Connecticut driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

16 (an adult learner's permit applies from age 18).Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit and testing fees

$19 for the learner's permit plus a $40 testing fee that covers the vision, knowledge and road tests. Both are paid online when you book.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Fee for a new driver's license

$84 when you upgrade from a learner's permit to a license.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian at the knowledge test; if they can't come, bring a signed Certificate of Parental Consent (form 2-D).Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long the permit is valid

Until you get your license, or 2 years from the date it was issued, whichever comes first.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period (age 16-17)

At least 120 days if you took commercial or high-school driver training, or 180 days if you trained at home with a Qualified Trainer.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period (18 and older)

At least 90 days before the road test, unless you are exempt (for example, you held a license before).Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit restrictions (16-17)

No passengers except a parent, legal guardian or qualified trainer, and no cell phone use at all, even hands-free.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who can supervise practice driving

A Qualified Trainer must be 20 or older and have held a license for at least 4 years with no suspensions in that time.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Work Zone Safety Course

Since January 1, 2026, every permit applicant must first complete the free online Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course (under an hour) and bring the certificate.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

25 questions, based on the Connecticut driver's manual.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

20 of 25 correct (80%).Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

If you fail the knowledge test

Wait 7 days and pay the $40 testing fee again to rebook. If you fail the vision test you can rebook right away.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test languages

On screen in 11 languages: Albanian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. A paper test can be requested in 24 more.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

Taken before the knowledge test. You need 20/40 or better, with or without lenses, and 140 degrees of peripheral vision with both eyes.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

What to bring to the permit test

Original ID documents from the DMV checklist, a signed Form R-229 application, the Work Zone course certificate, any CT non-driver ID (it is surrendered), and glasses or contacts if needed.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Copies not accepted

Bring original documents; photocopies or faxed copies are rejected.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointment needed

Yes. Permit testing is by appointment only at select DMV offices, booked and prepaid online. No office offers walk-ins on Saturdays.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice driving

At least 40 hours behind the wheel before the license (DMV recommends 100). It can mix driving-school and home instruction.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver training (age 16-17)

All 16- and 17-year-olds must complete driver training through a driving school, high school, or home training plus the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parent training class

A parent or guardian of a 16- or 17-year-old permit holder must attend a 2-hour training course with the teen.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Course for new adult drivers

First-time drivers 18 and older must take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course before the road test.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

If you fail the road test

Wait at least 14 days and pay the $40 testing fee again.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

After passing the road test

Wait 48 hours before taking your passed Road Test Evaluation Report to the DMV.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New drivers 16-17: passengers

First 6 months: only a driving instructor, parents/guardians, or a qualifying trainer. Next 6 months: immediate family may also ride.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New drivers 16-17: curfew

No driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. until age 18, except for work, school, religious activities or medical need.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License length

6 or 8 years. DMV is phasing in the 8-year license, and your renewal notice shows which you get.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

From 180 days (six months) before expiration up to the expiration date.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Available to most drivers. You can't renew online if you didn't get a new photo last time, are getting REAL ID for the first time, are not a U.S. citizen, or hold a CDL or drive-only license.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$72 for a 6-year license or $96 for an 8-year license. Drivers 65 and older can choose a 2-year renewal for $24.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Late renewal

$25 extra if the license has already expired. After 2 or more years expired you must start over as a new driver.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Two-year renewal at 65+

Drivers 65 or older may ask for a 2-year license.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the top right corner. Your first REAL ID needs an in-person appointment. Since May 7, 2025, you need it (or a passport) to fly domestically.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

No extra cost when you renew. If you aren't due to renew, you pay the $30 duplicate fee.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID documents

Usually a U.S. passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card, and two pieces of mail from different sources dated within 90 days.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Social Security proof

DMV says Social Security documents are no longer required for REAL ID. The same page still lists the card under most cases, so bring it if you have it.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline for new residents

90 days after you establish residency.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

You take a vision test. Your out-of-state license must be current or expired no more than 2 years. If it is older, you get a permit, take the 8-hour course and a road test.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Transfer fees

$84 license fee plus a $40 application fee.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$30 for a duplicate license. A duplicate learner's permit costs $19.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate learner's permit

Same steps as a lost license, but the fee is $19.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver's manual

The manual is the only source for all test questions. It is available in English and Spanish PDF, online and in audio.Source: portal.ct.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.