Getting a Connecticut Learners Permit

16: that’s the magic number for Connecticut teens who want to learn how to drive. When you turn 16 in Connecticut, you can begin the process of getting your Connecticut drivers license. The first step is to apply for your Connecticut learners permit.

Connecticut Learners Permit Requirements

Connecticut has different rules for acquiring a learners permit, depending on your age. The minimum age to apply for a Connecticut learners permit is 16. To apply for your learners permit, you’ll need to have the following:

• A completed Application for Non-Commercial Learner Permit and/or Driver License (form R-229).
• 2 documents proving identity (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card).
• 2 documents proving Connecticut residency (bank statement, pre-printed pay stub, postmarked mail).
• 1 document proving Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form or 1099 form issued within the last 5 years).
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S., if you were born outside of the country (I-94 and U.S. Visa, I-551 stamp in a foreign passport, resident alien card).
• A completed Certificate of Parental Consent (form 2D).
  • Required only if your parent/legal guardian is not present when you take your learner’s permit test.
• Payment for your fees:
  • $40 permit test fee.
  • $19 learner’s permit fee.

Getting your learners permit isn’t simply a matter of filling out a form! You’ll need to pass a written knowledge test (as well as a vision test). The information on the test can be found in the Connecticut Driver’s Manual. When you’re ready to take the test, you can schedule an appointment at the nearest Connecticut DMV testing office.

CT DMV Learners Permit Written Test

The Connecticut learners permit test is a 25 question, multiple-choice exam. You’ll be asked about Connecticut road rules and road signs, and you’ll need to answer 20 questions correctly in order to pass.

How the Connecticut Learners Permit Works

If you’re between the ages of 16 and 17, the state of Connecticut requires that you successfully complete a state-licensed drivers education course after you’ve obtained your learners permit, and before you apply for your drivers license. You have a few options: you may take it through your high school if they offer a course, you may take a state-licensed commercial drivers ed course, or you may opt for home training. The classroom training requirements vary for each, so you’ll want to spend some time reviewing those on the Connecticut DMV’s Driver Training Requirements page; this will help you decide which driver training path works best for you (and your parents or guardian).

Getting Your Connecticut Drivers License

The state of Connecticut employs a Graduated Driver Licensing program. This means that drivers under the age of 18 must first successfully earn and hold a provisional drivers license before moving on to an unrestricted license.

When you visit the Connecticut DMV’s Driver Training Requirements page, you’ll see that each training option requires 30 hours of classroom training, plus 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction. If you choose the Home Training option, however, you’ll be eligible to apply for your drivers license after 180 days. Taking the Secondary School (High School) or Commercial driver education option reduces that time to 120 days.

Once you’ve completed all of the drivers education training and time requirements, you’ll be eligible to apply for your Connecticut drivers license.