How to Get a Connecticut Learner’s Permit
Connecticut residents age 16 and older are eligible for a learner’s permit, but you’ll need to pass written and vision tests before the DMV issues you one.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Connecticut residents who are aged 16 and older are eligible to receive a learner’s permit, but you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test before the DMV will issue you one. You’ll also need to arrive with all of the required documents.
Most 16-year-olds are excited or at least intrigued by the idea of becoming licensed drivers and being able to drive themselves around—even if the privilege comes with higher
car insurance
costs. Before that can happen, all 16 and 17-year-old drivers need to get a learner’s permit. Connecticut also requires drivers who are 18 and older to get what’s known as an adult learner’s permit. If you’re looking for more information on what you need to do to hold a learner’s permit in the state of Connecticut, we’re here to offer some guidance. Here, we’ll discuss all the requirements and regulations so that you can be one step closer to becoming a licensed driver.
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How to get a Connecticut learner’s permit
First and foremost, in order to get a Connecticut learner’s permit, you must first pass a written knowledge test and a vision test in person at the DMV. One of the most convenient ways to study for the knowledge test is to
download the CT DMV app
and take practice tests that include questions from the actual written test. Another tried and true resource to learn about Connecticut’s road rules is the
Connecticut Driver’s Manual
. The manual can be downloaded as an audio file as well as written text. Make sure you are prepared for the written exam prior to taking your learner’s permit test so that you only have to take it once! What to bring to the DMV
You need to
make an appointment online
to take your learner’s permit test. When you get a test date, it’s crucial to make sure that you bring all the necessary documents with you to the Connecticut DMV. This is what you’ll be asked to submit:
- Two documents that prove your identity (such as a US birth certificate and a US passport)
- One document verifying your Social Security number (SSN) (such as a Social Security card or a W-2 tax form)
- $40 for the permit test fee
- $19 for the learner’s permit issuance fee
The written test for the Connecticut learner's permit is available in the following languages:
- Albanian
- Arabic
- Mandarin
- English
- French
- Italian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
There are 25 questions on the written test. In order to pass, you must get at least 20 questions right. If you use corrective lenses, you will be permitted to wear them for the vision test. With or without corrective lenses, you must have 20/40 vision or better to pass the vision screening.
If you fail the learner’s permit test in Connecticut, you must wait at least seven days before you can retake it. Unfortunately, the $40 testing fee is nonrefundable so you must repay it if you need to take the written test again.
Connecticut learner’s permit regulations
In Connecticut, all 16 and 17-year-olds must hold a learner’s permit for a minimum of 120 days before they can take the driver’s license test. Those 18 and older must hold their adult learner’s permit for at least 90 days before taking the driver’s test.
Once you turn 16 or 17 and obtain your learner’s permit, you must participate in driving training whether it be through a
commercial driving school
, high school-based driver’s ed program, or home training with a qualified trainer in order to be eligible for a Connecticut driver’s license. Commercial driving school and driver’s ed require 30 classroom hours and 40 practice hours on the road. If you’re taking part in home training, you must fulfill 22 classroom hours and 40 practice hours on the road. Be advised that if you’re fulfilling your training with help from an at-home qualified trainer, this instructor needs to be 20 years or older and have held their driver’s license for at least four years without any suspensions in that time period. If you opt for at-home driving training, you’ll be required to hold your learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days.
No matter how tempting it might be, never get behind the wheel unattended if you only have a Connecticut learner’s permit. If you’re caught driving without a license in Connecticut, you may be fined up to $90 and risk prolonging the time it will take to be eligible to get your driver’s license.
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
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