driver’s license once you turn 18. Adults must take a vision test, pass a written knowledge test, and successfully complete a driving test to get the CT driver’s license.

To get a driver’s license in Connecticut, you must first get a learner’s permit, pass vision and knowledge exams, and enroll in driver training courses before taking your road test.
You’ll need documents to prove your identity, lawful presence, Social Security number, and Connecticut residency before you can get a license.
The Connecticut driving test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices.
Undocumented individuals can get a “drive-only” license in Connecticut.

The first step: Get your learner’s permit if you’re a new driver

All new drivers must complete the state’s Graduated Driver’s License program, which you can begin at

16 years old

. To get your learner’s permit, study the

driver’s manual

and schedule an appointment to take a written exam at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Here’s what you need to take to the DMV office:

Two forms of ID like a birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, Social Security card

Two forms of Connecticut residency, like a report card with your address, official school records, or bank statements

A completed

Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit

(form R-229)

A certificate of parental consent (if your parent or guardian isn’t with you)

$40 for the testing fee

$19 for the learner’s permit

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Meeting DMV requirements

At the DMV appointment, you’re required to pass a few tests in order to get your learner’s permit or get a license as an adult.

Vision exam

The examiner will ask you questions about what you can see in order to test your visual acuity. To pass, you need to have 20/40 vision and 140 degrees of binocular peripheral visual field.

You are permitted to wear your prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses during the test.

Knowledge exam

After completing the TLSAE course and passing your vision test, you can take the knowledge exam. This written portion of your driving test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions on Connecticut’s traffic laws, road safety practices, and road signs.

You can study the

Connecticut Driver's Manual

, which covers all the materials needed to pass the test. You can also take

free practice tests

on the DMV app before taking your real test.

To pass your Knowledge Exam, answer 20 out of 25 questions correctly, or 80%. You can retake the test in 7 days if you fail.

The learner’s permit and examination fees will cost $14 and $40, respectively.

As a young driver with a learner’s permit, you’ll face some restrictions:

No driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless traveling for school, work, or religious activities

No passengers during the first six months unless you are with a licensed instructor or parent

Can drive with only immediate family members in the second six months

No cell phone or other electronic device usage while driving

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How to get a full Connecticut driver’s license

To graduate from a learner’s permit to a full license, log at least 40 hours of practice driving time (including a combination of official driving school hours or parent instruction).

You are required to take a

Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE)

. This can be taken online or in a classroom setting. The course will cover the essentials of Connecticut traffic laws, with an emphasis on road safety and alcohol use.

Once you’ve had the learner’s permit for 120 to 180 days and have completed the education course, you can apply for a full Connecticut license.

Schedule your driving test

Schedule your driving skills test through the

DMV online appointment system

. You’ll need to provide your own registered and insured vehicle, which must be mechanically safe. Note that the Connecticut DMV could refuse to let you test if your vehicle has any of these issues:

Not an appropriate vehicle for the license class

No valid vehicle registration certificate or

proof of insurance

Illegal windshield tint or missing CT DMV tint compliance sticker

Cracked or damaged windows/windshields

Defective brake lights and/or signal lights

Safety warning indicator lights on the dashboard (e.g., SRS, ABS, etc.)

Overly worn or damaged tires

Missing lug nuts

Defective equipment such as seat belts, speedometers, and braking system

Other issues that will deem the vehicle unsafe to drive

When you head to your appointment, remember to bring:

Connecticut learner’s permit: This has a two-year validity, so you must complete the road test before it expires.

Social Security number: Your Social Security card, W-2 form, paycheck showing your name and SSN, or a signed affidavit from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating you are a non-U.S. citizen not eligible for an SSN.

Proof of residency: Postmarked mail, bank statement, utility bill, or insurance card.

Proof of legal presence: U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, U.S. visa, or I-94 form.

Proof of identity with your full name and date of birth: There is a

list of proofs accepted by the state

, and you must provide two forms of identification, with at least one from the primary documents list.

Name change documents, if applicable.

You’ll also need a completed

R-229 Application for a Non-Commercial Driver's License

and your

CS-1 Driver Education Certificate

along with all other required documents.

Road test

The examiner will ask you to perform a variety of skills during the test. These might include:

A three-point turn

Approaching an intersection

Observe the right of way

Maintaining proper speed

Parking in standard conditions and on a hill

A quick stop from 20 mph

Moving in reverse for about 50 feet

Signaling, turning, and passing

Staying in your lane

Be aware that the examiner will also evaluate your ability to obey traffic laws as well as your safe driving practices. This includes following all traffic signals, including stop signs, correctly. They will also observe your following distance and whether you have proper posture.

If you pass your driving test, you can show your documents and pay the $84 licensing fee for your Connecticut driver’s license. You’ll get your license in the mail within 20 days.

Keep in mind: You must have a valid driver's license or

REAL-ID-compliant

license on you while operating a vehicle on Connecticut roads. If your Connecticut driver's license is expired or expiring soon, you must get your

license renewed

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What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

After becoming a resident of Connecticut, you are required to apply for a Connecticut driver’s license within 30 days. Connecticut considers a person to be a resident if they live in the state for more than six months in a year.

To transfer your out-of-state license, bring your documents, pass a vision test, and pay the $84 license fee plus the $40 application fee.

However, you are not required to get a Connecticut license if one of the following conditions apply to you:

Full-time student from another state, temporarily living in Connecticut

Currently a US militant and stationed in Connecticut or a dependent of one

Foreign traveler living in Connecticut on a visitor's visa. You can drive with your foreign license and an International Driver Permit (IDP) for up to one year.

Apply for a CT driver’s license as an international student

If you’re a student with a license from another U.S. state, France, Germany, or Canada, you can transfer your license to a Connecticut license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

If you’re from outside of the U.S., France, Germany, or Canada, and you have a driver’s license from your country, you can drive in Connecticut for up to one year. However, if your license is in a language other than English or Spanish, you’re required to carry an

International Driver Permit (IDP)

issued by your country.

If you’re going to stay in the state of Connecticut for more than a year or you don’t have an IDP, work on getting a full Connecticut driver’s license.

Undocumented individuals in Connecticut can apply for a

drive-only license

. It won’t function as an ID card in the way a full Connecticut license does, but it allows you to drive legally on the streets of the Constitution State.

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FAQs

What do I need to get a Connecticut driver’s license?

You will need to bring your Connecticut learner’s permit, Social Security card, proof of residency, proof of legal presence, proof of identity (two documents), name change documents (if applicable), completed R-229 form application, and CS-1 Driver Education Certificate.

What are the different types of driver’s licenses in Connecticut?

A learner’s permit is available for people learning to drive. Connecticut also offers a full driver’s license—a regular license is called a Class D license. The state also offers a REAL ID, as well as

commercial driver's licenses (CDL)

Does Connecticut have REAL ID?

Yes, you can apply for a CT REAL ID at your local DMV. Don’t forget to bring two proofs of Connecticut residency, your Social Security card, and proof of your identity or legal residence.

Can I get my Connecticut driver’s license online?

No, but you can renew your existing license. To get your license for the first time, you must go to the DMV in person.

Can you get car insurance without a license?

It’s typically impossible to get car insurance without a license, but a few unique circumstances, such as an older individual with a licensed driver named on the policy, allow for this coverage.

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