Pass Your DMV Test
Beginner Drivers in Connecticut
Getting behind the wheel of a car or other motor vehicle is a privilege, and requires a clear understanding of the rules of the road, along with the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. To drive legally in the State of Connecticut, you will need a valid driver's license, car insurance, and a properly registered and titled vehicle.
LEARNER'S PERMIT
For most beginner drivers, the first step toward getting on the road is to obtain an instruction or learner's permit. You can get a learner's permit at the age of 15 if you are enrolled in a driver's education program. If you are not enrolled in a driver's education program, you can obtain a learner's permit if you are 15½ and have passed the knowledge test. For more information about learner's permits, see our Learner's Permit section.
THE WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE TEST
Most new drivers in Connecticut are required to pass a written knowledge test, either when applying for an instruction permit or a driver's license. The test is administered at a local driver licensing office, and covers basic rules of the road and how to safely operate a motor vehicle. The test includes 25 questions, and to pass you will need to answer at least 20 questions correctly.
You can prepare for the test by studying the Connecticut State Drivers Guide, and by taking practice tests. You must pass the knowledge test before scheduling a driving test.
THE DRIVING TEST
After passing the knowledge test, you must pass a driving test in order to get your Connecticut driver's license. Before taking the driving test, you should practice driving with a certified instructor or qualified licensed adult. Many new drivers enroll in either a driver's education program or a licensed driving school to help them develop the appropriate skills and confidence.
To be eligible to take the driving test, you will need a vehicle in good working condition and proof of liability insurance for the vehicle. You must score at least 80 points out of 100 to pass the test.
GETTING YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE
Passing the knowledge and driving tests are the key requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Connecticut. New drivers must also complete an application, provide proof of identity and residence, and pay the appropriate fee. For complete information about how to obtain a driver's license in Connecticut, see our Applying for a License section.
INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION
It is illegal to drive an uninsured car in the state of Connecticut, and therefore new drivers must ensure that they have the proper amount and type of insurance required by the State. Note that young drivers can often be covered under their parent or guardian's insurance policy. Enrolling in a driver's education program or a licensed driving school can often reduce your insurance premium. For more information, or to obtain competitive quotes on car insurance, see our Auto Insurance section.
In addition, new drivers planning to get their own car must ensure it is properly registered and titled before taking it on the road.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- See also Driver's Education and Driving Schools.
- See also Learner's Permits and Applying for a License.
- See also Applying for a Motorcycle or Commercial Driver's License.




Reviews of Beginner Drivers in Connecticut
i cannot find the answer to whether or not I have to schedule an appointment for my sons "on Road Test" thru motor vehicle. He already has his permit and has completed his certified driver training but I would like to have him take his actual driving test at motor vehicle????? help ...do I need to schedule or not?????
Yes, you need to make an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Not all DMV offices offer road testing. To do so, follow these five easy steps:
1. Make an appointment to take the road test by calling the DMV Phone Center . You do not have to return to the same office where the learner's permit was issued.
2. When you come to the DMV, you must bring the following items:
Your learner's permit. If you do not have it, you can obtain a replacement/duplicate permit by showing the appropriate identification and paying the duplicate fee. If you do not have the permit and cannot obtain a replacement you will forfeit the appointment, have to reschedule the test, and pay another testing fee.
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 NOTE: Effective July 5, 2011, DMV no longer requires 16 or 17-year-old applicants to take a second knowledge test, also known as the "Teen Final Exam." However, any 16 or 17-year-old who failed this second test prior to July 5 will still need to take the re-test of it to obtain a license.
3. When you and your qualified trainer arrive at the DMV, you present the appropriate documents and your qualified trainer signs the Application for Driver License (R-229) attesting to the fulfillment of all training requirements in the presence of a DMV agent. The R-229 form can be obtained either at the branch office or requested through the mail.
4. Once you pass the road test you are eligible for your driver's license.
5. If you fail the road test:
You must pay the testing fee at the DMV office and schedule another test.
You must wait at least 14 days to be retested.