Get a Learner’s Permit

CDL HOLDERS: As of June 16, 2025, DMV will no longer accept a paper medical certificate. Your certificate will be sent electronically to DMV. Learn more here.

SMISHING SCAM ALERT: We have been informed that some residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls. Please be advised that the CT DMV does NOT contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations.

WALK-IN SERVICES: We offer appointments to reduce in-office wait times. Walk-in services are temporarily available at any office location, except for Cheshire, Putnam and Stamford. Residents without an appointment may experience longer wait times, as those with appointments will receive priority service. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. (HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 8 a.m. - 12 p.m./Thursday - 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Before visiting DMV: Select this link to verify services are available at your desired location.

How can I get a learner’s permit?

The first step for new drivers to get a Connecticut driver’s license is to apply for a learner’s permit. Once you're issued a learner’s permit, you can begin practicing behind the wheel. Residents age 16 and older can apply for a learner’s permit. Adult learner’s permits are available for adults age 18 and older.

You will need to pass a written knowledge test, based on the Connecticut driver’s manual, as well as a vision test to get a learner’s permit. Once you’re ready to take the tests, please make an appointment at a DMV office.

If you already have a driver’s license from a different U.S. state or territory, Germany, Canada, or France, you can transfer your license to Connecticut without getting a learner’s permit. Out-of-state learner’s permits are not transferable.

Note: If your driver's license has been expired for two or more years, you’ll need to complete all testing requirements again. This includes obtaining a learner’s permit and successful completion of a road test. Learn more about getting a driver's license for the first time.

Schedule a test

Step-by-step guides

Select a link below for information on the different application processes for:

Preparing for your vision and knowledge tests

Additional information

Study resources

The knowledge test is based on the Connecticut driver’s manual. You can download the free DMV mobile app for access to practice test questions.

Getting your permit in the mail

At the office, you will receive a paper learner’s permit for temporary use until your permanent permit arrives in the mail.

Track your permit to see when it will arrive.

Qualified Trainers

Qualified Trainers are eligible to train and sign a form under penalty of false statement attesting to the applicant’s fulfillment of all driver education requirements.

A Qualified Trainer must be 20 years of age or older and have held a driver license for at least four years with no suspensions during that four-year period. This person can include:

Spouse of married minor (under 18) applicant
Parent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian
If applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian who is qualified and available: stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage.

A parent or legal guardian of a learner’s permit-holder age 16 or 17 is required to attend a two-hour training course with their child. Find a DMV-licensed driving school.

Hearing interpreter services

DMV provides hearing interpreter services by coordinating with hearing interpreter services. To provide these services and meet your request, please allow at least two weeks when scheduling your appointment date.

Once you schedule your appointment on our online system, please call the DMV call center at 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area) or 1-800-842-8222 (in other areas or outside of Connecticut) to request a hearing interpreter.

Provide your appointment details and contact information. A hearing interpreter is then requested, and you will receive a notification once interpreter services are scheduled for you.

We make every effort to keep the scheduled appointment date, but sometimes we reschedule to meet hearing interpreter requests.

Get a learner’s permit