a location you've driven from before can be less intimidating than going to a large, busy DMV office.
Con: Cost. This convenience comes at a price. The cost of the road test is part of the overall package price for the driving school's services, which is significantly more than the simple test fee at the DMV.

What if You Fail the Test?

Whether you test at the DMV or a driving school, if you fail the road test, you must wait at least 14 days before you can take it again. You will also be required to pay a retest fee. [1]

Tips for Scheduling Success

Plan Ahead: As soon as you know your eligibility date (e.g., 120 days after getting your permit), start looking for an appointment.
Check the DMV Portal Often: If you choose to go through the DMV, check the online scheduler frequently. Cancellations happen, and new slots can open up unexpectedly.
Consider a Driving School: If you need to get your license by a certain date and can't find a DMV appointment, the extra cost of a driving school might be worth the convenience and speed.

By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can successfully book your road test and take the final step toward earning your Connecticut driver's license.