When: Before your appointment

• Read the CT Driver’s Manual (PDF + audio available)

Recommended: Take the 8-Hour Course for extra prep

When: On the day of your permit appointment

What Happens:

• Vision test (must be 20/40 and meet peripheral standards)
• Knowledge test (25 questions → 20 correct to pass)

If You Pass

• Photo + signature
• Leave with your temporary paper Learner’s Permit
• The original Learner’s Permit will be sent by mail

If You Fail

• Knowledge test → wait minimum 7 days + pay $40 to retest

Vision test → correct vision, then retest

When: Starts the day you receive your learner’s permit

How Long You Must Hold the Permit

• 180 days for ages 16 or 17
• 90 days for ages 18+

During This Time

• You must complete the required driver education:

When: Must be completed before the road test

Classroom Requirement (Choose One)

• 8-Hour Course + 22 hrs home study
• 30-Hour Course

Behind-the-Wheel Requirement

• 40 hours of driving practice
• Done with a parent, commercial school, or high school program

Packages

• Full Package — $350
  8-Hour Course + 1 lesson + road test car rental
• Ultimate Package — $700
  8-Hour Course + 5 lessons + road test  car rental
  (Teen packages also include 2-hour parent class)

When: Once your waiting period and training requirements are complete
Where: dmvroadtest.ct.gov/dmv/do-it-online

When: Before your test 

Using a personal vehicle

• Learner’s Permit
• e-DEC driver's education certificate
• Road test confirmation page & completed Form R-229 (trainer signs at DMV)
• Glasses/contacts, if you use them
• Vehicle registration & CT insurance card
• Safe, mechanically sound vehicle
  • Unsafe vehicles = automatic cancellation
  • Aftermarket tint must have a CT tint compliance sticker
• Under 18 → Parent/guardian must be present
  • Parent/guardian signs R-229 in front of DMV agent
  • Parent must have a license for 4 years minimum, clear of suspension

Using a driving school vehicle

• Learner’s Permit
• e-DEC driver's education certificate
• Glasses/contacts, if you use them
• Under 18 → Parent/guardian must be present
  • Parent/guardian signs R-229 in front of DMV agent
  • Parent must have a license for 4 years minimum, clear of suspension

Arrival: 15 minutes early

During your Road Test:

• Vehicle safety inspection
• Your ability to adjust the seat/mirrors/seatbelt
• Understanding of driving commands
• Maneuvers include turns, backing, parking, and others.

If You Pass

• Leave with your temporary paper Driver’s License
• Pay the license fee online 
• The original Driver’s License will be sent by mail

If You Fail

• Must wait a minimum of 14 days to retest
  Must repay the $40 test fee
• Must reschedule using your PIN on the DMV website

Congratulations — you're fully licensed!