Find DMV Offices
Find Service Providers
U.S. Passports
Table of Contents
Testing and Preparing to Drive in Connecticut
To get your driver’s license in Connecticut, the first step is to obtain a learner’s permit. A CT learner’s permit allows residents who are 16 years old or older to begin practicing.
Adult learner’s permits are also available to adults who are at least 18 years old. If you are an adult and have let your license lapse by 2 years or longer, you must complete all testing requirements again.
Drivers under 18 years old must obtain a learner’s permit from the Connecticut DMV. To obtain this permit, you need to take a written test, which is offered by appointment only. You can take a test at one of several DMV offices by scheduling online.
The test for a NV learner’s permit costs $40, and the learner’s permit itself is $19. The first fee covers the knowledge, vision and road portion of the test.
For adult drivers, the same fees apply. You may schedule an appointment to take the test online.
Adults do need to take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices Course if they have not previously been licensed.
The nice thing about the adult permit is that you only need to wait 90 days to take the on-the-road skills test. Until that time, you will need to be accompanied by another person who is 20 years old or older when driving. That person should also have been driving for at least the last 4 years without suspensions of their license.
Once you’re ready to take a road test in Connecticut, then you can schedule it online with the DMV here.
Remedial Driver Programs
The National Safety Council offers a four-hour Defensive Driving Course Connecticut (DDC-CT) that is approved as a part of the state’s Operator Retraining Program. This satisfies the requirement to attend a retraining program, which may be needed to get back your license if you have offended.
This program is approved for use and required of drivers with two convictions if they are 24 years old or younger. It is required of drivers who are 25 and older if they have three or more convictions for moving or suspension violations.
Drivers who will attend these courses should complete the online course at least two weeks before the date of suspension. This allows the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles to have enough time to review and process the information. Completing the class before the date of suspension helps drivers avoid a license restoration fee.
Defensive Driving Courses
The State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehic
les does offer defensive driving courses. If you submit proof of completing an accident prevention course approved by the DMV, then the state requires that your insurance company gives you a premium discount.
Driving courses are available through:
AAA- Road Review
- DriveSafe Online
- Defensive Driving by IMPROV
- AARP
The Department of Motor Vehicles has more information on the approved courses on its website.
Car Insurance Discounts in Connecticut
You may opt to take a CT defensive driving course to receive an insurance discount. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for eligibility.
On the other hand, if you have accrued a lot of points on your CT driving record, you may be eligible to take a defensive driving course. Please get in touch with the court in the county where you received your ticket.