How to get a Connecticut Driver's License
Find out how to get a new CT driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Connecticut DMV guide.
Connecticut DMV Driver's License Rules
Under CT DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Connecticut Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Connecticut Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Connecticut learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to provide proof that you have received at least 40 hours of behind the wheel practice driving while supervised by a parent, legal guardian or a driving school instructor. You must then pass a second knowledge test, a road skills test and vision tests to receive a CT driver's license.
Connecticut law requires anyone, regardless of age, who has not previously held a license in Connecticut or who does not hold a valid license issued by another state, to take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course at a Connecticut Commercial Driving School before he or she can obtain a license.
A parent or legal guardian of a teen who obtains a learner's permit on or after August 1, 2008, is required to complete two hours of instruction with his or her teen concerning the laws governing drivers under age 18 and the dangers of teen driving. This course may be offered by a commercial driving or secondary school and will be included in the eight-hour program already required for all 16- and 17-year-olds.
New CT Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in CT. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
The operator must possess an out-of-state license which has not expired for more than 2 years. A vision test will be administered prior to the issuance of the Connecticut license. The knowledge and road tests may be waived at the discretion of the Agent.
Sixteen and seventeen year old applicants who hold a driver's license from another jurisdiction are required to attend driver education class and pass the road testing.
If your out of state license has expired for more than two years, you will be required to take an 8 hour safe driving practices course at a Connecticut licensed driving school and take the vision, knowledge and skills test at a DMV office.
International Drivers
Foreign travelers on a visitor's visa may operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut for one year with a valid out of country license and an International Driver Permit which is obtained from your home country. If you plan to establish residency in Connecticut, you'll have 30 days to obtain for a Connecticut Driver's License.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Connecticut DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
- Acceptable forms of identification
- Your Learner's Permit
- Completed Application for Driver License (Form R-229) which can be obtained at the DMV branch office or requested from the website. Your qualified trainer must sign the Application for Driver License (Form R-229) attesting that all driver education/practice driving requirements have been fulfilled.
- CS-1 Driver Education Certificate verifying completion of driver training.
- A vehicle that can be used for the Road Test
- A valid registration and proof of insurance for your test vehicle. The proof of insurance must be in the name of the registered owner of the vehicle. (If the vehicle is leased, proof of insurance may be in the name of the lessee).
- License Fee
On the Road
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Connecticut Driver's Manual |
